bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interval approach to robust design
Authors: Lamberti Patrizia , Tucci Vincenzo
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Aims to present a novel approach for the worst‐case, robust design (RD) of an electromagnetic system able to overcome some discretionary aspects of the available methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed methodology is based on a suitable application of the interval arithmetic and considers the width of the interval Taylor extension (WITE) of the performance function (PF) as a valuable robustness index (RI). In particular, the most robust stationary point is obtained by looking for the minimum of a continuous, non‐differentiable function thanks to the properties of WITE.

Findings

The method furnishes a reliable classification of the robust solutions with PFs expressed by either mono or multi‐dimensional polynomial forms and provides the over‐bounding of the PF without additional computational efforts.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations concern the necessity of an analytic formulation of the system performance. The IA approach may lead to lose some robust solution.

Practical implications

A RI can be assigned in analytic form and it can be suitably used as a figure of merit in a multi‐objective optimisation problem.

Originality/value

The use of the interval analysis for the worst‐case, RD of an electromagnetic system is original. The system designer may find the most robust stationary solution by means of a continuous, non‐differentiable function.
Krylov subspaces from bilinear representations of nonlinear systems
Authors: Condon Marissa , Ivanov Rossen
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The paper is aimed at the development of novel model reduction techniques for nonlinear systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on the bilinear and polynomial representation of nonlinear systems and the exact solution of the bilinear system in terms of Volterra series. Two sets of Krylov subspaces are identified which capture the most essential part of the input‐output behaviour of the system.

Findings

The paper proposes two novel model‐reduction strategies for nonlinear systems. The first involves the development, in a novel manner compared with previous approaches, of a reduced‐order model from a bilinear representation of the system, while the second involves reducing a polynomial approximation using Krylov subspaces derived from a related bilinear representation. Both techniques are shown to be effective through the evidence of a standard test example.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed methodology is applicable to so‐called weakly nonlinear systems, where both the bilinear and polynomial representations are valid.

Practical implications

The suggested methods lead to an improvement in the accuracy of nonlinear model reduction, which is of paramount importance for the efficient simulation of state‐of‐the‐art dynamical systems arising in all aspects of engineering.

Originality/value

The proposed novel approaches for model reduction are particularly beneficial for the design of controllers for nonlinear systems and for the design and analysis of radio‐frequency integrated circuits.
Comparison ofhp‐adaptive methods in finite element electromagnetic wave propagation
Authors: Schober Marc , Kasper Manfred
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to show that simple geometry‐basedhp‐algorithms using an explicita posteriorierror estimator are efficient in wave propagation computation of complex structures containing geometric singularities.

Design/methodology/approach

Four differenthp‐algorithms are compared with commonh‐ andp‐adaptation in electrostatic and time‐harmonic problems regarding efficiency in number of degrees of freedom and runtime. An explicita posteriorierror estimator in energy norm is used for adaptive algorithms.

Findings

Residual‐based error estimation is sufficient to control the adaptation process. A geometry‐basedhp‐algorithm produces the smallest number of degrees of freedom and results in shortest runtime. Predicted error algorithms may choose inappropriate kind of refinement method depending onp‐enrichment threshold value. Achieving exponential error convergence is sensitive to the element‐wise decision onh‐refinement orp‐enrichment.

Research limitations/implications

Initial mesh size must be sufficiently small to confine influence of phase lag error.

Practical implications

Information on implementation ofhp‐algorithm and use of explicit error estimator in electromagnetic wave propagation is provided.

Originality/value

The paper is a resource for developing efficient finite element software for high‐frequency electromagnetic field computation providing guaranteed error bound.
Inductor design using signomial programming
Authors: Jabr R.A.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to consider the design of small, naturally cooled, and high‐frequency (in excess of 10 kHz) inductors. Its purpose is to show that the design of such inductors can be obtained from the solution of a signomial program. In its most general form, the signomial program calls for minimising the total mass (or cost) of the inductor whilst ensuring the satisfaction of the inductance value together with constraints imposed by the copper fill‐factor, the allowed temperature rise, Kirchhoff's mmf law, and the core flux density.

Design/methodology/approach

The signomial program is solved using a sequential geometric programming (SGP) approach specifically tailored to the inductor design problem. In essence, SGP seeks a constrained minimum mass (or cost) solution by optimally setting the inductor geometry parameters, the air‐gap length, and the relevant electrical and magnetic quantities.

Findings

Design results reveal that including the inductor geometry parameters in the set of problem variables leads to significant savings in the inductor mass (or cost).

