bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Union organising in the “new economy” in Britain
Authors: Gall Gregor
Published: January 2005

Purpose

This paper examines the attempts by trade unions in Britain to gain organisational rights for their members and for workers in organisations operating within the hitherto non‐unionised “new economy”.

Design/methodology/approach

By using data drawn from fieldwork interviews with full‐time union officials and supplemented by secondary sources, the paper assesses the genesis and progress of these campaigns, suggesting a combination of employer hostility and worker indifference explain the limited advances made to date.

Findings

In particular, the paper considers the configuration of the inter‐relationship between employer action, union strength and sudden grievances as the major explanatory variable in accounting for the variation in the outcomes of the eight union recognition campaigns. Finally, the high degree of dependence and reliance on full‐time union officers, contra the “organising” model, is examined.

Research limitations/implications

Further research on union presence and activity in the “new economy” are needed to critically examine these conclusions, given that the research was based on a study of eight employers.

Practical implications

The implications for trade unions are that not all campaigns for union recognition can be expected to be equally successful, that campaigns are likely to take a relatively long period of time before significant advances are made and that greater scrutiny of potential campaigns is needed.

Originality/value

Provides lessons for trade unions attempting to gain organisational rights for their members.
Understanding new‐to‐market product development in SMEs
Authors: Mosey Simon
Published: January 2005

Purpose

This study aims to understand how small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) can build a dynamic capability for new‐to‐market product development.

Design/methodology/approach

Five innovative and ambitious case firms were selected and studied longitudinally over the course of five years.

Findings

Within this group distinct development processes are identified that enable them to satisfy the unmet needs of new customers using their current technologies. However to sustain this activity managers need to empower cross‐functional teams to evaluate new technologies with an ever‐increasing number of pioneering partners. An ideal sequence is proposed for them to achieve this by systematising learning between projects and thereby reconfiguring their development processes to meet the changing needs of the market.

Research limitations/implications

This method appears most suited to SMEs able to develop new‐to‐market products in conjunction with technologically discerning customers and suppliers. As such it may be less applicable outside the observed business‐to‐business markets.

Originality/value

The five cases studied aptly illustrate the interplay of certain paths, positions and processes in terms of how they relate to new‐to‐market product development performance. The implication for researchers and managers is that consideration of all of these factors is necessary.
Strategic positioning: an integrated decision process for manufacturers
Authors: Baines Tim , Kay Gwyn , Adesola Sola , Higson Martin
Published: January 2005

Purpose

This paper describes research that has sought to create a formal and rational process that guides manufacturers through the strategic positioning decision.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is based on a series of case studies to develop and test the decision process.

Findings

A decision process that leads the practitioner through an analytical process to decide which manufacturing activities they should carryout themselves.

Practical implications

Strategic positioning is concerned with choosing those production related activities that an organisations should carry out internally, and those that should be external and under the ownership and control of suppliers, partners, distributors and customers.

Originality/value

This concept extends traditional decision paradigms, such as those associated with “make versus buy” and “outsourcing”, by looking at the interactions between manufacturing operations and the wider supply chain networks associated with the organisation.
The interactive firm – towards a new paradigm
Authors: Johansen John , Riis Jens O.
Published: January 2005

Purpose

The article discusses the characteristics of the future industrial company, the so‐called interactive firm, and the challenges awaiting it down the road. To this end, a framework for the strategic positioning of tomorrow's industrial company is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to illustrate that the interactive firm may take on different forms, three archetypal, future‐oriented firms have been identified and tested in a panel of industrial managers to flesh out this framework.

Findings

The article provides a detailed picture of the strategic roles and functioning of the interactive firm.

Practical implications

Individual firms may use the framework as a guide to position themselves in the industrial climate of the future. The framework also includes five different strategic production roles that an industrial firm should consider.

Originality/value

The value of the article is that it triggers both scholars and practitioners to study and consider different forms as well as key characteristics of the industrial enterprise of the future.
Corporate ID theft – is your company vulnerable?
Authors: Bunton Catherine
Published: January 2005

Purpose

Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

We scan the top 400 management publications in the world to identify the most topical issues and latest concepts. These are presented in an easy‐to‐digest briefing of no more than 1,500 words.

