bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production control of hybrid repair and remanufacturing systems under general conditions
Authors: Pellerin Robert , Gharbi Ali 
Published: October 2009

PurposeIt is assumed that the production system responds to planned demand at the end of the expected life of each individual piece of equipment and unplanned demand triggered by equipment failures. The difficulty of controlling this type of production system resides in the variable nature of the remanufacturing process. In practice, remanufacturing operations for planned demand can be executed at different rates, referring to different component replacement and repair strategies. A sub‐optimal control policy in which inventory thresholds trigger the use of different execution modes has been formulated in previous research to address this problem when unplanned demands are processed under an exponential time distribution. The aim of this study is to extend this control policy to more realistic unplanned demand arrival and processing times distributions.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed approach is based on a combination of analytical modeling, simulation experimentation and regression analysis. The model was validated by comparing the obtained simulation results with those obtained under an exponential processing time distribution.FindingsThe results demonstrate that the structure of optimal control can be approximated by the sub‐optimal multiple hedging point policy with non‐significant cost variations.Practical implicationsThe simulation results demonstrate that hedging point control policies could be applicable to a wide variety of complex remanufacturing problems in which analytical solutions are not easily obtained.Originality/valueThe paper extends the concept of hedging point policy to the control of real‐word repair and remanufacturing operations. Once calculated, the sub‐optimal policy parameters can be simply implemented by practitioners through the definition of stock‐level parameters.
Optimization of imperfect maintenance based on fuzzy logic for a single‐stage single‐product production system
Authors: Hennequin Sophie , Arango Gabriel , Rezg Nidhal 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to propose an approach for the optimization of imperfect preventive maintenance and corrective actions performed on a single machine. After maintenance, the machine returns to an age between “as good as new” and “as bad as old”.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is based on fuzzy logic and simulation‐based optimization. Fuzzy logic is preferred over crisp logic because it is relatively easy to implement in this situation considering that the human factor is hardly interpreted by analytical methods because of its unpredictable nature. Simulation‐based optimization is used to have a more reactive and accurate tool for practitioners.FindingsTaking into account the impact of the imperfections due to human factors, the period for preventive maintenance, which minimizes the expected cost rate per unit of time or maximizes the availability of the system, is evaluated by the simulation‐based optimization.Research limitations/implicationsDifferent and more realistic maintenance levels must be considered and the traceability of a specific system could be used to determine the most appropriate failure law. For this study, cost reduction was considered as the priority, but the model can be adjusted according to the user's preferences.Practical implicationsThis paper considers a single repairable machine as a system that undergoes periodic preventive and corrective maintenance actions. Considering maintenance imperfections, rule‐based fuzzy logic can be integrated into the maintenance program to determine the times for the periodic preventive maintenance actions.Originality/valueConsidering human factors in maintenance programs is indispensable to assure more accurate and realistic results. However, due to the difficulty engendered by their modeling, most theoretical maintenance models do not consider these factors. Therefore, the proposed fuzzy model in the paper can be an important tool to include them.
Accuracy of medical RP models
Authors: Mallepree Timon , Bergers Diethard 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to generate facsimiled rapid prototyping (RP) models for medical analysis that demands an answer about the accuracy of medical models.Design/methodology/approachThe RP technology for anatomical biomodeling is the accurate RP procedure of milling and joining, a method that is used to produce high accurate functional prototypes. To fabricate medical prototypes with RP, there is a need to get appropriate data information. Along that process, image data will be taken by computer‐tomography (CT) images as data basis. The key process is to generate a digital three‐dimensional (3D) model that represents the original object as best as possible. To be able to make a statement about the accuracy of such a model the necessary parameters run along a CT scan are of interest.FindingsA case study using a generated test model is presented in order to show the process accuracy in relation to the chosen scan parameters. The quality of editing CT images for a 3D‐reconstruction as a necessary pre‐process for RP is, to an important degree, based on the used scan parameters.Originality/valueThis paper represents a cutting‐edge analysis that gives answers about the constrictive accuracy that is achievable for medical RP models.
