bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maintenance strategy selection using AHP and ANP algorithms: a case study
Authors: Zaim Selim , Turkyılmaz Ali , Acar Mehmet F. , Al‐Turki Umar , Demirel Omer F. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the use of two general purpose decision‐making techniques in selecting the most appropriate maintenance strategy for organizations with critical production requirements.Design/methodology/approachThe Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) and the Analytical Network Process (ANP) are used for the selection of the most appropriate maintenance strategy in a local newspaper printing facility in Turkey.FindingsThe two methods were shown to be effective in choosing a strategy for maintaining the printing machines. The two methods resulted in almost the same results. Both methods take into account the specific requirements of the organization through its own available expertise.Practical implicationsThe techniques demonstrated in this paper can be used by all types of organizations for selecting and adopting maintenance strategies that have higher impact on maintenance performance and hence overall business productivity. The two methods are explained in a step‐by‐step approach for easier adaptation by practitioners in all types of organizations.Originality/valueThe value of the paper is in applying AHP and ANP decision‐making methodologies in maintenance strategy selection. These two methods are not very common in the area of maintenance, and hence add to the pool of techniques utilized in selecting maintenance strategies.
Integrated maintenance and production planning: a model to include rescheduling costs
Authors: Portioli‐Staudacher Alberto , Tantardini Marco 
Published: March 2012

PurposeMaintenance is a key lever for reducing costs in manufacturing companies. Researchers have focused in the past on the importance of integrating maintenance and production planning to obtain total cost savings and have proposed a number of models. Nonetheless, all such contributions take a static perspective and do not consider the dynamics of markets, e.g. when some already committed preventive maintenance (PM) interventions are to be rescheduled. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to suggest a new decision‐making process to manage the rescheduling of PM interventions and to show – through the proposal of an ad hoc planning model – the economical savings from expressly considering rescheduling costs in re‐planning PM interventions.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper the authors used six case studies to infer both the current process of production and maintenance integrated planning and the decision‐making process followed for rescheduling PM interventions. From the current practices the authors derived a new managerial framework for managing rescheduling events and they have built two mathematical models to compare the current and the proposed frameworks by using real data.FindingsConsidering rescheduling costs in the joint production and maintenance planning process leads to significant economical savings under all the scenarios tested. In particular, the use of the proposed model allows significant reductions in maintenance costs while keeping constant production costs. This makes the implementation of the authors' proposal in real companies easier.Originality/valueThis research originates from the wish of a real company to better investigate the issue of rescheduling interventions. To the best of the authors' knowledge this is the first study to face the problem of rescheduling PM interventions and to present a mathematical model to support managers in such a decision‐making process.
Relationship marketing in Vietnam: an empirical study
Authors: Nguyen Hau Le , Viet Ngo Liem 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to answer two research questions: does relationship marketing orientation (RMO) have an impact on customer satisfaction; and do the individual components of RMO have the same impact on customer satisfaction?Design/methodology/approachThe above questions were answered in the context of an emerging economy using 174 responses obtained from executives of business‐to‐business firms in Vietnam.FindingsThe findings show that among key components of RMO, trust, bonding, shared value, and reciprocity have positive influence on customer satisfaction, while communication and empathy have not. Interestingly, trust and bonding are better than shared value and reciprocity in satisfying customers.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of cross‐sectional data does not allow the interpretation of the time sequence of the relationships among RMO components and customer satisfaction.Practical implicationsManagers in developing economies do not jeopardise relationship marketing orientation by mistakenly focusing on relatively less important individual components. In particular, managers may not pay much attention to communication and empathy but importantly, they should place more emphasis on trust and bonding compared to shared value and reciprocity.Originality/valueThis paper provides insights on the relative importance of RMO components in contributing to customer satisfaction in the context of Vietnam, a developing economy. These insights will help Vietnamese companies enhance their effectiveness in satisfying customers, growing with them, and reducing risks in doing business when entering a global market.