Practical implications

In cases where there are restrictions on the inductor weight, the optimal solution of the signomial program can be used for manufacturing inductors having cores with non‐standard sizes. In other applications where core dimensions are chosen from the manufacturer's database, the SGP approach can be used to complete the design by either maximising the inductance value or minimising the total loss whilst enforcing a given inductance value.

Originality/value

This work presents a first attempt to optimise an inductor design via signomial programming. The proposed solution methodology is based on SGP, but specifically adapted to the inductor design problem.
Hysteresis modeling
Authors: Della Torre Edward
Published: April 2007

In the modeling of transducers, especially magnetic transducers, hysteresis may affect performance. Hysteresis models have been improved greatly and are capable of modeling a large variety of rate‐independent phenomena, and are capable of describing minor loops. Of these, the most useful are: the Preisach model, the play model, and the stop model. Coupling these purely magnetic models with other phenomena, such as magnetostriction, enhances the model’s usefulness for transducer applications. This paper will discuss the conditions under which these models may be inverted, and for the invertible media, a technique for inverting them.
Neural network simulation of a pulse magnetiser for magnetising permanent magnets
Authors: Rudnicki Marek , Neittaanmäki Pekka , Jokinen Tapani
Published: April 2007

The paper is concerned with a design and a validation of a neurocontroller for a pulse magnetiser for magnetising permanent magnets. The goal is to register the peak time and crest current in order to pick up an optimal intermittent duty conditions regime for the magnetiser. This is usually done by solving a set of coupled ordinary differential equations describing current waveforms and the temperature rise in the magnetising winding. The neurocontroller is based on a one‐layer feedforward neural network which is trained using the Levenberg‐Marquardt learning rule. We present the results produced by the neurocontroller and we compare them with the numerical and measurement results. The neurocontroller is intended to serve later as a part of a global optimising algorithm.
Investigation of parallel computation in 3D magnetic field analysis on distributed memory type of multiprocessors containing 296 PUs
Authors: Takahashi N. , Nakano T. , Fujiwara K. , Muramatsu K.
Published: April 2007

The algorithm of parallelized conjugate gradient method for solving large‐scale linear equations is investigated. The performance of the algorithm is evaluated by solving sparse and full matrices on distributed memory type of parallel computer containing 296PUs. It is shown that the speed‐up ratio of the parallel computation of sparse matrix is saturated at several ten PUs due to large broadcasting time of data among PUs.
The stockmarket course of the near future: cybernetic probing of investor obsession
Authors: Diamantides Nicholas D.
Published: April 2007

The time course of the S&P500 stockmarket index is shown to proceed in wavelets of approximately the same duration, wavelets riding on a long‐term trend line. These two features render possible an objective projection of the index into the future using a cybernetic approach.
Information, prediction and structural whole: an introduction
Authors: Lin Yi
Published: April 2007

Looks at how an undergraduate had to fill in the gaps to be a success by validating research ‐ using the big names of scientific history to relate the corresponding work. Gives anecdotes of the authors’ progress and the teachers who were most noteworthy in aiding him. Uses tables to emphasize certain points about the environment and various other mathematical and scientific ideas. Emphasizes the importance of other experts’ work in this field.
Informational uncertainties and their mathematical expressions
Authors: Liu Kaidi , Lin Yi , Yao Ligen
Published: April 2007

Presents a unified information systems theory where stochastic information, fuzzy information, rough information, grey information, unascertained information and white and black information are all special cases. A unified concept of information, named blind information, is introduced. Also, relevant mathematical representations of various types of information are presented.
A stalled publication – work of Warren McCulloch
Authors: Andrew Alex M.
Published: April 2007

This paper reports on the “collected work” of Warren McCulloch which was assembled by his wife Rook McCulloch after his death in 1969. Consisting mainly of papers and the valuable contributions of 20 colleagues, it was completed before the death of McCulloch's wife in the early 1990s and has not been distributed because of financial failure of the publishers. Also discusses the importance of the collection and provides a list of its contents in an Appendix to the report.
Ant colony based hybrid optimization for data clustering
Authors: Nath Sinha Amarendra , Das Nibedita , Sahoo Gadadhar
Published: April 2007

Purpose

A new algorithm based on ant colony optimization (ACO) for data clustering has been developed.

Design/methodology/approach

ACO technique along with simulated annealing, tournament selection (GA), Tabu search and density distribution are used to solve unsupervised clustering problem for making similar groups from arbitrarily entered large data.

Findings

Distinctive clusters of similar data are formed metaheuritically from arbitrarily entered mixed data based on similar attributes of data.

Research limitations/implications

The authors have run a computer program for a number of cases related to data clustering. So far, there are no problems in convergence of results for formation of distinctive similar groups with given data set quickly and accurately.

