bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communication, utilization, and performance in international strategic alliances
Authors: Choi Youngtae , Hise Richard T. , Bagozzi Richard P. , Fadil Paul A.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore post‐international strategic alliance (ISA) establishment processes by exploring the interrelationships surrounding utilization as a resource coordinating activity, two communication dimensions (four communication factors) as the antecedents of utilization, and the implications of utilization for ISA performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the mail and e‐mail surveys, the structural model is analyzed by using LISREL. The moderating effects of cultural sensitivity and host government interference on the relationship between utilization and international alliance performance are measured by a moderated multiple regression. The mediating effect of utilization is also examined.

Findings

Three of the four communication factors (all except for informal communication) affect the effective utilization of the resources contributed by each ISA partner. Utilization contributes to the achievement of each ISA partner's objectives. Utilization is also found to fully mediate the relationships between the three significant communication factors (formal, two‐way, and participative) and ISA performance.

Practical implications

The study suggests the practical and academic importance of implementing and researching the resource coordinating activities after an ISA has established to successfully manage ISA operation.

Originality/value

The concept of utilization is introduced and empirically tested to investigate the post‐formation alliance process and how the process affects ISA performance.
Multiple brand alliances: a portfolio diversification perspective
Authors: Gammoh Bashar S. , Voss Kevin E. , Fang Xiang
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The paper attempts to examine the effect of multiple brand alliances using a portfolio diversification approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports the findings of a four‐level, single factor design study in which 149 randomly assigned participants were exposed to a product concept description for a new product in conjunction with: no ally (control), one ally, three homogeneous allies, and three heterogeneous allies.

Findings

Results support previous findings in the literature with regard to the effect of a single brand alliance. However, no support was found for the proposition that consumer evaluations of an unknown focal brand, when three well‐known heterogeneous allies are present, will be higher than when either one well‐known ally is present or three well‐known homogeneous allies are present.

Research limitations/implications

Consistent with previous published research and despite diversifying the brand allies; it is impossible to conclude that multiple brand allies provide increased evaluations, relative to a single ally, for a previously unknown brand. More research is necessary regarding when and why multiple allies might be beneficial.

Originality/value

As the use of multiple brand alliances proliferates in the marketplace, it is important to understand the effect of such strategies on consumers' evaluations. The paper contributes to this growing body of research by investigating the effect of multiple brand alliances using a portfolio diversification approach.
How good does it taste? Is it the product or the brand? A contribution to brand equity evaluation
Authors: Fornerino Marianela , d'Hauteville François
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This experimental research seeks to offer a method for measuring the respective product and brand contributions to the global perceived quality dimension in the case of five brands of orange juices.

Design/methodology/approach

The disconfirmation of expectations approach method was used which employs the mismatch between expected and blind evaluation of a product. The assimilation effects (when the perceived quality of the product tends to be congruent with the expected quality attributed to the brand) and the contrast effects (when the perceived quality of the product is influenced negatively by the brand) were measured.

Findings

Results indicate an assimilation effect for the national brands, particularly strong with the most preferred brand, and a non‐significant brand effect for the retailer's brand, although both products were rated the same in the blind evaluation.

Practical implications

From a theoretical and methodological point of view, the research suggests that global measures of perceived quality may be more appropriate tools than analytical constructs from product attributes when evaluating brand equity.

Originality/value

A general experimental design of the disconfirmation of information is offered in order to evaluate the share of the product and the brand in the consumer assessment of the perceived quality of a brand. This design places the respondents in two successive cognitive processes when they evaluate the brand and the product, which explains the assimilations and/or contrast effects which have been observed.
On congruence between brand and human personalities
Authors: Maehle Natalia , Shneor Rotem
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this research paper is to uncover the relations between brand and human personality by identifying brand preferences of consumers with different personality types.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the existing literature, 15 propositions are suggested linking Ekelund's DI types as parsimonious proxies of human personality and brand personality dimensions as suggested by Aaker. Propositions were tested through statistical analysis of survey data collected in two stages.

Findings

It was found that consumers prefer brands with personalities that match their own. For example, consumers with Blue DI type exhibit clear aversion from the excitement dimension of brand personality, whereas consumers with Red DI type exhibit clear preference for the sincerity dimension of brand personality. No clear findings emerged concerning the Green DI type, mostly likely linked to the individualistic, non‐conformist and innovative orientations of such individuals. In addition data revealed a possible hierarchy of brand personality dimensions' influence.