A detection and control method of resin liquid‐level of stereolithography apparatus
Authors: Wang Yiqing , Zhao Wanhua , Ding Yucheng , He Zhongyun , Lu Bingheng 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to detect and control the liquid‐level of stereolithography apparatus precisely.Design/methodology/approachA brightness‐variable laser source is adopted to remove the computational error of divider and a closed‐loop circuit is set to measure the terminal voltage directly proportional to the output current of photosensitive devices. It employs a sinking‐block device to control the liquid‐level.FindingsThe precise calibration result of this detecting device indicates that the resolution of the liquid‐level detection can reach ±1.5 μm.Originality/valueThis sinking‐block style liquid‐level control device can allow for the liquid‐level wave reduced from ±45 to ±15 μm.
Preparation and selective laser sintering of nylon‐coated metal powders for the indirect SLS process
Authors: Yan C.Z. , Shi Y.S. , Yang J.S. , Liu J.H. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report a new method, the dissolution‐precipitation process, to prepare nylon‐coated metal powders for the indirect selective laser sintering (SLS) process.Design/methodology/approachThe nylon‐12 coated carbon steel powders were prepared by the dissolution‐precipitation process. The powder characteristics are examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and laser diffraction particle size analysis. The effect of the applied laser energy density on the three‐point bend strength and dimensional accuracy of the SLS specimens are studied. The influence of nylon‐12 content on the bend strength are also investigated.FindingsThe SEM and laser diffraction particle size analysis results indicate that the steel particles are well coated by nylon‐12 resin. The bend strength of the SLS specimens increases with increasing the applied energy density until it reaches a maximum value, and then further increasing energy density will cause the decrease in the bend strength. The bend strength of the SLS specimens increases with increasing the nylon‐12 content over the investigated range. The dimensional errors in the X‐Y‐and Z‐directions are all increased with the increase in energy density.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper only concerns the preparation and SLS of the coated powders. Further investigations are planned into post‐processing, such as binder decomposition and high‐temperature sintering, of the green parts made from the coated powders.Originality/valueThis paper provides a useful method for preparing nylon‐coated metal powders for making metal parts by the indirect SLS process.
Geometric conformity analysis for automated fabrication processes generating ruled surfaces: demonstration for contour crafting
Authors: Yeh Zhenghao , Khoshnevis Behrokh 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an introduction to geometric conformity principles for examining the geometric deviation between the desired (designed) and the fabricated surfaces which may be generated by a class of surface ruling fabrication processes such as flank milling, wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM), and contour crafting (CC).Design/methodology/approachIn general, it is computationally challenging to calculate error approximation based on points. This paper proposes methods that efficiently calculate error approximation based on curve, surface area, and volume.FindingsThis paper derives the equations for calculating the ruled surface areas and the volume of 3D slices in 3D object models. One may use the difference of surface areas or volumes to determine the extent of the global conformity of the ruled surfaces. Additionally, local conformity analysis through calculating curve deviation has been introduced to improve the reliability of the global conformity analysis.Research limitations/implicationsThe research results apply only to fabrication processes that generate ruled surfaces. There are, however, numerous applications in which ruled surfaces are generated, such as WEDM, any numerical control machining which uses cylindrical or conical cutting bits, and CC.Practical implicationsThe research results presented will be applicable to fabrication processes such as flank milling, WEDM, and CC.Originality/valueAll developments presented are original. Also, CC, which is a candidate process for the developments presented in the paper, has been invented and developed by the authors.
Psychological ownership and franchise growth
Authors: Hou Sheng‐Tsung , Hsu Mu‐Yen , Wu Se‐Hwa 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe primary purpose of this paper is to verify the importance of psychological ownership in the organisational context of a franchise by testing predicted relationships concerning feelings of ownership towards branding, legal ownership of complementary assets, organisational commitment, and a willingness on the part of franchisees to diffuse a franchise brand to peers.Design/methodology/approachEvidence is presented from an empirical study on the largest taxi franchise fleet in Taiwan. Two formal questionnaires/surveys were conducted in May 2005 and September 2005, from which data were collected from 147 franchisees. Regression analysis is employed to test seven hypotheses.FindingsThe empirical results demonstrate that analysing the psychological ownership of a franchise brand from two dimensions (i.e. the degree of psychological ownership and the self‐centred propensity towards psychological ownership) sees an increase in explained variance in organisational commitment and brand diffusion in the context of the franchise organisation. It also illustrates that both dimensions of psychological ownership are negatively affected by the ownership of the non‐brand‐specified complementary assets owned by a franchisee.Research limitations/implicationsThe majority of previous research has investigated the phenomenon of franchising from the perspective of the agency theory or of resource scarcity; and has focused on the franchisor's concerns. A major implication of this study indicates that these perspectives, while essential, are insufficient in explaining the growth through franchising strategies. Researchers need to consider how to integrate asset ownership (or property rights) and affect elements in order to influence a franchisee's cognition and behaviour entrepreneurially. A limitation of this study is that it is conducted within the respective boundaries of cultural, professional, and industrial factors.Practical implicationsThis study indicates that entrepreneurs can achieve better brand diffusion effects for franchise growth if they engage in merging the structures of asset ownership and psychological ownership.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to examine the psychological ownership of branding within the setting of a franchise organisation and highlights the importance of a sense of ownership in entrepreneurship.
