bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microscale metal additive manufacturing of multi‐component medical devices
Authors: Cohen Adam , Chen Richard , Frodis Uri , Wu Ming‐Ting , Folk Chris 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to familiarize the reader with the capabilities of EFAB technology, a unique additive manufacturing process which yields fully assembled, functional mechanisms from metal on the micro to millimeter scale, and applications in medical devices.Design/methodology/approachThe process is based on multi‐layer electrodeposition and planarization of at least two metals: one structural and one sacrificial. After a period of initial commercial development, it was scaled up from a prototyping‐only to a production process, and biocompatible metals were developed for medical applications.FindingsThe process yields complex, functional metal micro‐components and mechanisms with tight tolerances from biocompatible metals, in low‐high production volume.Practical implicationsThe process described has multiple commercial applications, including minimally invasive medical instruments and implants, probes for semiconductor testing, military fuzing and inertial sensing devices, millimeter wave components, and microfluidic devices.Originality/valueThe process described in this paper is unusual among additive fabrication processes in being able to manufacture in high volume, and in its ability to produce devices with microscale features. It is one of only a few additive manufacturing processes that can produce metal parts or multi‐component mechanisms.
Advanced process planning for subtractive rapid prototyping
Authors: Petrzelka Joseph E. , Frank Matthew C. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeSubtractive rapid prototyping (SRP) uses layer‐based removal from a plurality of orientations in order to create geometry in a highly automated manner. However, unlike additive means, the method can be inefficient due to redundant cutting operations on previously machined regions. The purpose of this paper is to present process planning methods for SRP, specifically dealing with stock material management in multiple setup operations.Design/methodology/approachAnalysis of remaining stock material was performed by considering slices of respective stereolithography (STL) models. Further, an initial approximation was made of accessibility to enable iterative visibility analysis. The combination of these approaches led to efficient and fast algorithms. After analysis, the slices could be converted back to useful STL models through polyhedral reconstruction.FindingsThis method of approximation yields results similar to exact geometry. Using remaining stock data from this approach leads to a significant reduction in tool path length and processing time in SRP.Originality/valueThis paper presents novel methods of geometric representation and inaccessible volume calculation for four‐axis layer‐based machining and shows a successful implementation in an SRP system.
PPPs in road renovation and maintenance: a case study of the East Coast Road project
Authors: Rajan A. Thillai , Siddharth R. , Mukund S.P. 
Published: April 2010

PurposePublic‐private partnerships (PPPs) are being frequently used today to private sector investment in road projects. Most of the road PPP projects are either for new roads or for those that involve significant expansion of existing capacity. There are limited instances of PPPs for renovating and maintenance of existing roads. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the applicability of using PPPs for road renovation and maintenance projects.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a case‐study approach since it is an appropriate strategy to investigate a phenomenon within its real life context. The East Coast Road project was chosen for the study because it was the first project in India to use PPP for road renovation and maintenance, and being the first project of its kind, the case was of general public interest.FindingsThe paper indicates that risk levels in Rehabilitate, Improve, Maintain, Operate and Transfer (RIMOT) projects are lower than Greenfield BOT projects. Even in areas like renovation and maintenance, PPP structures can bring many advantages over traditional procurement.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper has the limitations attributable to single case studies. There is a need to extend this paper to include more such case studies to evaluate their relevance for infrastructure development, particularly in emerging countries.Practical implicationsPPP structures can be useful for renovating and maintaining the existing roads. Modalities such as the RIMOT framework can have greater potential than the conventional BOT structures. Private investments in infrastructure can also be through a corporate finance structure.Originality/valueThis paper describes and analyzes the experience of India's first PPP for renovation and maintenance. The findings of this paper would have value for policy makers who are interested in attracting private sector finance and expertise in infrastructure and more specifically in roads.