Practical implications

Findings provide guidelines for better tailoring of promotional materials based on target customer groups, as well as the ability to evaluate underperforming brands in terms of a brand‐human personality mismatch.

Originality/value

The paper fills a gap in the literature about the congruence between brand and human personalities, and demonstrates how brand personality dimensions impacts brand preference among different consumer types.
Pricing risky services: preference and quality considerations
Authors: Allred Anthony , Valentin E.K. , Chakraborty Goutam
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This study intends to examine effects of price ending and level on preference for a provider of a risky service, LASIK eye surgery, which poses notable health and financial risk. Additionally, the study aims to explore quality concerns thought to intervene between price cues and preference.

Design/methodology/approach

Price was manipulated by showing each of three groups an advertisement offering LASIK surgery at one of three prices: US$299, US$300 or US$600. Subjects were asked how likely they were to choose the featured provider if they were to have LASIK surgery; replies were interpreted as indicating the degree to which the featured provider was preferred to all other potential providers. To facilitate exploring the possibility that pricing affects preference via perceived quality, subjects were asked 16 questions about service quality.

Findings

LASIK provider preference ratings were significantly lower at US$299 than at US$300 and, thus, contradicted much prior research into the effects of 9 and 0 price endings. Supplemental analyses implied that, in consonance with prior research, US$299 was seen as much less than US$300. However, cognitive price underestimation attenuated preference because it raised stronger concerns about quality and risk. Exploratory analyses revealed three pertinent quality dimensions: outcome expectations, service process expectations, and customer apprehensions.

Research limitations/implications

Findings are based on a small convenience sample not limited to serious LASIK surgery candidates. The depiction of quality within the risky‐service context was rudimentary and requires refinement.

Practical implications

Purveyors of risky services seem ill‐advised to use prices ending in 9. While 9‐endings tend to stimulate sales of common low‐risk goods, they appear to attenuate sales of risky offerings.

Originality/value

Results shed light on the generalizability of findings from prior psychological pricing research focused on goods and services quite unlike LASIK surgery. They also provide insights into designing more refined inquiries into quality concerns and the effects of pricing on quality concerns, which seem to affect preference.
The impact of cross‐listings on the UK and the German stock markets
Authors: Koulakiotis Athanasios , Lyroudi Katerina , Thomaidis Nikos , Papasyriopoulos Nicholas
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine volatility transmissions between portfolios of cross‐listed equities and exchange rate differences and also the volatility persistence for home, foreign equities, and exchange rate differences in the UK and German markets.

Design/methodology/approach

A primary focus of this paper is to see if there is an impact first on the volatility persistence for foreign equities that are listed in the UK and German markets, second on the respective home portfolios of cross‐listed equities, and third on the exchange rate differences. In addition, whether there are any bilateral spillovers between the following equity portfolios: foreign cross‐listed equities, home cross‐listed equities, and also local or global exchange rate differences are investigated.

Findings

The paper finds that the volatility persistence is more prominent than error persistence from cross‐listed equities, foreign or home, and the exchange rate differences. Furthermore, the transmission mechanism indicates a bilateral integration process in some of the cases that were examined. Based on these results, it is concluded that in the UK market the foreign cross‐listings affect less the domestic equities compared to the German market.

Originality/value

This paper examines the interdependence of portfolios of home and foreign equities for cross‐listings that belong to the same stock exchange with two exchange rates, a local and a global one in order to provide more evidence in this area of literature.
Stock market and aggregate consumption asymmetry: evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Ibrahim Mansor H. , Shah Habibullah Muzafar
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influences of real share prices on aggregate consumption for Malaysia with the focus on whether there is asymmetry in the long‐run relation of the two variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper specifies aggregate consumption to depend on real income and real share prices. Alternatively, imposing long‐run budget constraint, the paper specifies the relation between aggregate consumption and real share prices as ratio to real income. Then, it applies an asymmetric cointegration and error correction modeling.