Findings

We have all heard of personal ID theft, carried out by individuals getting hold of personal details and using them to profit at your expense. But can you imagine this on a larger scale, having the entire identity of an organization stolen? The impact can be catastrophic, both on the victim's reputation and their bottom line.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to digest format.
The far‐REACHing reforms of the European Commission's proposed chemical regulation
Authors: Geraghty Kate
Published: January 2005

Purpose

Focuses on, and provides a background of, the REACH Regulation, a new system of registration, evaluation and authorisation for chemicals.

Design/methodology/application

In October 2003 The European Commission presented to the European parliament and the Council of the European Union (EU), a proposal for a Regulation that will radically reform Europe's existing chemical policy. The so‐called REACH Regulation will introduce a new system of Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation for Chemicals introduced on the EU market in volumes over 1 tonne per manufacturer per year. It will also establish a central Chemicals Agency to oversee the efficient operation of the new regulatory system. The implications of the draft Regulation on Europe's chemical manufacturers, importers, formulators and those sectors that either use or process chemicals, such as the electronics industry, will be manifold.

Findings

Despite a number of concessions granted to the chemical industry following an internet consultation, there remain serious doubts over the workability of the system, as well as concerns over substantial product losses and fears over the competitiveness of Europe's chemical industry.

Originality/value

This paper sets out to provide a background to the proposed reforms and an outline of the main components of the REACH system as well as a summary of some of the likely key impacts on the PCB industry.
M.L. Weitzman vs J.M. Buchanan
Authors: Romani Umberto , Tondini Giovanni
Published: January 2005

Purpose

The aim of this article is to analyze and compare the share economy and the constitutional economy approaches. The fact that numerous world‐class multinationals have chosen to offer stock options to managers and bonus share incentives to employees denotes a realization that any improvement in the performance of an economy affected by several constraints, as is the case in the European economy, can only be achieved by assigning greater responsibility to managers and employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper underlines the positive and negative aspects of both approaches with a critical analysis of the theories. The authors' interest in M.L. Weizman's model of the share economy stems from this basic reflection, despite the model's excessive reliance in the capacity of the state to resolve the problems at hand using ordinary legislative instruments. J.M. Buchanan's extremely interesting and indeed fundamental considerations concerning the pressures exerted on institutions by particular or individual interests are virtually overlooked.

Findings

The weakness of the share economy approach can be effectively contrasted by integrating it with the constitutional economy approach. A substantial difference between Weitzman's and Buchanan's schemes stems from the reliance, exhibited by the former, on the institutions governing the contracts between individual players.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on the analogies between Weitzman's and Buchanan's positions in order to set up a unifying framework for the analysis of workforce and other production inputs of the economical system.
Major issues relating to end‐of‐life care
Authors: Rizzo Robert F.
Published: January 2005

Purpose

Ethical, legal and medical progress has been made in end‐of‐life care, addressing crucial issues in the application of principles to clinical cases. However, despite the progress, there are still unresolved issues concerning the scope and effectiveness of personal decision making and the proper use of last resort measures in terminal care. An analysis of the progress discloses both the advances and the problems still confronting patients and their families. From this perspective, one gains a better understanding of the reality of terminal care and areas that call for reform.

Design/methodology/approach

A historical analysis reveals the interrelation between moral and legal reasoning and their differences. It also discloses developments in the moral and legal realms that recognize rights of the patient with regard to treatment decisions. A critique of ethical and legal reasoning and medical practice pin‐points the salient problems.

Findings

There are still problems in the application of legal and ethical principles to specific cases. These problems are complicated by poor physician‐patient communication, the ineffective use of advance directives and the impact of the market economy on comprehensive palliative care. These call for reform to protect personal rights and dignity at the end of life.

Originality/value

A historical approach, too often lacking, promotes insight into the complexities of end‐of‐life care. An analysis flowing from such a perspective pin‐points not only the advances in ethical, legal and medical practice but also the flaws and inconsistencies that call for a more realistic approach in reasoning and practice.
On the theory of post‐Communist economic transition to market
Authors: Papava Vladimer
Published: January 2005

Purpose

The paper investigates the utility of economic theory for post‐Communist economic transformation. It serves to explain the main reasons for market reform failure in different post‐Communist countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review suggests that after the collapse of the Communist system there was no economic theory of transition to market. Whenever one considers the transition of post‐Communist economies to a market system (which, in fact, is nothing but post‐Communist transition to capitalist economies), it has to be placed on record, as this kind of transition has no precedent in history.