Maintainability risks of condominiums in Sri Lanka
Authors: de Silva Nayanthara , Ranasinghe Malik 
Published: April 2010

PurposeWith increased architectural, design and functional requirements and complexities, maintaining a modern building can easily become a costly affair. There is much evidence in the literature review as well as from the factual data, showing the significant increase of the maintenance budget in the recent past. This is due to the fact that, these complexities eventually generate many deficiencies and difficulties and, in turn, creates a tremendous maintenance workload and an undue budget. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to discuss factors related to such issues in the form of risks involved in the maintainability of buildings and further, explore several strategies and industry actions at the industry level to resolve this burning problem. This paper is focused to address the condominium properties.Design/methodology/approachThis approach of investigation of the risk factors was based on exploring the causes of existing defects and problems, which tend to lower the maintainability. Existing literature, site observations/interviews and questionnaire surveys were used to gather the required data.FindingsThere are 13 number of critical maintainability problems, 43 respective factors as “maintainability risk” factors and 12 subsequent industry actions for better maintainability, in the findings. In addition, nine maintainability strategies are explored based on the relevant risk conditions to enhance the maintainability at the organizational/project level and three industry motivators are extracted from the relevant industry actions. A simplified framework for maintainability is proposed based on the strategies and the industry actions.Research limitations/implicationsThe data collection has to be limited to the Colombo metropolitan region due to limited resources.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information to the designers, clients, facilities managers/maintenance managers and users, on maintainability issues related to condominiums. This information highlights the important risk conditions, strategies and industry motivators in order to minimize these problems. These findings may provide an opportunity to promote “highly maintainable buildings for the future”.
Factor cost indices practices in the building industry for Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Gichunge H.K. , Masu S.M. , K'Akumu O.A. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look at the applications of factor cost indices in the building industry in Nairobi, Kenya against the possibilities established through a review of the principles so as to establish the extent of use in practical situations in the industry. There are two organisations involved in compilation of factor cost indices in Kenya – Central Bureau of Statistics and Joint Building Council (JBC). Their practices for compilation of factor cost indices are reported in this paper.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the principles of factor cost index in order to establish a conceptual framework within which practices are then evaluated. The statistical bureau's compilation of building cost indices and the instructions by the JBC are considered as available evidence of application.FindingsThe paper finds that the application of factor cost index in Kenya is limited, a situation that therefore demands more research by the construction industry in Kenya.Originality/valueThe research's originality lies in its supportive evaluation of the application of the indicator concept in the building industry. More applications would imply greater possibilities for research and development within the case study industry.
Examining fuzzy tactical asset allocation (FTAA) as an alternative to modern portfolio theory (MPT) asset allocation for international and direct real estate investment
Authors: Hin/David Ho Kim , Chi Man Hui Eddie , Su Huiyong 
Published: April 2010

PurposeAlthough the modern portfolio theory (MPT) asset allocation framework can be adopted to enable decision making for international and direct real estate investing, and that many institutional investors adopt it to support their decision making, this framework can be enhanced to capture the multi‐causal factors influencing international and direct real estate investing. The purpose of this paper is to explain how a fuzzy decision‐making approach is a more intuitive, yet rigorous alternative in this regard.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is concerned with the model formation and estimation of a unique fuzzy tactical asset allocation (FTAA), which in turn comprises the FTAA flexible programming model and the FTAA robust programming model.FindingsBoth these FTAA models enhance the classical, Markowitz MPT portfolio theory on asset allocation through making it more intuitively appropriate for decision making in international and direct real estate investing.Practical implicationsThese two FTAA models achieve the benefits of intuitively greater risk diversification by city or real estate sector and enable effective risk management. These two short‐run fuzzy models would be accepted and more such models would emerge as an effective extension of quadratic programming optimization, as more computable software programs of this kind are widespread.Originality/valueFuzzy approaches to asset allocation in the short run, are limited by some drawbacks. Fuzzy models possess the common feature of converting the equality function under quadratic programming optimization into inequality functions. Such inequality optimization replaces the point solution of the MPT TAA optimization problem, obtained through the rigid intersection of all functions, via a generalized or intuitive answer over a defined space of alternatives. The product of the fuzzy process with fuzzy inputs, in the form of fuzzy outcome is in actual fact a more natural and intuitive approach to asset optimization.