Findings

The cointegration tests indicate the presence of a long‐run relation between consumption‐income ratio and share price‐income ratio. More interestingly, while changes in share prices exert short‐run causal influences on Malaysia's private consumption, evidence is found for the adjustments of consumption – income ratio to the long‐run equilibrium path only when it is above its long‐run value. The paper interprets the finding as suggesting downward revisions in the consumption patterns when there are adverse shocks in share prices and, accordingly, supports the existence of especially negative wealth effect for Malaysia.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to data limitations, the paper relies on aggregate consumption and aggregate income data. It acknowledges that the sum of non‐durable consumption and flow‐of‐services from durable purchases and labor income are more appropriate measures of, respectively, consumption and real income.

Originality/value

The findings have important implications for understanding consumption behavior in a developing country and can provide insight on the effectiveness of monetary policy.
Does trade matter for stock market integration?
Authors: Abdul Karim Bakri , Shabri Abd. Majid M.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to re‐examine the stock market integration and short‐run dynamic interactions between the Malaysian stock market and the stock markets of its major trading partners (the USA, Japan, Singapore, China and Thailand).

Design/methodology/approach

Weekly stock indices spanning from January 1992 to May 2008 is analysed using autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bound testing approach and vector autoregression (VAR) framework.

Findings

Stock markets of Malaysia and its major trading partners are found to be integrated. To some extent, it is found that trade does matter for stock market integration. Additional, geographical proximity and close relationship between the countries further contributes towards a greater integration between them. To move forward to a greater financial integration among these countries, trade liberalisation, including reduction or removal of trade and investment barriers would be necessary.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first attempts to use ARDL and VAR frameworks to examine integration among the stock markets of Malaysia and its major trading partners. The findings of the study would shed some empirical lights for the purpose of policy making.
How did strategic planning help during the economic crisis?
Authors: Wilson James W. , Eilertsen Soren
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the extent to which organizations were prepared for the economic crisis, the nature of responses, and factors that might explain preparedness and modes of response.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey conducted in July 2009 and sponsored by the Association for Strategic Planning, sampled 190 US managers involved in strategic planning within organizations. The survey assessed the role strategic planning played during the recent financial crisis.

Findings

Key findings include: organizations that used strategic planning to make critical decisions were better able to pursue growth opportunities during the crisis; and organizations that relied on strategic planning during the crisis are more confident about their prospects for near‐term growth.

Research limitations/implications

Repeating this protocol for a sample of executives who have not taken a particular interest in strategic planning as a discipline would create more confidence that the conclusions can be generalized.

Practical implications

The paper suggests to organizations that an embrace of strategic planning in the form of having a regular process, a senior leader in charge, and involving the entire leadership team makes a significant difference in optimism and future outlook.

Originality/value

The results suggest that an organization's trust and confidence in strategic planning as a decision‐making discipline is a stronger indicator of potential success than the adoption of any particular strategic planning technique or principle.
Shared leadership: from rivals to co‐CEOs
Authors: Arnone Maria , Stumpf Stephen A.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

As businesses confront a world of increasing complexity, some global organizations have responded by placing co‐CEO's at their helm, judging that the demands of the job merit the commitment of two executives. This response has yielded mixed results and continues to generate controversy and generate questions about how to maximize success and avoid pitfalls. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the dynamics and efficacy of shared leadership, the authors interviewed 19 co‐heads, the majority of whom have shared the role more than once.

Findings

The study finds that, in best practice organizations, the shared leadership structure is an accepted leadership strategy used sometimes at the top, and more often at the business unit level with the added benefit of grooming business leaders and providing a testing ground for the top spot.

Practical implications

The initial challenge of successful shared leadership is to craft a set of roles, rules, and responsibilities that leverage the talents and interests of each leader and avoids replicating the silos of function‐based power often entrenched in the organization.

Originality/value

The authors found that adopting co‐head roles is best thought of as an interim strategy that requires careful consideration of corporate context and competitive environment and the risk factors involving the personal dynamics of shared leadership.
Competing through co‐creation: innovation at two companies
Authors: Ramaswamy Venkat
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss how two innovative firms – the French telecommunications firm Orange and the California‐based global networking firm Cisco – have gained competitive advantage from using the co‐creative enterprise business concept to generate sustainable growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes in detail the approach at Orange, which is on co‐creating experience environments with customers and industry mavens, and at Cisco, where the focus is on co‐creating the management of risk and reward.

Findings

Companies that have learned how to manage the process of creating unique value with customers and other stakeholders have developed engagement programs and processes that enable interactions among all stakeholders everywhere in the system, with the goal of creating greater value by fostering more rewarding or more valuable experiences.