Practical implications

ACO‐based method developed here can be applied to practical industrial problems for mobile robotic navigation other than data clustering and travelling salesman.

Originality/value

This paper will enable the solving of problems related to mixed data, which requires the formation of a number of groups of similar data without having a prior knowledge of divisions, which lead to unbiased clustering. The computer code developed in this work is based on a metaheuristic algorithm and presented here to solve a number of cases.
Some topological properties of sets in information systems
Authors: Li Yongli , Zhang Qinling , Zhang Jihui
Published: April 2007

Continues the discussion about the topological properties of sets in information systems and investigates the boundary and the rough sets defined on the a‐discrete topology.
Application of spinel pigments in anticorrosive heat‐resistant coatings
Authors: Kalendová A.
Published: April 2007

The anticorrosion protection of metal using organic coatings destined for applications at temperatures in a range of 200‐500°C is a specific problem, both from the binder base and appropriate anticorrosive pigment points of view. A prospective and efficient solution is provided by using anticorrosive spinel‐type pigments. The stability of spinel‐like compounds consists of the stabilities of their compositions and structures, which manifest themselves in the stability of physicochemical structures thereof, also in constancies of color and application properties.
Aspects of the performance of PVAc adhesives in wood joints
Authors: Qiao Lijun , Easteal Allan J.
Published: April 2007

Various modifications of polyvinyl acetate emulsion wood adhesive were made and their performance evaluated in standard tests. The results are interpreted in the context of adhesion theories and the chemical structures of the polymers and wood. The adhesion of the polymers to wood and the cohesive strength of the polymers are the two predominant factors determining the performance of the adhesives. Adhesive strength in thermosetting resins is enhanced by irreversible chemical reactions that create extensive networks within the adhesive layer and strong bonds to the wood substrate, leading to strong and durable joints that passed all of the performance evaluation tests. Most of the PVAc emulsions exhibited good adhesive performance in the dry state, but failed in water soak and boiling water immersion tests since their adhesion and cohesion are mainly based on weaker physical interactions. Emulsions with (hard) core‐(soft) shell morphology and correspondingly high glass transition temperatures gave poor performance under all conditions.
Synthesis of a new series of polyfunctionally substituted pyrazole azo dye systems for dyeing of synthetic and modified cellulose fibers
Authors: Shams H.Z. , Helal M.H. , Mohamed F.A.
Published: April 2007

Three series of azo dye systems are considered, namely, 5‐oxo‐2‐pyrazoline azo dye systems 9 a‐d,1‐oxo‐pyrazolo pyrazole azo dye systems 10 a, b, c, e, 11 a, b, c, e, 12 a, b, c, e, 13 a‐d and 6‐oxo‐pyranopyrzole azo dye systems 14 a‐d. The shifts of ultraviolet‐visible absorption maxima affected by the structural configuration of the pyrazole dye systems are investigated. The structural effects of the polyfunctionally substituted pyrazole dye systems on the intensity of colour and fastness properties of the dyed fabrics are also discussed. The data of these studies are listed. Colour shades of the synthesized dyes on nylon and acetate fabrics are indicated.
Polymer complexes of bis [2,6‐diaminopyridine sulphoxide] (DPS) with lead (II), cadmium (II) and zinc (II)
Authors: El‐Mossalamy E.H.
Published: April 2007

Polymer complexes of bis‐2,6‐diaminopyridine sulphoxide (DPS) with lead (II), cadimum (II) and zinc (II) chlorides were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, electronic spectroscopy H‐1‐NMR, magnetic susceptibility, thermal analysis and the activation energy of the polymerization were calculated.
Advances in powder coating technology for automotive applications
Authors: Bell Graeme
Published: April 2007

Powder coatings are well established as a finishing technique in the automotive component market worldwide. These coatings offer benefits such as toughness and chip resistance. As the performance demands on powder coatings have increased then powder has continually risen to the challenge. Flexible coatings are supplied for brake tubing, machinable coatings for engine blocks and a new class of advanced durability powder offering resistance to five years of Florida weathering has recently been introduced. The new class of advanced durability powders offer significant advantages over most paint finishes for exterior durability while retaining all the traditional performances and application advantages of powder coatings.
Corrosion resistant coloured chromium oxide coatings on stainless steel
Authors: Figueiredo M.O. , Carmezim M.J.
Published: April 2007