Types of innovation, sources of information and performance in entrepreneurial SMEs
Authors: Varis Miika , Littunen Hannu 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the information sourcing practices of small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) associated with the development of different types of innovation (product/process/market/organizational). The relationship between different types of innovation and firms' performance is also to be examined.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a quantitative study of a sample of SMEs located in the Northern Savo region in Finland. The entrepreneurs completed a questionnaire pertaining to, for example, whether their firms had introduced novel innovations and what were the sources of information behind these innovations.FindingsThe introduction of novel product and market innovations appears to be associated with the use of more or less freely accessible information sources. The findings also indicate that the introduction of novel product, process and market innovations is positively associated with firms' growth. None of the types of innovation studied was found to have a positive relationship with firms' profitability.Research limitations/implicationsAs the analysis was based on self‐reported data provided by the entrepreneurs of SMEs, the authors had to rely on their judgment regarding the novelty of the innovations they had introduced. Moreover, as the study was conducted in a single region with its idiosyncratic features, the generalizability of the findings to other regional contexts remains somewhat ambiguous.Practical implicationsThe study suggests a need to re‐evaluate the innovation‐related services available to firms in the regional innovation system. The findings also imply the need for entrepreneurs and their firms to upgrade their competences in order to enhance their innovation and networking capabilities.Originality/valueRelatively modest amounts of research have addressed the information sourcing practices of SMEs in relation to different types of innovation, both in terms of the object of change and the extent of change. The paper addresses this.
The governance of university‐industry knowledge transfer
Authors: Rossi Federica 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe aim of this article is to contribute to the debate on university‐industry knowledge transfer and on the changing organization of knowledge creation activities.Design/methodology/approachBy integrating several strands of analysis, a conceptual framework is developed that associates several properties of knowledge and of the institutional context in which university‐industry relationships take place, to the knowledge transfer governance forms that are most likely to be adopted. The framework is shown to be in accordance with results from the empirical literature, and is validated using an original dataset.FindingsThe data analysis confirms that the choice of university‐industry knowledge transfer governance forms on the part of organizations involved in knowledge production and dissemination projects is related to the key dimensions in the conceptual framework.Originality/valueThe conceptual framework developed in this article allows the incentives that drive the choice of specific governance forms for university‐industry interactions to be explained, as well as the processes and rationales that underpin the changing nature of university‐industry relationships to be explained.
The pool effect of dyad‐based capabilities on seller firms' innovativeness
Authors: Charterina Jon , Landeta Jon 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to analyze which relational resources and capabilities are determinant in fostering innovations and to what extent these innovations are relevant in achieving superior business results.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed hypotheses are tested in an empirical study carried out on a sample group of 106 Spanish companies from the sub‐industries of machine tool manufacture and manufacturers of machinery for specific industries, operating in a business‐to‐business context. Information was gathered by means of telephone interviews with sales, production or management representatives of machinery suppliers. Analysis of data was performed by means of partial least squares regression. The exchange of knowledge leading to shared learning, investments in idiosyncratic or relation‐specific assets, non‐specific complementary resources and capabilities, and dyad governance mechanisms are the analyzed factors.FindingsThe results confirm that the existence of customer‐supplier relationships, which generally begin from contracts, and are based on trust and resource interdependence, tends to encourage the exchange of knowledge, specialized resources and idiosyncratic investments. It is also observed that the more committed firms are to the relationship, the greater the resulting increase in their innovativeness. In this regard, investment in idiosyncratic assets for the customer‐supplier relationship is seen to be a more effective practice for improving the supplier's innovativeness.Originality/valueContrary to the majority of empirical studies focused on distinguishing resources and capabilities within the firm, this paper defines and recognises some of those which lie in the realm of the dyad. Also, it studies the role from governance mechanisms of the relationship acting both as a joint capability by itself, as well as an antecedent of the other previously mentioned capabilities.
Limits to the diffusion of innovation
Authors: MacVaugh Jason , Schiavone Francesco 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to integrate existing theoretical explanations for innovation diffusion across the disciplines of marketing, innovation and sociology research.Design/methodology/approachLiterature reviews and historical case analysis were used to support an integrative model.FindingsInnovation diffusion is affected by technological, social and learning “conditions” while operating in the contextual “domain” of the individual, community or market/industry.Research limitations/implicationsThe model is drawn from new product development and marketing theory. Both fields are dominated by the assumption that users adopt new technology to maximise their utility. Also, the model does not integrate the overlapping effects of the different contexts and domains.Practical implicationsThe article provides a sound model for orienting new product development strategy, since it may reduce the risk of low and slow user adoption of radical innovations due, for instance, to their technological, social, and cognitive differences with former products. A second critical managerial implication is that technological, social and learning conditions clearly have an effect on marketing actions and competitive strategies.Originality/valueThe article provides a literature review of resistance to technology adoption through a multidisciplinary lens.
