bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional thermal investigations at board level in a reflow oven using thermal‐coupling method
Authors: Lau Chun‐Sean , Abdullah M.Z. , Che Ani F. 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop thermal modelling to investigate the thermal response of sample boards (at board level) during the preheating stage of the reflow process and to validate with experimental measurements.Design/methodology/approachA thermal‐coupling method that adopted the Multi‐physics Code Coupling Interface (MpCCI) was utilized. A forced‐convection reflow oven was modelled using computational fluid dynamic software (FLUENT 6.3.26), whereas structural heating at the board level was conducted using finite‐element method software (ABAQUS 6.9).FindingsThe simulation showed a complex flow pattern having characteristics of a free‐jet region, stagnation‐flow region, wall jet‐region, recirculation region and vortices. A sharp maximum heat‐transfer coefficient was detected in the stagnation region of the jet, resulting in a spatial variation of local heat transfer on a thermal profile board (TPB). This coefficient affected the temperature distribution in the TPB with different specific heat capacitances and thermal conductivity of the structure. The simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental data and analytical model. The cold region and temperature uniformity (ΔT) increased with increasing complexity of the TPB. The cold region can occur in two possible locations in the TPB. Both occurrences can be related to the flow field of the reflow oven. ΔT of the TPB decreased when the conveyor speed (v) was reduced. A suitable conveyor speed (1.0 cm/s) was determined to maintain ΔT below 10°C, which prevented the thermally critical package from overheating.Practical implicationsThe paper provies a methodology for designing a thermal profile for reflow soldering production.Originality/valueThe findings provide fundamental guidelines to the thermal‐coupling method at the board and package levels, very useful for accurate control of ΔT at the board and package levels, one of the major requirements in achieving a high degree of reliability for electronic assemblies.
Oxidation and Au‐Sn reaction of laser reflowed micro‐solder joints protected by N2 or exposed to air atmosphere
Authors: Liu Wei , Tian Yanhong , Yang Lei , Wang Chunqing , Sun Lining 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate oxidation and the Au‐Sn reaction of laser reflowed (LR) micro‐solder joints when different protective atmospheres were applied.Design/methodology/approachA N2 atmosphere at room temperature, 60°C, 100°C and 130°C, or an air atmosphere at room temperature were utilized in this study. The solder balls were composed of Sn‐2.0Ag‐0.75Cu‐3.0Bi, and 120 μm in diameter. The surface finish of one pad of the joints was 4.0 μm Au/0.1 μm NiFe/0.01 μm Ta, another pad was made of Cu plated with 3.0 μm Au. The laser reflow process time was controlled to within 10 ms. Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) was used to identify the oxidation condition of LR solder joints with or without protection from a N2 atmosphere at room temperature. The appearance and cross‐sections of the joints protected by a N2 atmosphere at different temperatures were evaluated using SEM analysis.FindingsOxidation of LR solder joints from an air atmosphere was extremely severe, and the surfaces of solder were rough as compared with joints protected by a N2 atmosphere. Au‐rich phases and needle‐like AuSn4 intermetallic compounds (IMCs) formed at the interfaces of the solder and the pads. As the temperature of the N2 atmosphere was increased above 100°C, almost all of the Au‐rich phases disappeared. More needle‐like AuSn4 IMCs formed at the interfaces, as compared with that in joints protected by a N2 atmosphere at room temperature and 60°C. In addition, the orientation of the IMCs had clearly changed.Originality/valueThe results may provide a guide for controlling oxidation and the Au‐Sn reaction of micro‐solder joints during the LR process, and improving the properties of joints between solder and pads with Au surface finishes, by regulating the protective atmosphere.