Corrosion resistance and artistic appearance of passive chromium oxide coatings developed over stainless steel by chemical conversion methods are revisited. Preparation technique and thermal processing of the films were optimized to improve protection efficiency and the control of colour development ‐ from yellow to green through violet ‐ is at present under study. Film structure and composition were studied by X‐ray diffraction and soft X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) using synchrotron radiation to assess element speciation. Surface microstructure was monitored by SEM observation. Enhanced passivation behaviour of thermally processed films is related to the formation of a spinel‐type phase after migration of manganese from the bulk steel to oxide coating surface.
The chemistry and properties of silicone resins: network formers (in paints and renders)
Authors: Mayer Hans
Published: April 2007

An introduction to the topic of aqueous silicone resin coating systems for exterior masonry. Concentrates on applications in the construction industry.
Misplaced marketing Misplacing the media role in social marketing public health
Authors: Bang Hae‐Kyong
Published: April 2007

One example of misplaced marketing is the role of mass media in programs in the marketing of public health initiatives. After many years of mass media oriented campaigns against drunk driving it is clear that the goal of persuading the public to stop drinking and driving has not been achieved. Asserts that media should not be viewed as a short‐term change agent of behaviors, but rather as a change agent to gradually restructure the public’s cognition about various issues related to drunk driving. The assertion is based on agenda‐setting theory which argues that the media’s real power lies in its ability to tell the public what to think about rather than what to think.
Korean consumers’ patronage of discount stores: domestic vs multinational discount store shoppers’ profiles
Authors: Ok Kim Jai , Jin Byoungho
Published: April 2007

As the competition in domestic markets increases, multinational retailers are expanding globally. Multinational discounters such as Wal‐Mart and Carrefour have been vying against Korean discounters for market share with the full liberalization of the distribution sector in 1997. This study examined various aspects of discount store retailing (store attributes, shopping costs) and consumers’ shopping motives, values, and retail outcomes (e.g. shopping excitement, satisfaction and repatronage intention), to understand Korean consumers’ discount store patronage. Significant differences were found in store image perceptions and shoppers’ internal orientations between multinational discount store patrons vs Korean discount store patrons. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Creative strategies for connecting with mature individuals
Authors: Nielson John , Curry Kathy
Published: April 2007

Marketers and advertisers have ignored the individuality and diversity of older consumers. Communicating, developing relationships and building loyalty with mature individuals is different. Based on market research done at American Express Financial Advisor and learning from other marketers, new principles have emerged on how to communicate with mature individuals. This learning goes beyond merely using larger point sizes. Traditional advertising techniques need to be inverted. There is a need to be conditional ‐ allowing individuals the freedom to roam within a marketing or advertising concept according to their personal station in life. Time is not of the essence ‐ consumers are “careful buyers who do their homework”; they are “information hungry” and “have the time to investigate their purchases. Other points raised include the fact that arrogance does not sell, MTV quick‐cut editing is out, and it is necessary to remember that “mature excitement” is different from “adolescent excitement.”
IT developments in Eastern and Southern Africa: implications for university libraries
Authors: Mutula Stephen M.
Published: April 2007

Libraries in the university environment in Eastern and Southern Africa are making efforts to join and participate effectively in the information revolution. However, these efforts continue to be hampered by many problems both internal and external. This paper reviews information technology (IT) developments in the university environment in Eastern and Southern Africa, and illustrates what university libraries can do to meet user expectations and remain relevant. The current scene in the region is assessed and analysed through selected literature reviews, the author’s personal experience working in the region, visits to some universities, other key institutions such as the Telkom telecommunications and Eskom electricity companies of South Africa, and discussions with professional colleagues in national seminars and regional conferences.
National library service for the blind and physically handicapped: digital plans and progress
Authors: Cookson John , Rasmussen Lloyd
Published: April 2007

The National Library Service (NLS) produces about 2,000 talking books and 50 magazines per year on specially formatted cassette tape for free distribution to a readership of about 764,000. Cassettes and special players are delivered by US Postal Service from a network of 138 participating libraries. To control the cost of technical obsolescence and to meet patron and sponsor expectations, NLS will replace this analog system with a digital system over the next ten years.
Managing journals: one library’s experience
Authors: Shouse Daniel L. , Crimi Nick , Steed Lewis Janice
Published: April 2007

One might think that libraries should know all the journal titles to which they subscribe and how to access them, but this is not usually the case. Many libraries have a difficult time maintaining a list of current print journal subscriptions. The advent of electronic journals available directly from publishers and through aggregators has further complicated the situation. This article discusses the experience of Joyner Library at East Carolina University in trying to manage its print and electronic journal collection effectively. It reviews the procedures followed in creating a database for electronic journal management using Cold Fusion and SQL Server.
Copyright in the networked world: copyright status facts
Authors: Seadle Michael
Published: April 2007