Research limitations/implications

Two case examples of innovative practices are presented.

Practical implications

Orange's R&D and marketing processes have attracted lead‐users and early adopters, who are extremely valuable since they are more likely to be content co‐creators and the core adopters of their services. Cisco is attempting to extend its co‐creative governance frameworks through collaborative interactions with its customers and partners.

Originality/value

The paper alerts leaders that business and society are moving towards an individual‐ and experience‐based view of co‐creative engagement among individuals and institutions – outside and inside enterprises.
Masterclass: how innovation in “product language” can overturn markets – the power of emotion‐focused design
Authors: Leavy Brian
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Leading CEOs have put innovation at the forefront of their agenda for most of the last decade, but they have come to realize that it can take many forms, with different degrees of competitive impact. The paper aims to compare and contrast several forms of innovation and schools CEOs in the latest version, “design‐driven” innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes how a leader can utilize design‐driven innovation.

Findings

The paper finds that design‐driven innovation represents a timely convergence of the value innovation perspective and “emotion‐focused design,” a term that denotes an innovation in which the novelty of a message and of a design language prevails over the novelty of functionality and technology.

Practical implications

Design‐driven innovation offers a powerful new approach that draws upon deep socio‐cultural insights to create the basis for new levels of emotional attachment to commercial products.

Originality/value

Innovation theory and practice has tended to focus on two strategies, “technology‐push” and “market‐pull.” Design‐driven innovation offers a third strategy, one that is more like basic sociological research, and just as systematic.
Design thinking: achieving insights via the “knowledge funnel”
Authors: Martin Roger
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain how, in the future, the most successful business innovation efforts will balance analytical mastery and intuitive originality in a dynamic interplay that the author calls “design thinking.””

Design/methodology/approach

As a useful way to think about how to do this the paper takes the reader step‐by‐step through the “knowledge funnel” concept.

Findings

Design thinking empowers the design of business, the directed movement of a business through the knowledge funnel – from mystery to heuristic to algorithm – and then the utilization of the resulting efficiency to tackle the next mystery and the next and the next.

Practical implications

The apaper suggests that the velocity of movement through the knowledge funnel, powered by design thinking, is the most powerful formula for competitive advantage in the twenty‐first century.

Originality/value

The paper has a radical thesis: to advance knowledge, we must turn away from our standard definitions of proof – and from the false certainty of the past – and instead stare into the mystery of what could be.
Disney's Marvel acquisition: a strategic financial analysis
Authors: Calandro Joseph
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the value and risks of Disney's 2009 $4 billion acquisition of the Marvel Entertainment Group (Marvel) in a case study utilizing the modern Graham and Dodd valuation approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a detailed valuation of Marvel in 2009 drawing on previously published Graham and Dodd methodological materials and Marvel's publicly available financial reports.

Findings

Disney's $4 billion acquisition price for Marvel contained considerable risks based on certain valuation assumptions, which were identified in the context of our analysis.

Research limitations/implications

This acquisition is a useful one for executives to study because it involves a situation many of them could face: evaluating the purchase of a great company that is seemingly a strategic fit and offered at what appears to be a reasonable price. Assessing such opportunities utilizing the modern Graham and Dodd valuation approach facilitates greater levels of insight into key assumptions, value drivers, and risks.

Practical and research implications

This is a methodology that has proved useful to successful value investors over time.

Originality/value

Lessons executives in many industries can learn from a Graham and Dodd‐based valuation of the 2009 Disney acquisition of Marvel include: better risk assessment, valuation of entertainment property assets and franchise assessment.
Narrative vs PowerPoint: for leaders, it may not be a matter of fact
Authors: Carriger Michael
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to argue that narratives, skillfully deployed by senior leaders in an organization, can be a very effective tool for creating, disseminating and executing corporate strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a model for narrative use by leaders and a practical guide to implementing the model.

Findings

Preliminary and anecdotal data are presented to substantiation a case for leaders' use of narrative as an alternative means for conveying corporate strategy.