Findings

The main mistake of gradualists stems from their overlooking some very important conditions for successful transition: political guarantees and internal assets for reforms. And the success of shock therapy rests on the paradox, “the worse, the better”.

Originality/value

There is as yet no special economic theory of post‐Communist transformation and it is just developing. This paper helps one to understand the main features of shock therapy and gradualism for designing the framework of such a theory. It is geared towards researchers and students interested in the theoretical aspects of the post‐Communist economic transition to markets.
Financial support systems: the student experience in England and France
Authors: Curtis Susan , Klapper Rita
Published: January 2005

Purpose

To investigate how the financial status of students in England and France affects their experience of university life.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was carried out among undergraduates in two countries. There were 168 responses from students studying at a French university and 325 responses from students studying at an English university.

Findings

The financial burden in France rests with parents, while in England students are largely responsible for their own funding. Indicators suggest that English students may be suffering from financial difficulties. Students continue the tradition of enjoying themselves and socialising, whatever their nationality and financial status.

Research limitations/implications

The comparison made was not between institutions of equal status. The Institut de Formation Internationale in Rouen is part of a Grande Ecole group which is private, and may attract students from higher income families. The students at Manchester Metropolitan University Cheshire study in a rural locale (the towns of Crewe and Alsager in south Cheshire), which is unusual for a UK university and it may well be that a lower proportion of these undergraduates come from higher income families than the French students.

Practical implications

While it would seem to be more equitable and economically efficient for individuals to pay directly for services they receive, rather than those services being funded by higher tax, this study highlights certain problems. The quality of the educational experience for English students may be reduced by their continuing to live at home with parents and carrying out low level work while studying.

Originality/value

No other research appears to have been carried out in the UK or in France on this topic.
The academic library as congenial space: more on the Saint Mary's experience
Authors: Houlihan Ron
Published: January 2005

Purpose

To provide theoretical and practical perspectives on the “library as space” debate as well as an update of an earlier (2002) New Library World article on one university library's attempt to re‐position itself through physical change.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part examines the need to fashion academic libraries as desirable destinations for students in the face of the 24/7 availability of both library and non‐library electronic sources of information. The second part provides an account of some of the latest initiatives undertaken by the library at Saint Mary's University, an urban, primarily undergraduate university of 8,000 students on Canada's east coast.

Findings

The critical importance of providing a comfortable and stimulating environment for students and the rewards for doing so are confirmed, with reference to various Canadian and US schools. Some of the almost‐universal characteristics of today's students are identified within the context of the changing nature of academic research and communication.

Practical implications

It offers advice and insights to libraries striving to strengthen their place within the academic life and social environment of the university. It also provides arguments for and encouragement to those attempting to implement innovative changes to either library space or library policies.

Originality/value

Brings together many of the ideas and experiences of disparate academic libraries facing similar challenges.
The education of public librarians to serve leisure readers in the United States, Canada and Europe
Authors: Moyer Jessica E. , Weech Terry L.
Published: January 2005

Purpose

To provide a comparative review of the teaching of Readers' Advisory Services in schools of library and information science in selected schools in the USA, Canada and Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

After reviewing the literature, schools are selected based on their known activity in providing readers' advisory service courses or on their national ranking (in the case of US schools) to provide a snapshot of current level of readers' advisory instruction.

Findings

Instruction in readers' advisory services is a very small part of the total curriculum in schools examined. Librarians who wish to gain more insight to readers' advisory services must depend on continuing education opportunities, such as workshops and conference programs, not on courses in the curriculum of schools of library and information science.

Originality/value

This paper raises questions as to the relationship between library and information science curricula and the needs of practicing librarians to provide services to leisure readers. It finds that, despite an increased interest in providing readers' advisory services in libraries, library education is not responding to that need and continuing education and training programs are essential to providing librarians who are well prepared to serve leisure readers. For schools which are contemplating adding coursework in these areas, the case studies detail courses as they are offered at other institutions.
Who's reading in the United States?
Authors: Long Sarah Ann
Published: January 2005

Purpose

To introduce statistics and issues raised in national study of American reading habits.

Design/methodology/approach

Highlights from the National Endowment of the Arts reading survey, which was conducted in 2002 and published in 2004, are presented. These are presented alongside personal views on the current trends.

Findings

A downturn in literary reading, as noted in the survey, is countered when compared with library circulation statistics over the same period. A major consideration is that many people now listen to their books, instead of reading them.