Strategic renewal within an information technology firm
Authors: Huang Yi‐Fen 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of the effects of existing capabilities, by exploration and exploitation, on the choice between internal corporate venturing and external corporate venturing.Design/methodology/approachData from 259 Taiwanese firms in the information technology (IT) sector are collected. The study period is four years: 2003 to 2006. Information on corporate financial data and new ventures from the Taiwan Economic Journal (TEJ) database are collected, as well as patent information from the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO). Poisson regression is used to test the hypotheses.FindingsThere exists a positive relationship between a firm's existing capabilities and corporate venturing activities. The findings indicate that exploration is a better predictor of internal corporate venturing, while exploitation is better at predicting external corporate venturing.Research limitations/implicationsEmpirical results are derived from a sampling of information technology firms in Taiwan thus raising issues about their generalizability to other empirical contexts.Practical implicationsThat internal and external corporate venturing could be complementary is clarified; meaning that each could contribute to a particular type of strategic renewal. For firms that engaged much more in exploration, internal corporate venturing is a better for growth than external corporate venturing; it can leverage existing technologies and keep valuable breakthrough technologies in‐house. In contrast, for firms that focus much more on exploitation, learning externally is a better renewal strategy than venturing internally; it can access and integrate resources trans‐organizationally to create novelty that may serve as avenues for further growth.Originality/valueThis is the first study that compares the effects of exploration and exploitation with regard to the decision to engage in internal or external corporate venturing.
Sense‐making and recipes: examples from selected small firms
Authors: Sharifi Sudi , Zhang Michael 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the processes of knowing and sense‐making in small client‐based firms.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a qualitative approach to the case studies of two small firms in the public relations sector located in the North West of England. The paper also assumes that the firms are “activity systems” and thus draws on the “activity theory” as a framework for conducting the empirical study.FindingsThe data and analysis highlight the firms' ability to survive, grow and innovate, drawing on knowing and sense‐making recipes shaped mainly by the extent and nature of the managers' networks and “significant others” including policy makers, customers, suppliers and competitors.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is based on two case studies. Although in‐depth analysis is achieved through narratives of rich data, it cannot be generalised across firms. Increasing the number of cases will certainly add validity for pattern recognition and this is the future direction of research.Practical implicationsManagerial knowledge and experience gained from past events and incidents are important inputs of decision making. The paper argues that managers naturally draw on their “intuition” in their enactment of events. Such intuitions and judgments are complemented by intended courses of action. It is reflection on such incidences that realises the experiences. Reflective and reflexive attempts provide valuable learning moments for managers and organisations.Originality/valueThe paper notes that there is a limited account and understanding of the processes of knowing and sense‐making in SMEs. It therefore offers a framework for illustrating the dynamic interactions between managers' enacting, knowing and the development of sense‐making recipes. It is an attempt to contribute to the understanding of “knowing” in SMEs.
