bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of stand‐off height on the microstructure and mechanical behaviour of solder joints
Authors: Wang Bo , Wu Fengshun , Wu Yiping , Liu Hui , Zhou Longzao , Fang Yuebo 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of stand‐off height (SOH) on the microstructure and mechanical behaviour of the solder joints in high density interconnection.Design/methodology/approachCu/Sn/Cu solder joints with 100, 50, 20 and 10 μm SOH are prepared using a reflow process. The microstructures and compositions of solder joints are observed and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Tensile testing is carried out to investigate the mechanical properties of the solder joints.FindingsThe SOH has a significant effect on the microstructure and mechanical behaviour of Cu/Sn/Cu solder joints. The thickness of the intermetallic compound (IMC) decreases with the reducing SOH; however, their corresponding IMC proportion increases. Meanwhile, the Cu concentration in the solder bulk experiences a marked increase, and the dissolved Cu exists in the forms of a solid solution and Cu‐rich particles at the grain boundary. Because of the higher strain rate and more dissolved Cu in the solder bulk with the reducing SOH, the ultimate tensile strength of solder joints is enhanced. When the SOH reduces to 10 μm, there is only one grain in height in the bulk, and a fracture in the IMC layer occurs. According to the mass balance of substance, a model is established to semi‐quantitatively calculate the consumed Cu thickness, and it is found that the consumed Cu thickness decreases with the reducing SOH.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights into the microstructural and mechanical property changes of the solder joints with the reducing SOH.
X‐ray solder alloy volume measurement (XSVM) in pin‐in‐paste technology (PIP)
Authors: Janóczki Mihály , Jakab László 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a novel automatic and accurate measurement technique for the volume of solder which is present in solder paste in pin‐in‐paste (PIP) technology and a calculation algorithm for predicting solder joint quality.Design/methodology/approachA new method is described for accurately determining the volume of solder alloy in solder paste that is present in and around the through hole, using X‐ray measurements (orthogonal view X‐ray images, instead of angle view), image processing and other calculations. In addition, various calibration tool constructions are investigated and a method is suggested for determining the calibration curve (for each solder paste) of an X‐ray machine.FindingsA new calibration tool has been developed to accurately measure the calibration curve of X‐ray machines. Based on several tests, a fast and reliable image processing method for measuring the average grey scale of each pasted through hole is described. Numerous PIP solder joints have been created then analysed using the methodology. To verify the efficiency of the described methods, joints are soldered and inspected using cross‐sectioning and X‐ray imaging.Originality/valueCalibration curve measurement of an X‐ray machine is done with the help of the developed tool for PIP technology. Orthogonal view X‐ray images are used to measure the volume of printed solder alloy (paste). During the image processing, circle fitting has been simplified to line fitting.
Moisture effects on adhesion of non‐conductive adhesive attachments
Authors: Saarinen Kirsi , Heino Pekka 
Published: January 2010

PurposePersonal and portable electronic devices are becoming an important part of the everyday lives. Electronics miniaturization has been and continues to be the most important driver in this development. The current level of miniaturization has made the use of solder joints challenging and new methods, such as adhesive attachments, have been developed. The applicability of these methods depends crucially on their long‐term reliability. Typical failures mechanisms in adhesive connection include cracking, open joints and delamination. Moisture is the principal cause of failures in adhesive attachments. The purpose of this paper is to examine the long‐term effects of moisture and extended temperature on non‐conductive adhesive (NCA) attachments.Design/methodology/approachMoisture and extended temperature on NCA attachments are examined by strength tests and by finite element models.FindingsThe increase in temperature and moisture induces stresses on the interface of the adhesive and the chip. In the experiments, it is found that the adhesion strength of the adhesive decreased as a function of the time for which the samples are in a humid environment. Failures due to delamination are seen to be the result of these two mechanisms.Originality/valueReduction of pitch causes manufacturing problems in direct solder attachments. This paper examines a promising technique to overcome this problem by using adhesive attachment. Instead of solder joints in flip chip attachment, the chips can be attached to the substrate, or components can be attached to a printed wiring board, with adhesives.