Originality/value

Implications for the practical use of narratives by leaders are explored by this paper.
Better decisions
Authors: Early Stew
Published: February 2010

Stew Early is a principal of Early & Associates, a strategic management consulting firm in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (searly@att.net) and a Contributing Editor of Strategy & Leadership.
Emotional intelligence abilities and their relationships with team processes
Authors: Clarke Nicholas
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to identify whether relationships exist between emotional intelligence (EI) and specific teamwork behaviours that are associated with transition, action and interpersonal team processes using the ability model of EI.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 68 MBA students comprising 13 randomly assigned teams completed a pencil and paper performance‐based test of emotional intelligence. Some 14 weeks later a score reflecting the extent team members engaged in a number of teamwork behaviours consistent with transition, action and interpersonal team processes was obtained from peer ratings.

Findings

Emotional intelligence was found to explain direct and unique variance in transition and interpersonal team processes. However, only three individual branches of EI were found to be of any significance, and these differed in each instance.

Practical implications

These findings add to the growing body of literature suggesting emotional intelligence may be an important aspect of individual difference amongst team members that can contribute to team effectiveness. Individuals with differing EI abilities may be particularly important to teams dependent upon the team's activity phase.

Originality/value

The paper shows that blanket assertions regarding the significance of emotional intelligence for team effectiveness are far too simplistic. Differing EI abilities are associated with particular teamwork behaviours, which in turn become important during different phases of team activity. The findings suggest a need for more sophisticated frameworks regarding how EI relates to specific cognitive, verbal and behavioural teamwork activities.
How much is too much?
Authors: Rozell Elizabeth J. , Scroggins Wesley A.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The primary purpose this paper is to empirically assess the efficacy of using an ability‐based measurement of emotional intelligence (EI) as a predictor of self‐managed work team satisfaction of undergraduate business students.

Design/methodology/approach

The study explored EI as a predictor of group satisfaction using a sample of 74 undergraduate business students from a mid‐western university. Regression analysis was used to analyze the data.

Findings

Contrary to much of the literature regarding EI, the results indicate that higher levels of managing emotions and understanding emotions may significantly decrease certain facets of group member satisfaction for highly emotionally intelligent individuals.

Research limitation/implications

The study employed a student sample, which to some degree raises questions of sample representativeness and generalizability of the results. Future research needs to use employee samples representative of workplace organizations to determine if the results reported here can be replicated in other samples. Additionally, future research may employ the use of larger sample sizes and qualitative approaches in order to confirm these findings.

Practical implications

Organizations should be cautioned from using a blanket strategy of selecting those applicants with high EI. Based on the current study's findings, it is suggested that each team member's level of emotional intelligence on each dimension be considered.

Originality/value

The paper serves as an initial step toward filling the void in the literature regarding credible measurement of EI in team processes.
Effective teamworking: can functional flexibility act as an enhancing factor?
Authors: Fraser Kym , Hvolby Hans‐Henrik
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Two of the most sought after properties in today's dynamic and competitive manufacturing environment are labour flexibility and effective teamworking. This is due in no small part to the growth of modern manufacturing philosophies which strongly advocate the need for both teamwork and flexibility. This paper aims to explore the impact of two labour flexibility strategies (functional flexibility and intra‐cell flexibility) on teamwork in a cellular manufacturing environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a revised input/process/output (IPO) team effectiveness model a questionnaire was designed and a case study undertaken at a large Australian manufacturer. The knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) gained from job rotation (flexibility) was quantitatively tested against team processes and team performance.

Findings

It was found that functional flexibility had an overall stronger, significant effect on the five team processes tested (communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, goals and performance, tasks and planning) than did intra‐cell flexibility. In regards to output (team performance) functional flexibility performed better in areas such as customer delivery, inventory holdings and quality, while intra‐cell flexibility performed better in the area of absenteeism. An inconclusive result was obtained for the fifth output measure, efficiency rate.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted at a single organisation, which limits the generalisation of the outcomes, therefore broader research on the area is recommended.

Practical implications

The study provides evidence that the individual benefits of both functional flexibility and teamworking may be enhanced while being practised concurrently. With labour flexibility and teamwork being key factors in most modern organisations, the practical implications are much wider than the field of manufacturing.

