bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decision-making criteria in tactical make-or-buy issues: an empirical analysis
Authors: Moschuris Socrates John 
Published: May 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to seek to contribute to the assessment of the impact of a number of decision-making criteria in resolving tactical make-or-buy issues in enterprises operating in Greece. Moreover, it sheds light on the relationship between the impact of each criterion and a number of independent variables.

Design/methodology/approach
– Initially, depth interviews were made with purchasing managers in ten industrial firms operating in Greece. The findings of these interviews and the review of the pertinent literature provided the basis for the questionnaire design. Then, a copy of the questionnaire and a prepaid self-addressed return envelope were mailed to a stratified sample of 300 industrial firms operating in Greece. By the end of this process, 85 questionnaires were received, representing a 28.3 percent response rate.

Findings
– Cost and quality appear to be the criteria with the most impact, which indicates that companies usually resolve tactical make-or-buy issues in order to achieve short-term cost savings or operational advantage. The emphasis placed upon the other criteria tends to vary with the situation under which the particular make-or-buy issue is resolved.

Originality/value
– It develops a more precise assessment of the impact of each make-or-buy decision-making criterion and investigates the relationship between this impact and a number of independent variables.
Numerical study of the rounded corners effect on flow past a square cylinder
Authors: Miran Sajjad , Sohn Chang Hyun 
Published: May 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to numerically investigate the influence of corner radius on flow past a square cylinder at a Reynolds number 500.

Design/methodology/approach
– Six models were studied, for R/D=0 (square cylinder), 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 (circular cylinder), where R is the corner radius and D is the characteristic dimension of the body. The transient two-dimensional (2D) laminar and large eddy simulations (LES) models were employed using finite volume code. The Strouhal number, mean drag coefficient (CD), and root mean square (RMS) value of lift coefficient (CL,RMS), for different R/D values, were computed and compared with experimental and other numerical results.

Findings
– The computational results showed good agreement with previously published results for a Reynolds number, Re=500. It was found that the corner effect on a square cylinder greatly influences the flow characteristics around the cylinder. Results indicate that, as the corner radius ratio, R/D, increases, the Strouhal number increases rapidly for R/D=0-0.2, and then gradually rises between R/D=0.2 and 0.5. The minimum values of the mean drag coefficient and the RMS value of lift coefficient were found around R/D=0.2, which is verified by the time averaged streamwise velocity deficit profile.

Originality/value
– On the basis of the numerical results, it is concluded that rounded corners on a square cylinder are useful in reducing the drag and lift forces generated behind a cylinder. Finally, it is suggested that with a rounded corner ratio of around R/D=0.2, the drag and oscillation of the cylinder can be greatly reduced, as compared to circular and square cylinders.
Estimation of form deviation and the associated uncertainty in coordinate metrology
Authors: Jalid Abdelilah , Hariri Said , Senelaer Jean Paul 
Published: May 2015

Purpose
– The uncertainty evaluation for coordinate measuring machine metrology is problematic due to the diversity of the parameters that can influence the measurement result. From discrete coordinate data taken on curve (or surface) the software of these machines proceeds to an identification of the measured feature, the parameters of the substitute feature serve in the phase of calculation to estimate the form error of form, and the decisions made based on the result measurement may be outliers when the uncertainty associated to the measurement result is not taken into account. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– The authors relied on the orthogonal distance regression (ODR) algorithm to estimate the parameters of the substitute geometrical elements and their uncertainties. The solution of the problem is resolved by an iterative calculation according to the Levenberg Marquard optimization method. The authors have also presented in this paper the propagation model of uncertainties to the circularity error. This model is based on the law of propagation of the uncertainties defined in the GUM.

Findings
– This work proposes a model based on ODR to estimates parameters of the substitute geometrical elements and their uncertainties. This contribution allows us to estimate the uncertaintof the form error by applying the law of propagation of uncertainties. An example of calculating the circularity error and the associated uncertainty is explained. This method can be applied to others geometry type: line, plan, sphere, cylinder and cone.