Libraries tend to make assumptions about copyright. The assumption is that any work published since 1923 has copyright protection. This article is about how to discover key facts about the copyright status of a work using Copyright Office publications and the records of the Copyright Office itself. One question for libraries is whether it is worth the time and trouble to check the Copyright Office records. This depends both on the value of pursuing particular projects, and on how likely it is that a particular type of work fell into public domain through some failure to comply with all the legal formalities. A few preliminary statistics are provided.
Postmodern approaches in business‐to‐business marketing and marketing research
Authors: Tomás Gómez Arias J. , Bello Acebrón Laurentino
Published: April 2007

Most conventional research methodologies both in consumer and business‐to‐business marketing are modernist in nature, but their applicability in an increasingly postmodern business setting is decaying. Postmodern conditions are particularly prevalent in the business‐to‐business arena but, although new postmodern research methods are slowly growing in popularity in consumer markets, their use by business‐to‐business market researchers is still almost nonexistent. The article contributes to filling the existing vacuum in the business‐to‐business marketing literature and provides a framework for the use of postmodern research methods in industrial markets. A short case is used as illustration of this use.
Services advertising: the agency viewpoint
Authors: Mortimer Kathleen
Published: April 2007

Although there is an increasing amount of research in the services advertising area, results from content analyses suggest that there is a discrepancy between services advertising theory and practice. Explores this discrepancy by interviewing creative directors in UK advertising agencies to establish their views. More specifically, the interviews examine first how the directors classify products and services and secondly how they think services should be advertised. The results reveal that the directors are not influenced by the product/service characteristics. The main influence on the creative work is the advertising objective. If any classification takes place it utilises the utilitarian/experimental divide or the involvement continuum. These exploratory findings provide an explanation for the discrepancies found in previous studies and bring into question the relevance of examining services advertising separately from advertising in general. Advertising may be one element of the marketing mix that is not influenced by service characteristics.
The managerial implications of the learning organization: a new
tool for internal marketing
Authors: Cahill Dennis J.
Published: April 2007

Seeks to introduce to marketing the concept of the “learning
organization” from the organizational behavior field with specific
application as a method for implanting internal marketing in services
organizations.
Digital Diamond: Temple University Libraries’ IMLS grant
Authors: Pastine Maureen , Bayard Ivy , Lang Carol
Published: April 2007

With the financial support of a donor gift and a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Temple University Libraries embarked on a major digital imaging enterprise. The first year’s pilot projects, their costs, and lessons learned are discussed. Plans are outlined for continued expansion of their image database and related programs, which will be funded by a second IMLS grant and other sources.
Ethical leadership while making the grade
Authors: Taylor Rosemarye , Shields Strickland Jessie
Published: April 2007

Ethical leadership has been called into question as a result of the great pressure to raise test scores and to be accountable for student achievement in very challenging times. The survey research conducted in both Florida and Georgia (USA) lead to conclusions that both teachers and administrators value ethical decision making. Teachers report that they have not changed their decision making, although their daily work has been restricted. The former group perceives that accountability has impacted decision making of the latter group. However, administrators report that they have not changed their decision making to a great extent
Tooled‐up for Management: Lessons from the Mainstream
Authors: O’Neill John
Published: April 2007

Responds to the issues raised by McIllhatton et al. in their analysis of
how a study of practice in mainstream management might be used to inform
educational management development. The perspectives are suggested by
the author′s own small‐scale research into management development in
non‐education sectors. The research had a similar objective, namely to
use evidence of good practice in other sectors to enable informed
judgements to be made about how best to structure the development of
managers in education. Major themes arising from the research data are
analysed in terms of what the school or college might provide to enable
managers to manage more effectively. A clear relationship is established
between the tools needed for effective management on a day‐to‐day basis
and the processes which could be instigated to promote effective
management development within the institution.
Employee absence: an impediment to organisational health in local government
Authors: McHugh Marie
Published: April 2007

In common with other elements of the public sector, local government organisations are being required to achieve ever increasing performance targets. Responding effectively to such demands is likely to be influenced by, and to influence, the underlying state of health of the organisation. Employee absence is considered to represent one indicator of organisational health, and is frequently cited as being a costly problem for organisations. Based on the findings of a study into employee absenteeism within local government in Northern Ireland, it is argued that organisations must adopt a holistic approach towards the management of attendance. The latter is likely to foster the creation of more healthy work organisations which are well placed to deal effectively with the challenges presented by hostile and turbulent operating environments.
Decentralization and budgeting: the Uganda health sector experience
Authors: Awio Godwin , Northcott Deryl
Published: April 2007