Originality/value

Individually, the literature offers much on teamworking and flexibility but studies exploring the combined effects of these two important elements are rare, especially in the field of manufacturing. The present paper fills some of the gaps
Characterisation of rapid prototyping techniques for studies in cell behaviour
Authors: Maher P.S. , Keatch R.P. , Donnelly K.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The area of microfluidic systems has greatly enhanced the in vitro field of tissue engineering. Microfluidic systems such as microchannelled assays are now widely used for mimicking in vivo cell behaviour and studies into basic biological research. In certain cases engineered tissue cell design use 3D ordered geometrical configurations in vitro (such as microchannel assays) to reproduce native in vivo functions. The most common approach for manufacturing micro‐assays is now rapid prototyping (RP) technology. The choice of assay material is dependent on the proposed cell type and ultimately the tissue application. However, many RP technologies can be unsuitable for cell growth applications because of the construction methods and materials they employ. The purpose of this paper is to describe a comparison between two different RP 3D printing methods of fabrication and investigates the merits of each technology for direct cell culture applications using micro‐assays, while also examining the dispensing accuracy of both techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a Thermojet and Spectrum Z510 printer pre‐designed micro‐assays incorporating different size microchannels are dispensed. The base materials of both methods are examined for cytotoxic effects while in solution with primary tendon fibroblasts (PFB) cells. After obtaining favorable results from the toxicology experiments, PFB cells are seeded onto the thermojet structures with a view to investigate cell adherence, encapsulation and how the channel width influences cell alignment.

Findings

This research concluded that the thermojet had a higher degree of accuracy when manufacturing structures that incorporate microchannels when compared with the Spectrum Z510. Both techniques show that the accuracy of the build decreases with reduction in channel width. The fact that the Spectrum Z510 structures have to be infiltrated with a hardening glue as a post‐processing technique (since the dispensed material is water‐based and hence soluble) causes a cytotoxic effect compared to the thermojet plastic which is not cytotoxic in solution with PFB cells. Seeding the PBF cells directly onto the thermoplastic structure caused problems due to the hydrophobic nature of the material and this necessitated the technique of soaking the structures in a collagen bath to penetrate the surface and reduce the interactions of hydrophobic species enhancing cell attachment and proliferation. Without this coating the thermojet structures induced strong hydrophobic interactions at the surfaces of the microchannels with the culture media resulting in non‐attachment and poor cell mortality.

Originality/value

This research paper describes a comparison between the base materials and methodology of two 3D printing techniques for applications in basic biological studies. This is achieved by analysing the dispensing accuracy of both technologies and the interaction between cells and surface at the interface.
Rapid prototyping technologies in soft tissue facial prosthetics: current state of the art
Authors: Bibb Richard , Eggbeer Dominic , Evans Peter
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Maxillofacial prosthetics is faced with increasing patient numbers and cost constraints leading to the need to explore whether computer‐aided techniques can increase efficiency. This need is addressed through a four‐year research project that identified quality, economic, technological and clinical implications of the application of digital technologies in maxillofacial prosthetics. The purpose of this paper is to address the aspects of this research that related to the application of rapid prototyping (RP).

Design/methodology/approach

An action research approach is taken, utilising multiple case studies to evaluate the current capabilities of digital technologies in the preparation, design and manufacture of maxillofacial prostheses.

Findings

The research indicates where RP has demonstrated potential clinical application and where further technical developments are required. The paper provides a technical specification towards which RP manufacturers can direct developments that would meet the needs of maxillofacial prosthetists.

Originality/value

Whilst research studies have explored digital technologies in maxillofacial prosthetics, they have relied on individual studies applying a single RP technology to one particular aspect of a prosthesis. Consequently, conclusions on the wider implications have not been possible. This research explored the application of digital technologies to every aspect of the design and manufacture of a series of maxillofacial prostheses. Unlike previous research, the cases described here addressed the application of RP to the direct manufacture of substructures, retention components and texture. This research analyses prosthetic requirements to ascertain target technical specifications towards which RP processes should be developed.
The effect of processing parameters on characteristics of selective laser sintering dental glass‐ceramic powder
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhang Biao , Yan Chunze , Shi Yusheng
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report a study about the rapid prototyping method of dental glass‐ceramic restoration.

Design/methodology/approach

Dental glass‐ceramic restoration materials have excellent physical and chemical, mechanical, aesthetic and biocompatibility characteristics. However, casting methods adopted at present have complicated procedures and high costs; the forming qualities are especially difficult to control. These problems greatly restrict their clinical application and promotion. Therefore, a new forming process based on selective laser sintering (SLS) technology is proposed. First, dental glass‐ceramic is processed into fine powder through a special heat treatment process. Then, the dental restoration parts are manufactured using SLS without any moulds. In this paper, the effects of processing parameters including laser power, scan speed, scan spacing and preheating temperature on the relative density and mechanical properties of the sintered parts are studied.