Originality/value

The paper questions the popular blame of the internet for the downward trend in literary reading.
The corporate university
Authors: Shaw Sue
Published: January 2005

Purpose

This article considers the extent to which a corporate university transcends national boundaries through an examination of the operation of Motorola University in China. The aim is to extend understanding of the role and function of a corporate university and the human resource management (HRM) convergence/divergence debate within an Asian‐Pacific context.

Design/methodology/approach

Documentary evidence and in‐depth interviews were used to explore the role and operation of Motorola University China and to assess the impact of the Chinese context on the global Motorola University brand.

Findings

Set up first and foremost to develop and grow young Chinese managers, Motorola University China now exhibits various features of a world‐class corporate university as well as a strong corporate brand, thereby giving support to the convergence debate. At the same time there is evidence that China's economic, political and cultural context mediates the operation of Motorola University China.

Research limitations/implications

This study was exploratory, based on a single case and, notwithstanding the problems associated with comparative research, further research is needed to determine the relative importance of different contextual variables and the precise nature of knowledge transfer between the corporate university headquarters and the host country operation and the role of the specialist function within it.

Originality/value

The results provide tentative support for the proposition that corporate universities of global corporations can transcend national boundaries whilst at the same time being mediated by the political, economic and cultural characteristics of the host country.
An overview of the elements that influence efficiency in postgraduate supervisory practice arrangements
Authors: Buttery Ernest Alan , Richter Ewa Maria , Leal Filho Walter
Published: January 2005

Purpose – To outline the role of the group supervision model in postgraduate training, especially its advantages in respect of research involving industry sponsors. Design/methodology/approach – The paper considers the various categories of supervision and the pivotal role played by the supervisor. It analyses indicators of supervisor effectiveness in four major categories including supervisory style, the supervisor competence and supervisor characteristics and attitudes. Finally, it discusses how universities have worked on student attitudinal and skill problems through the provision of postgraduate training courses and changes to the supervisory system. A number of group supervisory practice models are described and the role and function of a supervisor are considered. Findings – The quality of postgraduate study is not purely a question of supervision methodology and motivation but hinges also, but not exclusively, on institutional admission procedures and policies, faculty/school administration policies as well as assistance and infra structure that is provided by faculty/school to supervisors and students, including financial assistance, access to child care, pastoral care, computing, library, office space, phone access, access to secretarial support, provision of research seminars and presentations, funding for library searches, conferences, travel, fieldwork, photocopying, and opportunities for casual work within the school. Research limitations/implications – The paper acknowledges that current supervision of postgraduate research students is deficient in many cases, but cannot provide, for ethical reasons, examples of bad practice. It does acknowledge that problems exist manifesting themselves in inadequate supervision, emotional and psychological problems in the student body, communication problems between supervisors and supervisees, knowledge deficiencies in the student body with the ultimate effect of late completions and low retention rates. Practical implications – The paper shows that universities must work towards improved linkages to ensure that they can take advantage of partnership opportunities. Originality/value – The paper has identified approaches to panel supervision and outlines the role of the industry partnership model. It is helpful to both students and supervisors trying should to determine under what research arrangement they conduct their research.
Strategic marketing planning in international schools
Authors: Bunnell Tristan
Published: January 2005

Purpose

International schools are a growing class of educational institution. It has been suggested that few schools of this type have a marketing plan whilst research into development planning showed that few had a long‐range plan. This paper aims to investigate these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper deals with a survey of 32 international schools in 22 different countries. The public relations practitioner in each was questioned as to the nature of the marketing planning process.

Findings

Half of the schools had a marketing plan. Few had a one‐year one, and few had a cyclical one with stages. Several had dispensed with such a plan. The major aim of marketing planning was to attract more students. There was little evidence of it being a strategic process. Few schools involved the whole school body.

Research limitations/implications

This involved a small‐scale survey of international schools at a time when student numbers were high. This survey failed to take into account the growth of this type of school in mainland China.

Practical implications

It is suggested that perhaps some international schools might focus more on non‐rational planning and scenario‐building techniques. Making more contact with the local community might also be beneficial as a strategic marketing aim.