Like a number of other developing countries in recent years, Uganda has adopted a decentralized management structure for its public sector. Along with this restructuring came the devolution of budgetary responsibilities. Presents findings from a study of the impact of decentralization on Ugandan health sector budgeting. A questionnaire was used to seek the expert opinion of key participants in health sector budgeting regarding the affects of decentralization on budgetary participation and the use of budgets for planning and control. The findings suggest that, while decentralization cannot be thought of as a miracle cure for the challenges of public sector budgeting, it has the potential to create a context for improved budgeting practices in developing nations.
Managerial factors and organisational commitment ‐ A comparative study of police officers and civilian staff
Authors: Dick Gavin , Metcalfe Beverly
Published: April 2007

It is estimated that civilian employees comprise 30 per cent of the police workforce in England and Wales, yet their working experiences have largely been ignored in the management literature. This article aims to help fill this void by analysing the antecedents of organisational commitment of 369 civilian support employees and how they compare with those of 1,242 police officers working in a large English police force. The study reveals that how individuals feel they are managed and supported has a strong bearing on organisation commitment, and that this is true for two very different groups of employees – police officers and civilian support staff. The implications for HRM development are discussed. The article concludes by suggesting that the findings could be extrapolated to a wide range of other public sector organisations, since they provide insights into managerial practices that have an impact on commitment regardless of job type.
The effect of corporate diversification and business unit strategy on the presence of slack in business unit budgets
Authors: Van der Stede Wim A.
Published: April 2007

This study examines how two important situational factors (corporate diversification and business unit strategy) and two elements of a firm’s administrative system (accounting‐based budgetary controls and associated incentives) affect the presence of slack in business unit budgets in diversified firms. The relationships among these variables are established by building on theories from organizational economics, the information‐processing view of organizations, and organizational behavior. Data are collected from 37 firms and 153 business units within these firms. The main results indicate: that corporate diversification is positively associated with slack in business unit budgets; and that tight budgetary controls and high‐powered incentives effectively curtail such slack. However, diversification does not seem to drive corporate managers to rely more on these systems to reduce higher budgetary slack associated with diversification. This suggests: that diversified firms employ a conscious strategy of slack at the business unit level to reduce information‐processing needs at the top; or that the design of the internal management control system is a function of factors other than corporate diversification. With respect to the latter explanation, the results indicate that business units that pursue a differentiation strategy receive less tight budgetary controls, which leaves them with the necessary slack to effectively pursue the critical success factors on which their strategies are built.
Hierarchies, networks and management accounting in NHS hospitals
Authors: Jones C. Stuart
Published: April 2007

The pursuit of cost efficiency in the British National Health Service has resulted in increased emphasis on devolved financial accountability and the introduction of an internal market. With the aid of a case study, this paper examines alternative forms of governance and proposes that aspects of the internal market and functioning within acute hospital units, are suited to network‐style organisation. The implications of hierarchies and networks for the design and use of management accounting information (MAI) are identified. These are used to analyse the case evidence concerning the roles, intended and unintended, of MAI in the context of organisational change and where multiple, and sometimes conflicting, goals and priorities existed. It concludes that a network approach to the design of MAI is more consistent with the desirable culture, at operational level, in acute units. However, this will only be achieved through deliberate intervention by those who design MAI systems and senior managers, who by their attitudes towards the interpretation and response to MAI, shape overall organisational culture.
An examination of the role of financial investment appraisal methods in the context of international environmental regulation
Authors: Dunk Alan S.
Published: April 2007

Domestic refrigerator manufacturers have had to cease their use of CFCs following the implementation of the Montreal Protocol. Two primary substitute refrigerants have been adopted; one being HFC‐134a and the other being hydrocarbons. Given the availability of hydrocarbons and pressure from both the green movement and the Framework Convention on Climate Change, there has been a marked increase in their use. The purpose of the paper is to examine the role of financial investment appraisal methods in the decision processes of refrigerator manufacturers in their responses to the phasing out of CFCs. The contribution made by financial decision tools to their decision‐making processes arising from the CFC phase‐out has not been reported. The decision choices of refrigerator manufacturers is of importance to the issue of whether their responses to the Protocol reflect a strategy designed to enhance long‐term competitiveness, or whether they were in response to immediate pressures to satisfy regulatory, cost and other short‐term interests. To address these issues, field study data were collected from refrigeration and refrigerant companies operating in Australia, Europe, New Zealand and the UK.
Information as a distinct dimension for satisfaction assessment of outpatient psychiatric services
Authors: Perreault Michel , Katerelos Theodora E. , Sabourin Stéphane , Leichner Pierre , Desmarais Julie
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study is to verify whether information on services would appear as a distinct dimension of satisfaction in a multidimensional scale. Data collection was performed in two phases: 263 patients received the original version of the questionnaire and 200 received an adapted version of the scale. The findings suggest that not only is it important to consider information as a distinct dimension of satisfaction but it is equally important to examine three categories, consisting of satisfaction with information on; patients’ problems/illness; distinct treatment components such as medication and psychotherapy; and patients’ treatment progress.
How service users become empowered in human service organizations: the empowerment model
Authors: Holosko Michael J. , Leslie Donald R. , Rosemary Cassano D.
Published: April 2007