Practical implications
– This work interested manufacturing firms by allowing them: to meet the normative, which requires that each measurement must be accompanied by its uncertainty-in conformity assessment, the decision-making must take account of this uncertainty to avoid the aberrant decisions. Informing the operators on the capability of their measurement process

Originality/value
– This work proposes a model based on ODR to estimates parameters of the substitute geometrical elements and its uncertainties. without the hypothesis of small displacements torsor, this method integrates the uncertainty on the coordinates of points and can be applied in any reference placemark. This contribution allows us also to estimate the uncertainty of the form error by applying the law of propagation of uncertainties.
Statistical tolerance design to minimize dual-responses of APFA height deviations with tolerance cost-quality loss model
Authors: Chattinnawat Wichai 
Published: May 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to apply the statistical tolerancing technique to analyze the dual responses of APFA arm height deviation with respect to next stage of disk assembly process and simultaneously optimize and allocate the required tolerance of the responses onto its components at minimum cost of manufacturing and the quality loss.Design/methodology/approach– The relationships between the dual responses of APFA heights and the geometric dimensions and tolerances of APFA components, and orientation of the assembled part with respect to disk assembly were first defined. The effects of the APFA orientation, and the component tolerances on the distributions and variations of the responses were derived and investigated in terms of resultant product/process performance, quality loss, and the cost of assembly. The tolerance cost-based objective function is then formulated as the combined manufacturing/assembly cost and the quality loss. Direct search method was used to find the best feasible tolerance solutions satisfying the required product performance at minimum cost.Findings– The constructed relationship or transfer functions of the dual responses were probabilistic depending on the orientation of part with respect to the next assembly process. The Monte Carlo simulation is empirically suitable for the computation of the conditional distributions of the responses against the first-order linear approximation of component variances. The proposed solution of tolerance control plan increases the product performances,Cpm, from 0.6 to be at least 1. The proposed tolerance allocation plans will reduce the amount of rework currently as high as 5 percent to at most 0.01 percent with minimally increased assembly cost.Practical implications– This proposed methodology to design and allocate component tolerances is suitable and applicable to the APFA assembly process. The derived assembly functions of probabilistic type relating the responses to the process and component characteristics can represent the actual dynamic of assembled part better than a traditional single deterministic function developed under static concept. This presented methodology can be applied to other assembly cases where quality characteristic depends on the part dynamic.Originality/value– This research simultaneously optimized the dual APFA height deviation responses with minimum cost of tolerance and quality loss using two different conditional distributions and transfer functions of the resultant deviations generated from dynamic of APFA with respect to disk.
An assessment of service quality and resulting customer satisfaction in Pakistan International Airlines
Authors: Ali Faizan , Dey Bidit Lal , Filieri Raffaele 
Published: May 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to assess foreigners and overseas Pakistanis’ evaluation of the quality of the services provided by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and its effect on customer satisfaction.Design/methodology/approach– A convenience sample of 498 respondents was used to test the hypotheses of the study through structural equation modelling.Findings– The results of this study indicate that all of the hypotheses are supported and customer satisfaction of PIA customers is influenced by all of the five service quality dimensions (AIRQUAL), including airline tangibles, terminal tangibles, personnel, empathy, and image.Research limitations/implications– This research examines the relationship between service quality dimensions and customer satisfaction. The study focuses on the evaluation of overseas Pakistanis and foreigners regarding the service quality of PIA. The main limitation of this study is that it focuses on PIA: thus, the results cannot be generalised.Practical implications– The results indicate that managers should focus on different dimensions of airline service quality in order to enhance customer satisfaction.Originality/value– This study would enable PIA to have a better understanding of the effects of service quality, which will lead to passengers’ satisfaction and encourage the development of long-term relationships with their customers.
Managing storeroom operations using cluster-based preventative maintenance
Authors: Abdelhadi Abdelhakim , Alwan Layth C. , Yue Xiaohang 
Published: May 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact on the cost of materials used to conduct preventive maintenance (PM). The main motivation for this work is to demonstrate how the group technology concept can be used to improve PM operations. In assessing improvement, the impact on the cost of materials used to conduct PM is investigated.Design/methodology/approach– Based on the similarities between machines required maintenance and failure types, machines are grouped together into virtual cells using similarity coefficients. These cells, then, are used to come up with more efficient planning and scheduling procedures to conduct PM operations including inventory of parts and the execution of maintenance operations.Findings– The results demonstrated that the proposed PM approach could provide a significant cost savings over a traditional PM program, especially in industries for which there is considerable material cost for the performance of PM.Originality/value– The results presented in this paper are reliable, objective, and may be expanded by using the same concept of developing virtual cells to group other types manufacturing operations.
A nearly optimal inspection policy for a two-component series system
Authors: Maaroufi Ghofrane , Chelbi Anis , Rezg Nidhal , Daoud Ait-Kadi 
Published: May 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to determine a nearly optimal inspection sequence for a series system consisting of two components subject to gradual deterioration and whose failures are not self-announcing and can be detected only through inspection.