Concurrent commercialization and new‐product adoption for construction products
Authors: McCoy Andrew P. , Badinelli Ralph , Theodore Koebel C. , Thabet Walid 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to report on data from case studies of development process, and a survey of use patterns over ten years, for 13 highly innovative products. While the paper does not claim concurrent commercialization (CC) as a universal solution, it aims to highlight significant correlates between management best practice, concurrent commercialization and builder use rates for these 13 highly innovative products in the USA residential construction industry.Design/methodology/approachTo study the effect of CC on new‐product adoption rates by installers, the authors assembled data from the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) Builders' Practices Survey (BPS) for the years 1996 through 2005. The data collection was executed in three phases. Best practices were collected from literature. Explanatory variables regarding best practice and presence of CC were collected and measured through case studies. The measure of market penetration, based on the concept of innovativeness, was obtained from the BPS survey data.FindingsData analysis of 13 highly innovative products indicates that CC is consistent with accepted best practice in product development. These products suggest that some organizations might contain 100 percent CC with varying degrees of best practice management ideals, and also include equilibrium.Research limitations/implicationsThe extent to which products, with varying CC percentage, are affected by individual steps within CC is a direction for future research. The authors also did not have the ability to look at the entry year for other products strongly rooted in CC; there could be other explanations for a product entering the market strongly.Practical implicationsCC is essentially directed at designing a commercialization process, as opposed to designing a product, which benefits the product development from exposure to all members along the construction supply chain. CC, drawing on concurrent engineering, expands the definition of the market to include all supply‐chain participants, not just the installers and advocates the establishment of a complete supply chain, possible only if every member of the chain foresees net benefits to joining. In strengthening the commercialization process, the product might experience better probability of success.Originality/valueThe paper places reason upon product failure, in the residential construction industry, through further investigation of sound commercialization process.
Collaborative product development
Authors: Luo Changyue , Mallick Debasish N. , Schroeder Roger G. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the impact of internal coordination capability on supplier involvement.Design/methodology/approachHypothesized relationships are tested using confirmatory factor analysis and hierarchical linear regression models.FindingsIt was found that internal coordination capability and supplier involvement effort have a positive effect on collaborative product development (CPD) performance. In addition, internal coordination capability positively moderates the relationship between supplier involvement and CPD performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe study used targets or goals as the standard for measuring all scales in CPD performance. Although, this approach has several advantages and it is widely reported in the literature, it fails to account for the aggressiveness of the goals or targets as well as relative importance of the metrics.Practical implicationsManagers attempting to gain short‐term benefits through increased collaboration scope will risk negative CPD performance unless they are willing to invest significant effort in supplier involvement to reduce the transaction cost.Originality/valueUnlike existing literature which focuses either on internal integration or external integration, this study focuses on their interaction. It provides empirical evidence that internal coordination capability has a direct and an indirect impact (as moderator) on CPD performance.
Role of farm real estate in a globally diversified asset portfolio
Authors: Nartea Gilbert , Eves Chris 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the benefits of further diversifying a global portfolio of financial assets with New Zealand farm real estate (FRE).Design/methodology/approachThe paper compares efficient sets generated with and without FRE using portfolio theory.FindingsThe results show that given the predominantly negative correlation between FRE and financial assets, the risk‐return tradeoffs of portfolios of financial assets can be improved significantly. The diversification benefits measured in terms of risk reduction, return enhancement, and improvement in the Sharpe performance ratios are robust under a number of FRE risk‐return scenarios as well as under high and low inflationary periods. Using five and ten‐year rolling periods it also finds that FRE is a consistent part of risk efficient portfolios. Consistent with the results reported in Lee and Stevenson, for the UK real estate the risk reduction benefits of diversifying with FRE are larger than the risk enhancement benefits.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that FRE takes on a consistent role of risk‐reducer rather than a return‐enhancer in a globally diversified portfolio. FRE appears to deserve more serious consideration by investment practitioners that it has been accorded in the past.Originality/valueThe study examines the role of direct real estate in a globally diversified portfolio of financial assets.