Originality/value

This paper furthers the understanding of the nature and organizational culture of international schools. It builds upon earlier research into development planning in this type of school.
Beyond administration in dormitory
Authors: Miura Kazuhisa , Inada Tomomi , Nomura Kensaku , Yokotani Masaaki , Kubota Tetsuya , Akagi Tetsuya
Published: January 2005

Purpose

Aims to offer some ways of improving and developing the residents in the dormitory of Tsuyama National College of Technology, Tsuyama, Japan.

Design/methodology/approach

Describes how in order to calm the dormitory atmosphere, strict regulations had been adopted since the foundation times for the college, which sometimes led to deplorable happenings. After facing dormitory issues from a new perspective in 1990, school authorities abandoned the allegiance to supervision. The dormitory affairs committee has stimulated the residents' intrinsic motivation since then, leading to the improvements in the dormitory. Describes the course of improvement and the present condition of the dormitory.

Findings

Advocates the necessity of broadening residents' horizons to continually improve their quality of life in the dormitory.

Research limitations/implications

It would take some years to ascertain our policy to be desirable for the dormitory. During that time, almost the entire membership of the dormitory affairs committee would be replaced, which might lead to a drastic turnabout on dormitory policy.

Practical implications

A very useful source of information and impartial advice for the staves who involve in dormitory issues of other colleges.

Originality/value

Demonstrates unique policies on improvement for the dormitory, which are different from those adopted in other colleges of technology.
An improved mathematical programming method for wrinkling prediction of cloths
Authors: Zhang H.W. , Wang M. , Zhang X.W. , Guo X.
Published: January 2005

Purpose

An improved mathematical programming method for numerical simulation of cloth wrinkling is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Cloth is modeled as the network of bars (called bar network) or membrane elements with a special nonlinear mechanical constitutive law in the finite element analysis.

Findings

Compared with conventional numerical methods, the proposed method does not depend on stress iteration, but on the base exchanges in the solution of a standard quadratic programming problem. Thus, the new method presents very good convergence behavior and accurate predictions of wrinkling patterns and stress distributions of cloths. Numerical results demonstrate the validity and the efficiency of the proposed method.

Originality/value

From the engineering point of view, accurate numerical methods are required in wrinkling analysis of cloth deformation. The algorithm developed here also can be applied into fields such as large deformation under wind load and dynamic behaviors of cloths.
Contact mechanics in two‐dimensional finite element modelling of fabrics
Authors: Provatidis Christopher G. , Vassiliadis Savvas G. , Anastasiadou Eleni A.
Published: January 2005

Purpose

This paper proposes a simplified two‐dimensional representation of the unit cell of the fabric that involves three bodies in contact.

Design/methodology/approach

The fabrics are not simple homogenous structures. They have a discrete structural character and this is essential for their complex mechanical behaviour. Low stress micro‐mechanics is mainly used for the prediction of the fabric hand. Modelling of the fabric microstructure is a powerful tool for the in‐depth study of their performance. Based on the geometrical models of the fabrics, finite element analysis (FEA) is a very useful method for the mechanical analysis of their complex shape structures. Especially FEA can be applied on a system of bodies in contact by taking into account the interactions between the individual bodies. The parametric FEA analysis of the unit cell of the fabric provides interesting results about its mechanical behaviour.

Findings

The present work states that the use of the finite element method is a friendly and convenient method for an in‐depth study of the contact phenomena, which are dominating on the total mechanical behaviour of the fabrics.

Originality/value

This paper provides a simplified two‐dimensional representation of a unit cell of a fabric that involves three bodies in contact. The parametric FEA analysis of the unit cell of the fabric provides interesting results.
A high pressure bursting strength tester for coated industrial fabrics
Authors: Lewis C.J. , Lloyd D.W.
Published: January 2005

Purpose

The design and construction of a high‐pressure bursting strength tester is described.

Design/methodology/approach

The tester has a large aperture and is intended to operate with coated industrial fabrics. To ensure safe operation, since the tester is capable of operating up to pressures of 5,000 kPa, water is used as the inflation medium and all tests are conducted under water. The tester is designed to operate on both flat specimens and cylindrical specimens.

Findings

Sample results are reported to demonstrate the successful operation of the tester on plain specimens and on specimens with welded and taped seams. The tester has demonstrated that it is capable of yielding reproducible and useful results on coated industrial fabrics of the type used to manufacture inflatable boats.

Practical implications

The low‐cost, high pressure bursting strength tester can be used for lightweight, coated industrial fabrics of the type commonly used in the construction of inflatable boats and liferafts.