Design/methodology/approach
– The problem is tackled in the context of condition-based maintenance (CBM) with a maintenance model in the class of the control-limit policies for which the maintenance decision is made following inspection by comparison of the deterioration level to critical thresholds. A mathematical model is developed to express the total expected cost per time unit as a function of the inspection instants.

Findings
– For any given series system composed of two components with known critical deterioration threshold levels, and for any given set of costs related to inspection, inactivity due to failure, and preventive and corrective replacements of each component, a nearly optimal inspection sequence of the system is derived such as the total expected cost is reduced.

Research limitations/implications
– Due to the complexity of the cost model with the inspection instants (×1, ×2, ×3, …) being the decision variables, it has not been possible to derive the optimal solution. A quasi-optimal sequence of inspection times is derived along with the corresponding total average cost per time unit.

Practical implications
– In many practical situations in which CBM is implemented, a tradeoff between inspection costs and inactivity and replacement costs has to be balanced when determining the intervals between successive inspections at which the degradation level of the components should be assessed and compared to predetermined critical threshold levels. Inspecting too often would increase inspection costs but in the same time it would also increase the probability to avoid a failure and end up with a preventive replacement, whereas not inspecting often enough would increase the probability to end up with a failure increasing replacement and inactivity costs.

Originality/value
– While the inspection problem has been largely treated for single component systems, inspection policies become much more complex when considering multi-component systems. A two-component series system is considered in this paper.
Multiple balances in workplace dialogue: experiences of an intervention in health care
Authors: Grill Christina , Ahlborg Jr Gunnar , Wikström Ewa , Lindgren Eva-Carin 
Published: May 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to illuminate and analyse the participants’ experiences of the influences of a dialogue intervention. Cooperation and coordination in health care require planning of dialogically oriented communication to prevent stress and ill health and to promote health, well-being, learning and efficiency in the organisation.Design/methodology/approach– An intervention method based on dialogue theory, with Socratic provocations and concrete workplace examples enhanced authenticity of conversations. A qualitative study, using qualitative content analysis, entailed interviews with 24 nurses, assistant nurses and paramedics, strategically selected from 156 intervention participants.Findings– Two themes emerged, dialogue-learning processes and dialogue-promoting communicative actions. The first includes risk-taking to overcome resistance and fear of dialogue, expressing openly thoughts and feelings on concrete issues and taboo subjects, listening to and reflecting on one’s own and others’ perspectives and problematising norms and values. The second comprises voicing opinions, and regarding one’s own limits; requesting support and room for manoeuvre; and restraining negative emotions and comments in the interest of well-being. Findings depict strengthened awareness and readiness regarding dialogue and multiple balancing of dialogue at work.Research limitations/implications– This study implies further observing and examining of communicative patterns during workplace dialogue.Practical implications– A useful approach to communication development for occupational health and personnel in health care and other workplace contexts.Originality/value– Previously, arenas have been created for dialogue, but close-process studies of dialogue in health-care work are scarce. This study provides insights into how workplace communication can develop towards dialogue.
Differential antioxidative and hypocholesterolemic responses to two fish protein hydrolysates (Sardina pilchardus and Boops boops) in cholesterol-fed rats
Authors: Benomar Souhila , Yahia Sanaa , Dehiba Faiza , Guillen Natalia , Rodriguez-Yoldi Maria Jesús , Osada Jesús , Boualga Ahmed 
Published: May 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic activities of sardine and bogue protein hydrolysates in cholesterol-fed rats.Design/methodology/approach– In total, 18 male Wistar rats (220 ± 10 g) fed 20 per cent casein, 1 per cent cholesterol and 0.5 per cent cholic acid were divided into three groups and received a daily gavage of 250 mg of sardine (SPH) or bogue (BPH) protein hydrolysates for 30 days. The third group, named control group (CG), received in the same conditions water. Lipoproteins were fractionated by size-exclusion fast protein liquid chromatography, and serum lipids, apolipoproteins and lipoproteins were assayed.Findings– In SPH and BPH groups, serum total cholesterol concentrations were −66 per cent lower than in CG. This corresponded to the decreased very low-density lipoprotein-C in the former groups. Moreover, BPH treatment reduced low-density lipoprotein-C compared with CG and SPH groups. Compared with CG, serum phospholipids were reduced by SPH and BPH. Furthermore, BPH increased significantly APOA4 and sphingomyelin but lowered phosphatidylcholine. In the latter group, serum lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase activity was +23 per cent higher, but with SPH, this activity was −35 per cent reduced compared with CG. Apolipoprotein A-I contents were similar in the three groups. Compared with CG, hydroperoxide and lipid peroxidation contents in serum and lipoprotein fractions were reduced by SPH and BPH. Compared with CG, serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were increased in the treated groups, particularly in the BPH group.Originality/value– These results suggest that sardine protein hydrolysates and particularly those of bogue could be a very useful natural compound to prevent hypercholesterolemia by both improving the lipid profile and modulating oxidative stress in cholesterol-fed rats.
Destination unknown: Duncan Aviation in a global economy
Authors: Sebora Terrence C. , Ibrayeva Elina 
Published: May 2015