An evaluation of management training and coaching
Authors: Emil Berg Morten , Terje Karlsen Jan 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe focus of this paper is on management training and development. The purpose has been to address how coaching can be applied to learn about leadership tools and what effect this has on management behaviour and development.Design/methodology/approachThis is a qualitative case study of a management development program. The empirical data were obtained using in‐depth interviews, surveys, and observations. In addition to investigating the 14 participants, data were also collected from their superiors and subordinates.FindingsOne of the main findings is that coaching is a helpful training process to learn about the manager's toolbox and to develop new management behavior. Furthermore, data revealed that the management training should be based on the specific work challenges that the participants experience at their workplace. Based on a variety of work challenges, the participants highlighted the following tools as most important: emotional intelligence, empowerment, self‐management, signature‐strengths, and positive emotions.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should apply a more comprehensive research design, for example, using a control group.Practical implicationsData analysis shows that coaching is a management training process where the participants can learn to solve real work challenges. By trial and testing at their own workplace, managers learn how to use appropriate tools and change their behaviour. As part of the learning process the authors recommend debriefing where the managers can get feedback and inspiration for self‐reflection. Furthermore, through team and peer coaching, the managers can help each other learn. The authors also recommend that the participant's superiors and subordinates should be involved in the training process.Originality/valueIn this research the authors have studied coaching as a learning and training method applying leadership tools.
Manufacturing strategy process and organizational knowledge: a cross‐country analysis
Authors: Laureano Paiva Ely , Revilla Gutierrez Elena , Roth Aleda V. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze manufacturing strategy process (MSP) from a knowledge‐based view (KBV) of the firm. MSP considers the ways that manufacturing organizes its resources in order to create/strengthen manufacturing‐related capabilities. In this context, managers often are under pressure to find quick answers in highly complex environments. By viewing MSP as a knowledge creation process, managers may choose a company's objectives based upon previous experiences and knowledge. MSP addresses the level of planning and decision making related to building competitive operations capabilities over the long term.Design/methodology/approachA survey research was used to make cross‐country comparison. The constructs were empirically confirmed in both country samples, attesting to measurement invariance. The proposed model was tested in both samples and analyzed the differences between them.FindingsThe results suggest that knowledge is a key resource in MSP in both samples. Resource‐based orientation presents higher levels of influence over MSP in Brazil. In the Spanish sample the influence of external knowledge in MSP and market performance is more relevant.Research limitations/implicationsOne limitation of this study is that the Brazilian sample is located in a specific region and therefore some regional characteristics may be present. Another limitation was the use of a questionnaire in two different countries that was originally developed in a non‐native language.Practical implicationsAs a practical implication, manufacturing should seek to integrate the strategic process in order to be more responsive in dynamic environments.Originality/valueThe paper uses a cross‐country sample for scale validation, which is rare in management research. Manufacturing strategy process was analyzed from a knowledge‐based view, bringing new possibilities for academic studies. For managers, the paper highlights the importance of manufacturing developing a proactive role through knowledge integration in cross‐functional activities during the strategic process.
Women‐owned construction enterprises: a South African assessment
Authors: Haupt Theo , Fester Ferdinand 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on the findings of a needs assessment study of South African women‐owned enterprises in construction. The study was done in preparation for the rolling out of an empowerment initiative country‐wide in South Africa, building on the lessons learnt and recommendations from the current and previous studies.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive review of relevant literature was used to develop a survey instrument and guide the stakeholder workshops to establish the needs of women‐owned contractors in South Africa.FindingsThe study found that fair procurement processes, women‐friendly construction sites, a construction bank and relevant career‐aligned training with mentoring were enablers to transform existing enterprises to multi‐skilled independent entities able to participate in the mainstream construction sector and register in the higher grades of the CIDB Register of Contractors.Research limitations/implicationsFindings are based on views from respondents in South Africa registered in grades 1 through 5 on the CIDB Register of Contractors with legitimate e‐mail addresses.Practical implicationsThe professionally facilitated workshops and broad‐based stakeholder involvement in the project enhanced the validity of the study and the success of a development agenda if adopted for implementation.Originality/valueThe value of the paper lies in the roadmap for development for similar initiatives.