Psychic distance and environment: impact on increased resource commitment
Authors: Freeman Susan , Giroud Axèle , Kalfadellis Paul , Ghauri Pervez 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to provide a theoretical driven model, explaining the interaction between psychic distance and environment on increased (subsequent) resource commitment decisions made by firms in their internationalization process. Increasingly, contrary to the Uppsala internationalization process (IP) model, firms are engaging in direct investment, rather than exporting as an initial step into overseas markets. Yet, it remains unclear how psychic distance affects firms engaged in increased resource commitment, especially in the initial phase of their international expansion when uncertainty is higher.Design/methodology/approachBuilding theory by integrating two key theories of internationalisation (IP model and eclectic paradigm), the paper explains increased resource commitment. Comparing firm types, the study also fills the research gap of recognising multinational enterprises (MNEs) as heterogeneous in their internationalization experience. Psychic distance and environment are analysed across three groups of firms (born‐global, recent and older entrants) to observe the moderating effects of firm experience and related uncertainty. A model and propositions of the relationships between psychic distance and environment, providing an increased commitment perspective, are presented.FindingsThere are mixed responses to the three groups of firms for psychic distance factors (political, geographic, social, information and commercial and economic development); and environmental factors (near‐market effects and sunk costs). Surprisingly born‐global and recent entrants are less affected by psychic distance, and more influenced by external factors, but for different reasons, in making early increased resource commitment decisions in the host market, than are older entrants.Practical implicationsFirms need to consider the strategic objectives of the parent company, psychic distance, local environment and international experience when engaging in increase resource commitment in host economies.Originality/valueThe paper provides theoretical insights and practical implications for those involved in international business and marketing.
Identifying the attributes of blue ocean strategies in hospitality
Authors: Yang Jen‐te 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics of a blue ocean strategy (BOS) in selected hotels in Taiwan.Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured interviews and the grounded theory approach were applied in this study. A total of 32 senior and top managers working in the corporate executive office and the divisions of rooms and marketing were selected from international tourist chain hotels and resorts for semi‐structured interviews.FindingsThe results show that the features of BOS are identifying guest value perceptions, innovating distinctive added‐value offerings, developing new market segments, branding and re‐branding, creating a unique hotel ambience, adjusting distribution channels, and establishing strategic alliances.Practical implicationsThe study suggests that in the sampled hotels, hoteliers should integrate a demand‐based pricing strategy with a supply‐based product‐development strategy. Organizational effectiveness could be further advanced in those hotels by the introduction of revenue management based on the determination of variations in guest demand, making it possible to offer different pricing strategies to diverse market segments.Originality/valueThe results show that the sampled hotels should be able to create unique products and services for customers that strengthen their competitive positions in the marketplace of international tourist hotels in Taiwan. This study advances academic knowledge in the field of organizational effectiveness, particularly with respect to managing customer demand and capacity in the hotel industry.
The visually impaired and consumption in restaurants
Authors: Dias de Faria Marina , Ferreira da Silva Jorge , Brantes Ferreira Jorge 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe objective of this study is to determine the relative importance that the visually impaired give to restaurant service attributes during leisure outings, and the relative utility they allocate to the various levels of these attributes.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted in two stages. The first stage consisted of exploratory research using focus groups; the second consisted of a survey using a structured questionnaire administered to 203 visually impaired consumers; conjoint analysis was used.FindingsThe ideal restaurant profile for survey respondents is one in which: the menu is read by the server; service is provided by empathetic servers; low‐intensity light and sound are used; round tables are preferred over rectangular tables; and the server can be summoned using a button.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of a non‐probabilistic sample may limit the generalizability of findings.Practical implicationsThis study's results can be useful to restaurant managers by improving their understanding of the needs of visually‐impaired consumers.Social implicationsThe study contributes to the inclusion in society of the visually impaired as consumers by giving them a voice to express their needs and wants.Originality/valuePrevious studies have not considered the relative utility conferred to restaurant attributes by consumers. The use of conjoint analysis allows the evaluation of the relative importance of these attributes and their levels, while at the same time shedding light on tradeoffs made by the visually impaired consumer in selecting restaurant attributes.
Investigation of Malaysian higher education quality culture and workforce performance
Authors: Mohd Ali Hairuddin , Borhandden Musah Mohammed 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the quality culture and workforce performance in the Malaysian higher education sector. The study also aims to test and validate the psychometric properties of the quality culture and workforce performance instruments used in the study.Design/methodology/approachA total of 267 academic staff from the International Islamic University Malaysia completed the survey questionnaires. A principal component analysis (PCA) technique was performed to extract the underlying factors, followed by the application of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to test factorial validity of the constructs.FindingsThe analysis yielded a nine‐factor‐indexed quality culture construct, while the workforce construct constituted two factors. The findings of the study postulate statistically significant correlation between quality culture and workforce performance.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study suggest that a quality culture initiative can be used effectively in the context of the Malaysian higher education sector to enhance academic staff performance.Originality/valueThe results are important since there have been few published studies on quality culture that examine its effects on academic staff performance in the Malaysian higher education sector.