Developing an identity fraud measurement model: a factor analysis approach
Authors: Miri‐Lavassani Kayvan , Kumar Vinod , Movahedi Bahar , Kumar Uma 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThough many studies and reports have been published about the scale of identity fraud (IDF), no work has been done on developing models to measure IDF. The purpose of this paper is to propose a measurement model for IDF and test the validity of that measurement model.Design/methodology/approachAfter providing a background on the concepts of IDF, the paper discusses the related term, identity theft. Next, a measurement model is developed, based on the current practice of measurement of IDF in four countries. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) is used in identifying the indicators and factors of IDF. After the EFA is conducted, confirmatory factor analysis is employed to test the validity of the measurement model. These tests are conducted using the data collected from Canadian financial institutions.FindingsThe review of the current empirical studies suggests that IDF should be assessed using a measurement model with 33 indicators to measure five factors of IDF. However, the analysis of Canadian financial institutions suggests that a measurement model that includes 27 indicators and four factors is most appropriate for the data.Research limitations/implicationsThe measurement model developed in the present paper is based on an examination of a sample of financial institutions in Canada. Hence, the results of this paper cannot be generalized to organizations in other sectors of the economy. Further studies in other sectors of the economy are required to identify industry‐specific measurement model.Practical implicationsThis paper is the first approach toward developing a model for measuring IDF.Originality/valueThis paper is the first study that attempts to scientifically identify and validate a measurement system in the area of IDF.
Control of insurance fraud in Nigeria: an exploratory study (case study)
Authors: Olalekan Yusuf Tajudeen , Rasheed Babalola Abdur 
Published: October 2009

PurposeInsurance fraud as a global economic problem threatens the financial strength of insurers and threatens the survival of the insurance institution. The purpose of this paper is to explore the magnitude of the problem including the industry's and regulatory authority's responses in tackling the menace in Nigeria. The paper is motivated by the recent effort on the part of the Nigerian regulatory authority to strengthen the sector through consolidation. Such renewed vigour on part of Nigeria is geared towards fighting all forms of economic crimes in both public and private sectors in post‐military years.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the literature on the existing fraud control mechanisms, i.e. insurance contract design and auditing and the perception of fraud by customers in the insurance market. A survey is conducted by interview method to explore the size of the problem and the effectiveness of the approach the industry and its regulator are adopting to control it.FindingsThe paper's findings suggest a lukewarm or no serious attitude on the part of the regulatory authority and the insurance companies in appreciating the enormity of the problem now and in the future. This stems from lack of clear‐cut sanctions for offenders and mechanism for enforcement.Originality/valueThe paper reveals the paucity of research of such a topical issue in developing economies and suggests the need for urgent stakeholders' summit that will discuss effects of insurance fraud on the industry with a view to identifying specific roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder group in tackling the problem. This should also be complimented with the establishment of insurance fraud bureau that would promote public awareness campaign on the evil effect of fraud on the economy.
Perspectives on financial crimes in Roman‐Dutch law
Authors: Henning Johan 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identity the prevalence and kinds of financial crime in seventeenth and eighteenth century Roman‐Dutch law.Design/methodology/approachThe object is achieved by a legal and historical analysis of the available legal sources especially of the main Roman‐Dutch and other institutional authorities.FindingsIt is found that the general crime of falsity in Roman‐Dutch law had a much greater ambit than the present‐day fraud and had it survived, would have been very valuable to combat present‐day financial crime more effectively.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research on other Roman‐Dutch sources on falsity.Originality/valueThe paper shows there is much to learn from legal history in that the recognition of a general crime of falsity will very valuable to combat present‐day financial crime much more effectively. Of value to everybody engaged in the battle against financial crime.
Order lead‐time of grocery retailers in the UK and Greek markets
Authors: Menachof David A. , Bourlakis Michael A. , Makios Thrasyvoulos 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report the results of a comparative study of order lead times for firms operating in the UK and Greek food retail markets with the UK one being regarded at the forefront in terms of logistics efficiency.Design/methodology/approachThe main research instrument is a survey of managers employed by the major food multiple retailers operating in the UK and Greece. Statistical analysis is employed to illustrate the variances and differences between these retailers.FindingsThe study illustrates that total lead‐time is longer than the sum of the components. This implies that there are non‐value‐added time delays that are occurring between the components and there is still room for improvement. It is also shown that any differences in lead‐time between Greek and UK grocery retailers have been effectively eliminated as the entrance of retail multinationals in Greece has forced domestic retailers to improve their logistics systems.Originality/valueThere is a scarcity of papers in the logistics field that cross‐examines the logistics performance of national grocery supply chains. This is addressed via the current paper that reports the results of a comparative study of order lead times for firms operating in two European food retail markets, the UK and Greece. The paper will be beneficial to the strategic thinking of retail logistics managers and will support further empirical research work in that academic field of study.