Originality/value

The tester was developed to support a programme of work to develop a lightweight, collapsible decompression chamber. Although the parameters of the tester were chosen to meet the needs of the decompression chamber project, the tester has wider application and may, therefore, be of wider interest.
Clothing fit preferences of young female adult consumers
Authors: Alexander Marina , Jo Connell Lenda , Beth Presley Ann
Published: January 2005

Purpose

This paper explores the relationships between body type and fit preferences with body cathexis, clothing benefits sought by consumers, and demographic profiles of consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey instrument consisted of a questionnaire with scales assessing fit preference, body type, body cathexis, clothing benefits sought and consumer demographics.

Findings

Significant associations were found between body cathexis (satisfaction with head/upper body, lower body, height, weight and torso) and body shape. The degree of satisfaction with different body parts depended on the body type of the individual. The level of satisfaction with head/upper body, height and torso did not vary by body type. No significant differences were found between fit preferences and body type for lower body garments.

Research limitations/implications

The majority of respondents were between the ages 18 and 28, affluent Caucasian Americans, with an hourglass body type, who had a family income of $85,000 or more and shopped in department or boutique/specialty stores.

Originality/value

Understanding the fit preferences of female consumers could help apparel companies to produce and meet demands for comfortable and well fitting clothes for women. The results of this research may be used as a first step to develop an expert system to correlate body shape and fit preferences of consumers.
Service quality and store performance: some evidence from Greece
Authors: Daskalopoulou Irene , Petrou Anastasia
Published: January 2005

Purpose

To contribute to the largely unexplored issue of directly assessing the effect of service quality factors on store performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Service quality is decomposed into tangible elements, such as store size and personnel. A binary probit model is utilized in order to analyze the effect of various service quality factors on the probability that a store performs above average compared with its competitors.

Findings

Results indicate that the store size, product variety, location and belonging to chain, variables exert the largest positive effect upon the probability that a store experiences above‐average performance.

Research limitations/implications

The present study suffers the limitation of a rather small usable questionnaires sample, albeit that the very satisfactory fit of the estimated econometric model allows for the findings to be a reliable comparison basis with future findings.

Practical implications

The approach proposed here can be widely used for empirical investigation in order to provide findings that may be compared across services sectors, trading places/countries and time. On the other hand, the importance of such findings to managerial decision‐making processes is evident.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a framework for empirically investigating the direct effect of service quality elements on store performance.
Assessing readiness for six sigma in a service setting
Authors: Hensley Rhonda L. , Dobie Kathryn
Published: January 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model to help service organizations assess their readiness for a six sigma program and to provide suggestions for methods of introducing the six sigma process. The organizational readiness model is then applied in an actual service setting.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of relevant literature is used to identify two proposed components of organizational readiness: organizational experience with improvement programs and organizational understanding of processes.

Findings

The proposed model is applied in an urban public transit company. The application includes an analysis of the transit company's readiness for six sigma, the design and administration of a survey to identify perceptual differences between customers and the organization and the statistical analysis of the survey. The survey analysis is then used to identify differences in perceptions between service employees and customers. These differences provide the basis for the development of a process improvement that employees should be able to undertake.

Originality/value

The proposed organizational readiness model is of interest to both researchers and managers. Researchers should find the construct organizational readiness and the proposed components of interest because they provide an area for research related to successful implementation of six sigma programs. The model, as it is developed in the paper, along with the example should provide managers considering the adoption of six sigma with a usable method for assessing their particular organization.
Winning at the first and second moments of truth: an exploratory study
Authors: Löfgren Martin
Published: January 2005

Purpose

To contribute to the theoretical work on products that contain both tangible (goods) and intangible (service) dimensions, by arguing that the consumption of physical goods and services should be understood as a process with two major steps – the first and second moments of truth.

Design/methodology/approach

An investigation of the service perspective and packaging is made based on a literature review. Empirical examples are then presented from an interview study of people working with packaging‐related issues at Procter & Gamble, Schwarzkopf & Henkel, Procordia Food, and Coop. The relationship between theory/concepts and research in the paper can be described in terms of extension and emergent.

Findings

Consumers evaluate quality when they purchase an offering and when they consume it. Using the terminology of the present paper, this means that the perception of quality is created at both the first and second moments of truth. The first moment of truth is about obtaining customers’ attention and communicating the benefits of an offer. The second moment of truth is about providing the tools the customer needs to experience these benefits when using the product. The combination of these two moments of truth makes up the total customer experience.