Corrosion analysis of GTA welded metal matrix composites
Authors: Venugopal Palaniswamy , Murugan Natarajan 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe SiC reinforced Al composite is perhaps the most successful class of metal matrix composites (MMCs) produced to date. They have found widespread application for aerospace, energy, and military purposes, as well as in other industries – for example, they have been used in electronic packaging, aerospace structures, aircraft and internal combustion engine components, and a variety of recreational products. In all these applications, welding plays a vital role. Little attention has been paid to SiC reinforced aluminium matrix composites joined by gas tungsten arc (GTA) welding. The purpose of this paper is to outline the manufacturing method for producing MMCs, GTA welding of MMCs and pitting corrosion analysis of welded MMCs.Design/methodology/approachThis paper focuses upon production and welding of metal matrix composites. The welded composites have been treated at elevated and cryogenic temperatures for experimental studies. Pitting corrosion analysis of welded plates was carried out as per Box Benkehn Design.FindingsFrom the results, it should be noted that maximum pitting resistance was observed with MMCs containing 10% SiC treated at cryogenic temperature. Corrosion resistance of welded composites treated at elevated temperature was found to be higher than that of as‐welded and at cryogenic temperature treated composites. The pitting potential increases with increase in % SiC to certain level and decreases with further increase in % SiC. Corrosion potential of composites treated at elevated temperature is high compared to other composites. Maximum pitting resistance is observed when the welding current was kept at 175 amps for 10% addition of SiC in LM25 matrix treated at cryogenic temperature.Originality/valueThe paper outlines the manufacturing method for producing MMCs, GTA welding of MMCs and pitting corrosion analysis of welded MMCs. The results obtained may be helpful for the automobile and aerospace industries.
Buckling analysis of thin rectangular plates with cutouts subjected to partial edge compression using FEM
Authors: Singh Sandeep , Kulkarni Kamlesh , Pandey Ramesh , Singh Harpreet 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present elastic buckling behaviour of simply supported and clamped thin rectangular isotropic plates having central circular cutouts subjected to uniaxial partial edge compression. Analysis is carried out for four different kinds of partial edge compression and it is extended to study the effect of aspect ratio of plate on buckling load.Design/methodology/approachA finite element method technique is used in the current work to solve the buckling problem of plate using eight node quadrilateral element and plate kinematics based on first order shear deformation theory. Results obtained from finite element analysis are first validated for isotropic square plates, without cutouts, subjected to uniaxial partial edge compression with some earlier published literature.FindingsFrom the current work it is concluded that the buckling strength of square plates is highly influenced by partial edge compression, as compared to plate subjected to uniform edge compression; but with increase in aspect ratio, influence of partial edge compression on plate buckling load decreases.Originality/valueThis paper usefully shows how partial edge compression of plates affects the buckling strength of plate having circular cutouts. Generally, simply supported plates subjected uniaxial partial edge compression of Type I and Type III are found to be stronger than plates subjected to partial edge compression Type II and Type IV, respectively.
A survey on networks for smart‐metering systems
Authors: Liotta Antonio , Geelen Daniël , van Kempen Gert , van Hoogstraten Frans 
Published: March 2012

PurposeAt present the energy generation and distribution landscape is changing rapidly. The energy grid is becoming increasingly smart, relying on an information network for the purposes of monitoring and optimization. However, because of the particularly stringent regulatory and technical constraints posed by smart grids, it is not possible to use ordinary communication protocols. The purpose of this paper is to revisit such constraints, reviewing the various options available today to realize smart‐metering networks.Design/methodology/approachAfter describing the regulatory, technological and stakeholders' constraints, the authors provide a taxonomy of network technologies, discussing their suitability and weaknesses in the context of smart‐metering systems. The authors also give a snapshot of the current standardization panorama, identifying key differences among various geographical regions.FindingsIt is found that the field of smart‐metering networks still consists of a fragmented set of standards and solutions, leaving open a number of issues relating to the design and deployment of suitable systems.Originality/valueThis paper addresses the need to better understand state‐of‐the‐art and open issues in the fast‐evolving area of smart energy grids, with particular attention to the challenges faced by communication engineers.
Towards an approach of formal verification of mediation protocol based on web services of MDE type
Authors: Graiet Mohamed , Maraoui Raoudha , Kmimech Mourad , Tahar Bhiri Mohamed , Gaaloul Walid 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to formally verify the composition of web services to reduce inconsistencies in software architectures.Design/methodology/approachIn order to check the web services composition, the authors use a model‐driven engineering (MDE)‐based approach and to achieve the formalization of web service composition in ACME and check the consistency of this composition, the authors introduce the pattern mediation to formalize web services composition with the ADL ACME, using the concept of architectural style of ACME. Subsequently, a scenario shows how this style can be used in ACMEStudio to detect inconsistencies. The example shows a web travel organization application.FindingsThe authors ensure reliability defined through non‐functional properties. To do so, use ACME was used to check assembling consistency of web service composition. In a second part, a SWC2ACME tool was designed and implemented to check if the web services meta‐model conforms to ACME model.Originality/valueThe paper describes a framework which has proven to be useful to ensure a safe design and execution of software architectures, specifically web services composition.