This article presents an empowerment model (EM) to be used by service users in human service organizations (HSOs). The EM is a structure for service user input to be integrated within the HSO at various administrative levels through a four‐step sequential process. The article fills a distinct void in the literature as there are numerous accounts about the importance of empowerment, but few on processes that need to be defined to operationalize the concept. Implications are directed toward administrators as they need to take leadership in implementing the EM in order to deliver more efficient and relevant services to their clients.
Implementation of an Employee Involvement Programme in a Small, Emerging High‐technology Firm
Authors: Latona Joseph C. , La Van Helen
Published: April 2007

Reports the effects of an employee involvement programme on members of a small, emerging high tech firm. (Names of firm, industry, and officers used in this study have been disguised). The attitudes of these employees towards management and their perceptions of behavioural changes are described. A consultant’s experience in the development and implementation of such a programme is presented.
Ambush along the TQM Trail
Authors: Mallinger Mark
Published: April 2007

In order to deal with increasingly dynamic environments, organizations are rethinking the structure of their management systems. The recent literature suggests that, to a greater extent than before, new paradigms of management are being considered as alternatives to traditional forms of organization. One such transformational entity is total quality management (TQM). Statistical process controls, customer satisfaction and a culture supportive of change represent the underlying framework of the TQM system. There are numerous reports of organizations which have successfully made the transition to first‐time quality. On the other hand, many organizations struggle with change. The author spent a nine‐month sabbatical as a change agent in an organization attempting to incorporate TQM. He describes his role in the change programme, discusses the history of the organization, provides a summary of the TQM intervention, and, based on his observations, offers a critical analysis of the reasons that hindered the organization’s ability to implement TQM. Finally, intervention strategies to consider when dealing with adversity are discussed.
Effects of thermal history on the intermetallic growth and mechanical strength of Pb‐free and Sn‐Pb BGA solder balls
Authors: Liang J. , Dariavach N. , Callahan P. , Shangguan D.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To investigate effects of the thermal history on intermetallic thickness and morphology and on the resulting shear strength of the ball attachment for a variety of BGA components.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a variety of BGA components with balls made of Pb‐free Sn‐Ag‐Cu (SAC) 305, Sn‐Pb eutectic and high‐temperature 90Pb‐10Sn alloys, were subjected to different thermal histories, including up to ten reflow cycles, and aged at 125°C from 24 to 336 h. The intermetallic thickness and morphology after these thermal events were then examined under optical and scanning electronic microscopes. Ball shearing tests were conducted to investigate effects of the thermal history and intermetallic thickness and morphology on shearing strength of these solder balls.

Findings

The results show that effects directly from intermetallic layers may or may not be detectable; and the shear strength of solder balls is largely dependent on the solder alloy and its microstructure. Shear strength increases are observed after multiple reflow cycles and ageing at elevated temperature for the two Pb‐bearing alloys, while the SAC305 lead‐free alloy shows slight reductions in both strength and ductility after thermal exposure.

Practical implications

Presented results can be used for estimation of reliability for electronic assemblies subjected to multiple rework and repair operations, which expose sensitive components, such as BGAs, to elevated temperatures.

Originality/value

It is believed that a sound understanding of the effects of intermetallic morphology and thickness on reliability of BGA solder balls can lead to more intelligent choice of soldering processes, as well as to rework/repair process optimisation and to establishing their operational limits.
Optimization of lead free solder 01005 component assembly
Authors: Liu Yueli , Wayne Johnson R.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To optimize the printed circuit board design and assembly processes to minimize defects in the assembly of 01005 size chip resistors.

Design/methodology/approach

A test board was designed with a range of pad sizes, pad shapes, pad spacings and pad orientations. This test board was used in a series of designed experiments to optimize the printing, placement and reflow processes. Assembly defects were analyzed as a function of board design and assembly processes.