Originality/value

This paper holds the potential to contribute to extending understanding of the service perspective and service encounters.
Geometry and procedure for benchmarking SFF and hybrid fabrication process resolution
Authors: Gervasi Vito R. , Schneider Adam , Rocholl Joshua
Published: January 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share with the solid freeform fabrication community a new procedure and benchmark geometries for evaluating SFF process capabilities. The procedure evaluates the range capability of various SFF and SFF‐based hybrid processes in producing rod and hole elements.

Design/methodology/approach

By following the procedure and using the appropriate combination of benchmark parts the user can determine the minimal rod and hole size capabilities of an SFF or SFF‐based process. Benchmark parts are designed to capture feature size limitations, build angle problems, and aspect ratio capabilities.

Findings

The geometries and procedure were found to work for evaluating simple rod and hole elements resulting from SFF‐based processes.

Research limitations/implications

Future work could address slot and wall features using a similar procedure. Mechanical properties and performance of resulting parts are not within the scope of this procedure.

Practical implications

The procedure and benchmaking geometries could be employed for a range of scales down to the nano scale. The use of this procedure will lead to practical design inputs for the SFF‐based fabrication of components consisting of optimized lattice structures.

Originality/value

Limited published benchmarking procedures are available to the SFF community. This is the first systematic procedure proposed to evaluate SFF processes for “Rod” and “Hole” capabilities.
Industrial freeform generation of microtools by laser micro sintering
Authors: Regenfuss P. , Hartwig L. , Klötzer S. , Ebert R. , Brabant Th. , Petsch T. , Exner H.
Published: January 2005

Purpose

Examples are given for the technical applicability of a novel development of selective laser sintering called “laser micro sintering”.

Design/methodology/approach

Together with a specific method to produce powder layers, the controlled application of pulsed radiation for the processing of sub‐μm grained metal powders was exploited to produce micro‐tools with a heretofore unattained structural resolution.

Findings

High resolution micro bodies are displayed. Instruments could be generated which proved to fulfil their designation as grip bits for micro manipulators. The micro‐bodies can be generated detachably from or firmly fixed to the construction substrate. The material of the generated bodies withstands the traction forces when used as an injection mold for polymer casts.

Research limitations/implications

Densities and structural resolutions can still be improved especially with a newly updated version of the equipment. Laser micro sintering of materials, other than metal (e.g. ceramics), has still to be developed. The introduction of the equipment and the technique into the market is on its way.

Practical implications

Micro‐tools can be generated with an overall structural resolution of 30 μm and with all the advantages of a freedom technique.

Originality/value

The paper informs the technical community on a new novel modification of the freeform technique selective laser sintering, demonstrating the solution of some problems that have hampered the progress of metal laser into resolution ranges below 100 μm. It also supplies evidence for the technical applicability.
Binding mechanisms in selective laser sintering and selective laser melting
Authors: Kruth J‐P. , Mercelis P. , Van Vaerenbergh J. , Froyen L. , Rombouts M.
Published: January 2005

Purpose

This paper provides an overview of the different binding mechanisms in selective laser sintering (SLS) and selective laser melting (SLM), thus improving the understanding of these processes.

Design/methodology/approach

A classification of SLS/SLM processes was developed, based on the binding mechanism occurring in the process, in contrast with traditional classifications based on the processed material or the application. A broad range of commercial and experimental SLS/SLM processes – found from recent articles as well as from own experiments – was used to explain the different binding mechanism categories.

Findings

SLS/SLM processes can be classified into four main binding mechanism categories, namely “solid state sintering”, “chemically induced binding”, “liquid phase sintering – partial melting” and “full melting”. Most commercial processes can be classified into the latter two categories, which are therefore subdivided. The binding mechanism largely influences the process speed and the resulting part properties.

Research limitations/implications

The classification presented is not claimed to be definitive. Moreover some SLM/SLM processes could be classified into more than one category, based on personal interpretation.

Originality/value

This paper can be a useful aid in understanding existing SLS/SLM processes. It can also serve as an aid in developing new SLS/SLM processes.
Realizing high‐voltage thin film lateral bipolar transistors on SOI with a collector‐tub
Authors: Deb Roy Sukhendu , Jagadesh Kumar M.
Published: January 2005

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to find a simple method to improve the breakdown voltage of BJTs fabricated on SOI.