Findings

The experimental results have shown that for the composite powder of epoxy resin binder E‐12 and K2O‐Al2O3‐SiO2 series of dental glass‐ceramics, when preheating temperature, layer thickness, laser power, scan speed and scan spacing are, respectively, 30∼35°C, 0.08 mm, 21 W, 1,800 mm/s and 0.10 mm/s, the relative densities of dental glass‐ceramic parts are relatively high; the mechanical properties and forming effect are excellent. The relative density and bending strength of SLS parts under the optimized processing parameters are 37.40 per cent and 2.08 MPa, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

This study only concerns the preparation and SLS of the dental glass‐ceramic powders. Further investigations are planned to be conducted on post processing, such as binder decomposition, isostatic press and high temperature sintering.

Originality/value

This study will provide a theoretical and technical basis for dental glass‐ceramic restorations of SLS.
Profile invalidation approaching rapid prototyping
Authors: Tong Yang , Shan Yao , Feng Zeng
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel rapid prototyping (RP) approach and verifying its feasibility. This alternative solution is to bring several merits from both selective laser sintering and laminated object manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

The phenolic resin coated sand is used in this method. It could be cured at an appropriate temperature and be invalidated at a higher one. Therefore, the fabrication flows from laser cutting along slice profiles to a bulk curing heating after stacking up. Finally, the workpiece may be detached out of the excess material. Experiments and modeling on laser scanning are conducted to optimize the processing parameters, which, along with the direct slicing strategy, guarantee the part performance.

Findings

A novel prototyping system is developed comprising the software package and prototyping machine, through which several specimens are fabricated. The results show the feasibility of the proposed RP method.

Originality/value

This research brings the applicability of a hybrid solution: profile invalidation RP.
Benchmarking procurement functions: causes for superior performance
Authors: Brandmeier Rupert A. , Rupp Florian
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain a better understanding between procurement strategy, organization, processes, methods and tools, human resources, supplier management, and overall procurement success.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to achieve the above‐mentioned results, a holistic benchmark with highly recognized companies is conducted. Applying a cohesive questionnaire of open and closed questions, the paper covers all relevant aspects of procurement functions. Regression analysis is used to identify significant correlations.

Findings

The benchmarking (BM) proved the following significant success factors for the overall procurement process: use of cross‐functional teams, high hierarchical positioning of the procurement function within the company, strong cooperation with other functions, training and development of the procurement personnel as well as supplier integration and continuous evaluation.

Practical implications

The paper provides the reader with sound evidence of how to improve the overall performance of procurement.

Originality/value

The analytical results of the research rely on statistical/mathematical methodology to substantiate qualitative BM results.
Dynamic benchmarking methodology for quality function deployment
Authors: Raharjo Hendry , Hin Chai Kah , Xie Min , Brombacher Aarnout C.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a methodology to integrate both the dynamics of competitors' performance and the dynamics of customer preference, along with their interaction, into a quality function deployment (QFD) analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic dynamic benchmarking methodology is proposed with an illustrative example.

Findings

The analytic hierarchy process's (AHP's) relative measurement might serve as a better way to elicit the customer's judgment over time in the QFD, not only in the importance rating part, but also in the competitive benchmarking part. It is also possible to quantitatively model the AHP priorities' change over time, and incorporate it in the QFD decision‐making process.

Research limitations/implications

It might take a certain amount of time and efforts to collect the necessary data over time. However, it might be justified considering the improved accuracy of the QFD results. It is also important that the data collection should be carried out in a specific customer segment.

Practical implications

QFD practitioners may find a more systematic method to continually evaluate the current performance, identify areas for improvement, and eventually set goals for the future.