The impact of apologies and promises on post‐violation trust
Authors: Tomlinson Edward C. 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThis research aims to separate the effect of a promise from an apology, examine interactional justice as a theoretical mechanism explaining the relationship between these accounts and post‐violation trust, examine how message content compares to the gesture of sending a message, and test offense severity as a moderator.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed the Trust Game.FindingsResults indicated significant apology × promise and apology × promise × offense severity interactions on interactional justice, and interactional justice fully mediated the relationship between promises and post‐violation trust.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough this study was completed using a laboratory game with anonymous partners, results suggest that interactional justice provides a means for relationships to quickly get back on track after a violation. Specifically, promises provide “forward‐looking” information (trustworthy intent) and interpersonal sensitivity (demonstration of courtesy and concern) that enable interactional justice to affect subsequent trust.Practical implicationsThese findings attest to the efficacy of clear accounts to foster interactional justice; in particular, apologies lead to higher interactional justice for less serious offenses. Furthermore, accounts that are “forward‐looking” lead to higher post‐violation trust via interactional justice perceptions.Originality/valueRecent empirical studies suggest that apologies are associated with higher post‐violation trust, but, unlike this article, have not explicated this process or its boundary conditions.
Building future coexistence or keeping people apart
Authors: Fissuh Eyob , Skarlato Olga , Byrne Sean , Karari Peter , Kawser Ahmad 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of cross‐communal cooperation and its contribution to peacebuilding and reconciliation in Northern Ireland through the opinions of 752 respondents.Design/methodology/approachA multivariate analysis of the respondents' opinions was gathered through a Public Opinion Survey (MBU 2006), which addresses the issue of physical separation of the Catholic and Protestant communities in the context of the Northern Ireland peace process.FindingsFindings indicate that religion is a key variable in any discussion of the sustainability of the Northern Ireland peace process in relation to cross‐community initiatives, social and economic integration as well as existing divisions between both communities. Moreover, professional and skilled worker respondents disagreed that the impacts of physical separation between both communities supports the peace process. Catholic Nationalists and respondents from Belfast city and the Western region of Northern Ireland were less likely to perceive the physical separation of both communities as negatively impacting the peace process.Practical implicationsThe implication for practice necessitates that the liberal peacebuilding model includes hybrid approaches to harness external economic aid in post‐accord societies that are inclusive of local people, ideas and concerns.Originality/valueThe value of the paper to practitioners and policymakers is that the research on the impact of external economic aid on cross community conflict must include the triangulation of both qualitative and quantitative methods to fully grasp its complexity.
A mediation model of task conflict in vertical dyads
Authors: McMillan Amy , Chen Hao , Richard Orlando C. , Bhuian Shahid N. 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe current study seeks to provide predictions for task conflict in supervisor‐subordinate dyads and to test empirically the mediation effects of task conflict between organizational culture/subordinate values and subordinate outcomes.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modeling was employed to test the theoretical model.FindingsIt was found that task conflict mediates the relationship between a clan culture and intention to quit. Additionally, support was also found for the mediating effect of task conflict on the relationship between individualistic values and intention to quit.Research limitations/implicationsMore research is needed to take into consideration the variables influencing task conflict in both vertical and horizontal dyadic relationships. A dynamic view of conflict may further contribute to the existing literature.Practical implicationsMore remedies are needed in organizations to foster positive employees' attitudes and wellbeing through the generation of task conflicts. For example, fostering a clan culture instead of a hierarchy may be vital.Originality/valueThe current study demonstrates that organizational culture/subordinate's values may be linked to different subordinate outcomes through task conflict.
A case study of service desk's performance measurement system
Authors: Siti‐Nabiha A.K. , Thum W.Y. , Sardana G.D. 