The FLERSA tool: adding semantics to a web content management system
Authors: Navarro‐Galindo José L. , Samos José 
Published: March 2012

PurposeNowadays, the use of WCMS (web content management systems) is widespread. The conversion of this infrastructure into its semantic equivalent (semantic WCMS) is a critical issue, as this enables the benefits of the semantic web to be extended. The purpose of this paper is to present a FLERSA (Flexible Range Semantic Annotation) for flexible range semantic annotation.Design/methodology/approachA FLERSA is presented as a user‐centred annotation tool for Web content expressed in natural language. The tool has been built in order to illustrate how a WCMS called Joomla! can be converted into its semantic equivalent.FindingsThe development of the tool shows that it is possible to build a semantic WCMS through a combination of semantic components and other resources such as ontologies and emergence technologies, including XML, RDF, RDFa and OWL.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a starting‐point for further research in which the principles and techniques of the FLERSA tool can be applied to any WCMS.Originality/valueThe tool allows both manual and automatic semantic annotations, as well as providing enhanced search capabilities. For manual annotation, a new flexible range markup technique is used, based on the RDFa standard, to support the evolution of annotated Web documents more effectively than XPointer. For automatic annotation, a hybrid approach based on machine learning techniques (Vector‐Space Model + n‐grams) is used to determine the concepts that the content of a Web document deals with (from an ontology which provides a taxonomy), based on previous annotations that are used as a training corpus.
An examination of humor and endorser effects on consumers' responses to direct‐to‐consumer advertising
Authors: Limbu Yam B. , Huhmann Bruce A. , Peterson Robin T. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis study aims to examine how product involvement moderates the effects of emotional appeals namely humor and endorsers on consumers' responses to direct‐to‐consumer advertising (DTCA).Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a 2 (Humor: humor vs. non‐humor)×2 (Endorser: celebrity vs expert)×2 (Involvement: high vs low) factorial experimental design. Subjects were 420 allergy/asthma sufferers or non‐sufferers attending a large Southwestern US university as undergraduate and graduate students.FindingsResults confirm that low involvement consumers demonstrate more positive responses than high involvement consumers toward prescription drug ads with emotional appeals. Humor or a celebrity endorser enhances ad and brand attitudes, brand recall, and copy point recall of consumers without medical conditions. However, an expert endorser is found to be more effective in improving ad credibility. A three‐way interaction between humor, endorser, and involvement was evident indicating that the celebrity endorser and humor jointly generated more positive responses than other combinations of treatment group when product involvement was low. These findings clearly suggest that use of emotional appeals in DTCA does not influence attitudes and memory of target audience who are suffering from a condition.Originality/valueThis is the first empirical study that examines the effects of emotional appeals namely humor and endorsers on consumers' responses to DTCA.
Nascent entrepreneurs in China: social class identity, prior experience affiliation and identification of innovative opportunity
Authors: Li Tian , Gustafsson Veronica 
Published: March 2012

PurposeTaking entrepreneurial opportunity identification activity as a starting point, the purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the differences within the social background of the Chinese nascent entrepreneurs and to illuminate differences in the success of their economic activities.Design/methodology/approachThis study will analyze the impact of the nascent entrepreneurs' social class identity and prior experience affiliation on entrepreneurial opportunity identification and the moderation effect of opportunity identification modes. The empirical study was conducted with the data from the “Chinese Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics (CPSED)” project, especially targeting new technology venture samples.FindingsThe findings indicate that the social class identity and prior experience affiliation of nascent entrepreneurs (pre‐determined factors) have a significant impact on the innovativeness of their entrepreneurial identification. Because they determine opportunity identification results, these pre‐determined factors play a much more important role than the mode of the opportunity identification.Originality/valueThe findings provide a theoretical contribution to the transitional study with the unique data of the CPSED project. This study could be taken as the comparison for transnational cooperation and provides suggestions to government and entrepreneurship supporting agencies.