Originality/value

There are two novel approaches used in the methodology. First, it is the use of an exponential smoothing‐based forecasting technique to model the trend of the AHP‐based importance rating values and the competitive benchmarking information. Second, it is a strength‐weakness‐opportunity‐threat‐based competitive weighting scheme, which serves as a more systematic way to substitute the traditional QFD customer competitive target setting and sales point value determination.
Internal benchmarking for assessment of supply chain performance
Authors: Soni Gunjan , Kodali Rambabu
Published: February 2010

Purpose

In global scenario, many organizations own supply chains, which operate in different countries. The performance of these supply chains, owned by the same organization must be same if they operate in countries with similar economical, political, and social conditions. In this paper, an effort has been made to propose a methodology for the internal benchmarking to reduce the variability in performance among supply chains of same focal firm. The proposed methodology of internal benchmarking for assessment of supply chain performance demonstrated through a case supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

A case of global supply chains is presented in which a focal firm owns three supply chains operating in three different countries. In order to assess and improve the performance of these supply chains relative to each other, a benchmarking methodology is proposed.

Findings

An extensive use of performance value analysis (PVA) and strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis provided good diagnosis of supply chains. This analysis can be very useful in leveraging the supply chain drivers of various supply chains belonging to same focal organization and hence bring performance of all the supply chains at the same performance level.

Originality/value

According to the authors' knowledge, there is no paper in the literature, which discusses the application of PVA and SWOT analysis for internal benchmarking in supply chain management and it is believed that it will be useful for supply chain managers to apply such tools to lead global development in their supply chains.
Benchmarking the redesign of “business process reengineering” curriculum
Authors: Jain Rashmi , Chandrasekaran Anithashree , Gunasekaran Angappa
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the application of business process reengineering (BPR) and benchmarking principles to redesign an undergraduate course on BPR to achieve continuous improvements. The principles are applied on a course on BPR in the curriculum of engineering management (EM) program at Stevens Institute of Technology. The EM program aims to provide the students the knowledge and skills, which are necessary to work effectively at the interface between technology, management, and engineering. BPR course (EM435) is recently added to EM program's curriculum to support the need for providing the bridge between the engineering of systems and business operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach design is laid out from the time the EM435 course is first offered in the fall of 2006 to the senior year EM students. The students are surveyed and areas of redesign and improvements are identified based on benchmarking against ABET criteria and their associated outcomes, student expectations, similar academic courses, and industry expectations of skills and knowledge.

Findings

The identification of the improvement areas in the BPR curriculum leads to a continuous process improvement (CPI) initiative, which has been continued in a more structured manner. Research findings indicate a strong support for more case studies, use of BPR tool, and real‐life project in their investigation of effective pedagogy for teaching BPR to engineering undergraduates.

Research limitations/implications

This paper demonstrates the value of applying benchmarking and CPI methodology in maintaining effective teaching and learning of BPR concepts. More empirical metrics can be developed in future to measure the success of course, improvements.

Practical implications

The findings of this research will promote adoption of courses on BPR and lay a foundation for BPR curriculum in engineering. The CPI approach will provide opportunities to analyze improvements over a period of time.

Originality/value

This paper is unique in its application of benchmarking and CPI for improving BPR curriculum at an undergraduate engineering level.
Best practices for the effectiveness of benchmarking in the Indonesian manufacturing companies
Authors: Asrofah Tutie , Zailani Suhaiza , Fernando Yudi
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine best practices that contribute to the effectiveness of benchmarking in Indonesian manufacturing industries.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 250 questionnaires are distributed to representatives of the Badan Pengelola Industri Strategis (BPIS) registered companies, specifically to the quality managers or production managers that are involved in the benchmarking process in companies.

Findings

In total, 155 responded to the questionnaire; that gives a response rate of 51.67 percent. Analysis of the data has shown that some benchmarking practices, e.g. the manufacturing process, and organizational and environmental factors do significantly influence the effectiveness of benchmarking.

Research limitations/implications

Further study needs to be undertaken to identify other best practices of benchmarking. A further limitation of the study is that the survey items are based on the literature review.

Practical implications

A government body such as a benchmarking department (BPIS) can therefore focus on these factors for further development of benchmarking. BPIS Indonesia can organize more training and seminars for smaller manufacturing companies. From an organizational point of view, attention should be given to improving compatibility, employee innovativeness, and government intervention so that the best practices of benchmarking can be used proactively as a strategic tool.

Originality/value

From the findings of this paper, in order for the benchmarking process to be successful, an organization needs these general requirements: top management commitment and support: a solid understanding of the manufacturing operations and requirements for improvement: willingness to share information with benchmarking partners; and dedication to ongoing benchmarking efforts.