Published: June 2012

PurposePerformance of service desk is critical to an organization. The purpose of this paper is to examine the performance measurement system of a technical assistance center at one of the largest semi‐conductor manufacturers in the world. The study examines top performance issues faced by the service desk and provides recommendations to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach has been adopted. An analysis is first carried out as to how the performance system has been developed in the organization. A number of employees associated with the service desk have been interviewed, to take into account the employees' views on the performance measurement and the appraisal and reward system of service desk agents. In addition, secondary data as available in public domain have been used. Data from the customer satisfaction survey were analyzed to determine performance issues faced by the service desk and to ascertain the root cause of the performance gap.FindingsThe top performance issues faced by the service desk of the case organization are in areas of poor communication, high time consumption in service delivery, poor trouble shooting, poor knowledge of the agents, and confusing phone menu. The top four areas that need focus and improvement are Resolution Rate (RR), Customer Satisfaction (CSAT), Total Utilization, and Tickets per Agent per Week (TAW). In addition, there are mismatches between the employees and the management of the service desk regarding the rewards and recognition system.Practical implicationsBoth customer satisfaction and employee satisfaction are vital for the survival of an organization. Performance measures as suggested are effective tools to plan initiatives for improvement.Social implicationsSatisfaction of employees is closely linked with a performance measurement system which determines appraisal and incentives. A wrong or inappropriate measurement system can bring down motivation levels, creating low productivity, low earnings, low customer satisfaction, and social tensions. There are larger social implications: ineffective performance measures will bring down employment levels because of attrition.Originality/valuePerformance measurement in service is comparatively new. The study described in the paper should prove to be a valuable addition and the paper offers methods to improve performance and action plans to close performance gaps, to enhance customers' experience in a service organizational setting.
Implementing appreciative sharing of knowledge in the US Army Command and General Staff College
Authors: Long Kenneth E. 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the application of Thatchenkery's Appreciative Sharing of Knowledge (ASK) to a professional military college.Design/methodology/approachASK is a seven‐step research and intervention methodology grounded in the positive psychology discipline. ASK uncovers behaviors and processes already in existence that are highly valued by stakeholders, and then applies a disciplined organizational development structure to develop action plans for improvement that have strong stakeholder support, in order to effect transformation within the organization.FindingsThe case study reports on a set of high‐payoff priorities that were nominated by students and faculty, and supported in principle and with resources by college leadership to transform the direction of the college towards a new vision of collaborative education.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study demonstrates that the ASK methodology can be very effective in traditional professional and educational organizations with strong hierarchical cultures.Practical implicationsThe paper demonstrates the seven‐step ASK methodology in detail.Social implicationsThe paper describes how ASK can support initiatives to increase participation and commitment of stakeholders and improve the probability of successful implementation of transformational projects.Originality/valueThe paper provides unique insights into the application of ASK in a professional military educational setting among organizational level leaders; it shows how to incorporate organizational values and decision criteria effectively into transformation projects. The paper will be of interest to curriculum designers, education policy makers, teachers, and organization development specialists.
Firm size, disclosure and cost of equity capital
Authors: Embong Zaini , Mohd‐Saleh Norman , Sabri Hassan Mohamat 
Published: June 2012

PurposePrior studies argue that larger firms could get more net benefit from higher disclosure compared to smaller firms due to economies of scale (lower relative costs to produce) and lower proprietary cost (risk of information disclosed being used by competitor). However, this has not been empirically tested. Thus, the purpose of this study is to provide a formal test on whether larger firms benefit more from higher disclosure compared to the smaller firms.Design/methodology/approachIn prior studies, size is included as a control variable because it has been found to influence cost of equity capital. However, this study treats firm size as a moderating variable to the relationship between disclosure and cost of equity capital. The sample comprises 460 firms listed under the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia.FindingsThe result shows that there is a significant negative relationship between disclosure and cost of equity capital for large firms and not significant for small firms. The managers of firms could strategize the firm's disclosure policy by taking into consideration that the benefit of disclosure in reducing the cost of equity may depend on the size of the firms.Originality/valueThis is the first study that investigates the effect of size on the disclosure and cost of equity relationship. Thus, the evidence can support Diamond and Verrecchia's argument that larger firms benefit more from their disclosure policy compared to smaller firms. The nature of the information environment in the Malaysian capital market as well as legal background in Malaysia provides the authors with enough variations in disclosure and cost of equity to investigate this issue.
The limits of personalisation
Authors: Duffy Simon 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe paper's aim is to explain the development of the concept of personalisation and its dependence upon prior innovations such as independent living, person‐centred planning and individual budgets and explore its meaning, limitations and future prospects.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of an analytical and historical review of ideas that have been important in the recent history of public policy for people with learning disabilities.FindingsPeople with learning disabilities, along with other disabled people, have been engaged in a struggle to achieve full citizenship. The recent reforms that go by the name of “personalisation” may mark an important stage in the development of a fairer system, but on their own they will be insufficient to achieve that objective.Originality/valuePersonalisation is placed, with all its strengths and limitations, within the wider context of the development of policies for people with learning disabilities.