Findings

An electroformed, 76 μm stencil yielded a robust paste printing process and higher process capability indices (Cp) compared to a 102 μm stencil. Nitrogen reflow was required to achieve good solder wetting due to the high surface‐to‐volume ratio of the solder deposits. With regard to bridging defects, no defects were observed if the pad‐to‐pad spacing for parallel resistors was 150 μm or larger. Rectangular pads with no vias‐in‐pad and designed at 90 percent of nominal pad size (pad size type 2) with the ramp profile, independent of 0° or 90° resistor orientation yielded the lowest number of defects. Given the undersized pads on the actual board, the 90 percent pad average width was 170 μm (versus a design value of 183 μm) and the measured width of the 01005 chip resistor was 180 μm. Thermal cycle reliability testing of the solder joints with this pad size showed no failures after 1,000 thermal cycles.

Originality/value

The results of this work provide a set of design and assembly processes recommendations for those who must implement 01005 size component assembly in production.
Process and pad design optimization for 01005 passive component surface mount assembly
Authors: Wang Yu , Olorunyomi Michael , Dahlberg Martin , Djurovic Zoran , Anderson Johan , Liu Johan
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The ever present need for the miniaturization of electronic assemblies has driven the size of passive components to as small as the 01005 package size. However, the packaging standards for these components are still under development. The purpose of this work is to report results from experiments designed to establish optimum process parameters, pad sizes and component clearances for the surface mounting of 01005 passive components.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiments were designed using MODDE, an experimental design software tool, and were carried out with both 01005 capacitors and resistors. All the assembled components were examined under microscope and judged according to industrial workmanship standards.

Findings

It was found that a viable solder paste printing process for the assembly of 01005 components can be achieved with a 75 μm thick stencil. Type 5 solder paste achieved a similar printing performance to type 4. Under the experimental conditions used, the optimum pad dimensions for the 01005 capacitors were 210 μm length, 220 μm width, 160 μm separation and for the resistors were 190 μm length, 220 μm width, 160 μm separation. The smallest component clearance to reliably avoid bridging was found to be 100 μm. A high placement force of 3.5 N was found to cause cracking of 01005 resistors.

Originality/value

From this work, a surface mount process for 01005 passive components is established and it is concluded that electronics packaging density can be increased through the assembly of these small components. In the near future, the widespread use of them will definitely facilitate a further reduction in the size of electronic assemblies, especially in handheld and portable devices.
QS 9000 registration for lean manufacturing
Authors: Bramorski Tom , Madan Manu S. , Motwani Jaideep
Published: April 2007

The QS 9000 quality system was developed in the United States in 1994 by a team consisting of representatives of General Motors, Ford, and Daimler‐Chrysler as well as the US truck manufacturers. The objective of the system is to standardize the quality system requirements and documentation developed and maintained by US auto‐motive suppliers. In this paper we review the philosophy and the structure of QS 9000 automotive quality standards and examine the relationship between ISO 9001, QS 9000 and TQM. We also analyze the costs and benefits from quality system certification and present practical experiences of selected US automotive suppliers related to the development and implementation of ISO 9001 and QS 9000 requirements.
The definition method zero applied to ISO 9000 quality manuals
Authors: Lo V.H.Y. , Humphreys P. , Sculli D.
Published: April 2007

Presents the results of a study on the value of producing a standard type quality manual using the definition mode zero (IDEF0) format. IDEF0 was developed for the integrated computer‐aided manufacturing (ICAM) program of the US Air Force. ICAM was established with the objective of improving the productivity of aerospace contractors, and IDEF0 is a graphic modelling tool for generating instructions that are clearer and easier to understand. A pilot test and a survey were conducted to gauge the response of local workers in terms of how readily they were able to understand the contents of a quality manual written in both a conventional language and the IDEF0 format. The results of the pilot test and survey are very encouraging, with around 70 per cent of the subjects reporting high efficiency, clarity and legibility of the quality manual writing using the IDEF0 format.
Experiences from implementing ISO 9000 in small enterprises – a study of Swedish organisations
Authors: Gustafsson Roberth , Klefsjö Bengt , Berggren Eric , Granfors‐Wellemets Ulrika
Published: April 2007

Describes a project focusing on the experiences of implementing a third‐party certified quality system in small (maximum 50 employees) Swedish organisation. The project consisted of a questionnaire to CEOs, and then a more comprehensive case study of selected organisations. Results show that the more the CEO and employees have been involved in the implementation process, the more the system is used, that the CEO is more satisfied with the results; and quality improvements have continued after certification. Furthermore, the higher the level of education within the company, the less help has been required from external consultants. Indicates that important factors for a successful implementation are the attitude of the organisation when the implementation starts, that fairly detailed plans for the implementation are performed and that the documentation is adapted to the business and not necessarily to the ISO standard.