Design/methodology/approach

We have used two‐dimensional device simulation to examine the effect of a collector tub on the collector breakdown of the SOI based BJTs. This method involves creating a collector tub by etching the buried oxide followed by ann‐type implantation on the collectorn/n+ junction side.

Findings

First, our method reduces the peak electric field at the silicon film‐BOX interface and secondly, the collector‐tub facilitates the collector potential to be absorbed by both collector drift and substrate regions improving the collector breakdown significantly.

Practical implications (if applicable)

An improved breakdown voltage improves the reliability of BJTs on SOI.

Originality/value

Our results show that the BVCEOof the bipolar transistors with a collector‐tub is enhanced by 2.7 times when compared with a conventional lateral bipolar transistor (LBT) with identical drift region doping. This improvement has an important practical value in the fabrication of SOI‐based LBTs.
Optimization of fins used in electronic packaging
Authors: Eu Ong Kang , Oon Lee Kor , Seetharamu K.N. , Azid I.A. , Quadir G.A. , Zainal Z.A. , Joo Goh Teck
Published: January 2005

Purpose

To find the optimal geometries of rectangular and cylindrical fins for maximum heat dissipation.

Design/methodology/approach

The objective function for finding the optimized profiles of fins are solved by using the genetic algorithms (GAs). A range of fin shapes are investigated and the optimum solutions for various profile area are obtained.

Findings

Provide information to thermal engineers to what extent any particular extended surface or fin arrangements could improve heat dissipation from a surface to the surrounding fluid. Smaller fin volume in fin design is preferable as the heat is dissipated more effectively.

Originality/value

A new method of using GA for optimization of fins is used here. The value of this paper lies in providing data for selecting suitable fins for thermal management in electronic systems.

Research limitations/implications

Limited to cases where the correlations for heat transfer coefficients are valid.

Practical implications

A very useful finding for practising thermal engineer especially in the area of electronic packaging as the parameters for the fin design can easily be found for any chosen profile area.
Study of avalanche breakdown (MI) mode in sub micron MOSFET device
Authors: Singh A.K.
Published: January 2005

Purpose

To study the breakdown (MI) mechanism in the sub‐micron MOSFET device.

Design/methodology/approach

Second‐order Poisson's differential equation is solved for suitable boundary condition to find the electric field expression for the sub‐micron devices. With the help of the electric field expression the exact relation for multiplication factor is derived, and then the equation for breakdown voltage has been generated.

Findings

This research paper provides the following findings: by controlling oxide thickness, junction depth and drain voltage, the breakdown can be easily controlled in the sub‐micron device; multiplication factor is not only affected by maximum field but also due to critical field; for very low gate voltage, the offset voltage mainly governs the breakdown; the breakdown voltage increases continuously as the channel length increases. It means, for larger channel length the breakdown will occur at high drain voltage.

Research limitation

This paper is based on the assumption that the electric field along the channel is independent of the junction depth (although not correct) and varying linearly from zero to Esat.

Orginality/value

The paper derived the exact expression of the multiplication factor. Also discusses that for MI mode of breakdown, the breakdown voltage increases slowly with the gate voltage and approximated by drain saturation voltage plus offset voltage.
Geometrical and electrical properties of LTCC and thick‐film microresistors
Authors: Dziedzic Andrzej , Mis Edward , Rebenklau Lars , Wolter Klaus‐Jurgen
Published: January 2005

Purpose

This paper aims to present systematic studies of a wide spectrum of geometrical and electrical properties of thick‐film and LTCC microresistors (with designed dimensions between 50 × 50 μm2 and 800 × 200 μm2).

Design/methodology/approach

The geometrical parameters (average length, width and thickness, relations between designed and real dimensions, distribution of planar dimensions) are correlated with basic electrical properties of resistors (sheet resistance and its distribution, hot temperature coefficient of resistance and its distribution distribution) as well as long term thermal stability and durability of microresistors to short electrical pulses.

Findings

Fodel process gives better resolution than standard screen‐printing and leads to smaller dimensions than designed, smaller absolute error and better uniformity of planar sizes. Microresistors made in full Fodel process show much weaker dimensional effect and exhibit noticeably smaller distribution of basic electrical properties.

Originality/value

Presents systematic studies of a wide spectrum of geometrical and electrical properties of thick‐film and LTCC microresistors.