Synopsis
This case followed Todd Duncan, Chairman of Duncan Aviation, as he considered which international locations Europe, Latin America, or Asia were most important in positioning Duncan to benefit from continued internationalization of the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) industry. The company had the option to hire Regional Managers to actively manage these areas, recruiting new customers and building relationships with existing ones. The case provides students with an opportunity to identify the core competencies of a company, and to recognize ways in which employee engagement contributes to Duncan's core competencies. Optionally, the case may be used to introduce students to Dunning's eclectic paradigm.

Research methodology
The research for this case was obtained from a combination of primary research, secondary research, and personal experiences. One of the research assistants for this case was employed at the company for over two years, and reflections thus obtained, supported with supplementary research, enriched and deepened the paper. Duncan's Debrief magazine and news releases were important secondary sources, in addition to industry web sites, industry journal articles, reference books, and newspaper articles.

Relevant courses and levels
This case is intended to be taught in undergraduate international business or marketing courses.

Theoretical bases
This case is an illustration of the complexity, and strategic importance, of considering whether, and how, to build customer relationships outside the firm's home country. Such decisions confront many companies facing increasingly global industry environments. The eclectic paradigm, developed by John Dunning, explains why companies expand and participate in international markets.
Hyatt's housekeeper debacle
Authors: Landau Jacqueline 
Published: May 2015

Case description
This case describes what happened when three Boston area hotels, the Hyatt Regency Boston, the Hyatt Regency Cambridge, and the Hyatt Harborside, decided, during the 2009 recession, to layoff all their housekeepers and replace them with employees from an outsourcing company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The action created a public relations nightmare for the company. In 2009 many other organizations had implemented layoffs with little reaction from the public. Students are asked to think about why the Hyatt Hotels had been singled out. Was the main problem their decision, or the communication and implementation of their decision, and what could they have done differently?
Forest disturbance accelerates thermophilization of understory plant communities
Authors: Stevens Jens T. , Safford Hugh D. , Harrison Susan , Latimer Andrew M. 
Published: May 2015

Summary

Climate change is likely to shift plant communities towards species from warmer regions, a process termed ‘thermophilization’. In forests, canopy disturbances such as fire may hasten this process by increasing temperature and moisture stress in the understory, yet little is known about the mechanisms that might drive such shifts, or the consequences of these processes for plant diversity.

We sampled understory vegetation across a gradient of disturbance severity from a large‐scale natural experiment created by the factorial combination of forest thinning and wildfire in California. Using information on evolutionary history and functional traits, we tested the hypothesis that disturbance severity should increase community dominance by species with southern‐xeric biogeographic affinities. We also analysed how climatic productivity mediates the effect of disturbance severity, and quantified the functional trait response to disturbance, to investigate potential mechanisms behind thermophilization.

The proportion of north‐temperate flora decreased, while the proportion of southern‐xeric flora increased, with greater disturbance severity and less canopy closure. Disturbance caused a greater reduction of north‐temperate flora in productive (wetter) forests, while functional trait analyses suggested that species colonizing after severe disturbance may be adapted to increased water stress. Forests with intermediate disturbance severity, where abundances of northern and southern species were most equitable, had the highest stand‐scale understory diversity.

Synthesis. Canopy disturbance is likely to accelerate plant community shifts towards species from warmer regions, via its effects on understory microclimate at small scales. Understory diversity can be enhanced by intermediate disturbance regimes that promote the coexistence of species with different biogeographic affinities.