Tin pest in lead‐containing solders
Authors: Plumbridge W.J. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the effects of mechanical testing and thermal treatment prior to storage at either −18 or −40°C, for periods in excess of ten years on the Sn‐37Pb alloy.Design/methodology/approachFor over a decade, The Solder Research Group at The Open University has studied tin pest development in several of the new lead‐free solders. Bulk samples, employed for mechanical testing, are laid down at −18 and −40°C, and inspected periodically.FindingsIn a previous examination in 2006, there was no evidence of tin pest formation in this alloy. On re‐examination of the same specimens in 2008, about one in ten of the samples stored at −18°C, both “as cast” and “tested”, exhibited warts of tin pest. Storage at −40°C increased this ratio to about one in three following treatment.Originality/valueThe paper's findings demonstrate that, even with high concentrations of lead present, eventually tin pest will form. So, for interconnections used in long‐term applications, whether lead‐free or lead‐bearing solders are employed, performance and structural integrity considerations should not ignore tin pest.
Leadership style and organizational learning: the mediate effect of school vision
Authors: Kurland Hanna , Peretz Hilla , Hertz‐Lazarowitz Rachel 
Published: January 2010

PurposeFundamentally, the success of schools depends on first‐rate school leadership, on leaders reinforcing the teachers' willingness to adhere to the school's vision, creating a sense of purpose, binding them together and encouraging them to engage in continuous learning. Leadership, vision and organizational learning are considered to be the key to school improvement. However, systematic empirical evidence of a direct relationship between leadership, vision and organizational learning is limited. The present study aims to explore the influence of principals' leadership style on school organizational learning, using school vision as a mediator.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected from 1,474 teachers at 104 elementary schools in northern Israel, and aggregated to the school level.FindingsMediating regression analysis demonstrated that the school vision was a significant predictor of school organizational learning and functioned as a partial mediator only between principals' transformational leadership style and school organizational learning. Moreover, the principals' transformational leadership style predicted school organizational vision and school organizational learning processes. In other words, school vision, as shaped by the principal and the staff, is a powerful motivator of the process of organizational learning in school.Research implications/limitationsThe research results have implications for the guidance of leadership practice, training, appraisal and professional development.Originality/valueThe paper explores the centrality of school vision and its effects on the achievement of the school's aims by means of organizational learning processes.
Facilitating the development of school‐based learning networks
Authors: Kubiak Chris , Bertram Joan 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to contribute to the knowledge base on leading and facilitating the growth of school improvement networks by describing the activities and challenges faced by network leaders.Design/methodology/approachA total of 19 co‐leaders from 12 networks were interviewed using a semi‐structured schedule about the growth of their network, key leadership processes, “tipping points”, structural design and knowledge flow and transfer. Annual review documents were also analysed.FindingsFive leadership activities focused on facilitating networks were identified. These were: “courting” potential partners and developing proposals for networked activity; working for partner alignment and buy‐in into network goals and plans; creating structured opportunities for teachers to work together; embedding networked activity through formalisation and harvesting the knowledge generated by practitioners; and refocusing network efforts. These activities present tensions around negotiating purpose, securing ownership of network activity, time, trust and the balance between quick wins and long term activities.Originality/valueInternationally, networks are emerging as an increasingly common organisational form as well as a method for professional development, school improvement and to better serve pupil need. This paper adds to the limited research on network leadership and addresses increased calls for the intentional development of these organisational structures.
Best practices of successful elementary school leaders
Authors: Crum Karen S. , Sherman Whitney H. , Myran Steve 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThis study is one in a series which aims to examine the theories of actions developed and internalized by school principals that help them serve as successful leaders in the tumultuous accountability climate. The dearth of recent empirical research focusing on best practices of successful school principals in a post‐NCLB nation sets the tone for and drives the study.Design/methodology/approachAn inductive exploratory study was designed to provide insight into how successful elementary school principals facilitate high levels of student achievement. The research was grounded by allowing principals to talk about what their actual practices as leaders.FindingsThe principals provided a wealth of information that helped to identify common themes of practice across all 12 participants. The following categories represent the central themes: leadership with data; honesty and relationships; fostering ownership and collaboration; recognizing and developing leadership; and instructional awareness and involvement.Practical implicationsThis study identified vital practices of successful elementary leaders that enabled them to facilitate high levels of student achievement and to dispel any notions that success is not possible in a high stakes environment. Interviews with the principals identified common themes of practice that, when collectively utilized, have led to high student achievement.Originality/valueThis study is very relevant and contributes to the growing body of research that seeks to define the qualities of effective leaders during times of increased accountability.
Pre‐service teachers' beliefs and pupil control ideology: the custodializing practicum
Authors: Rideout Glenn , Morton Larry 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe puposes of this study is to examine the impact of primarily bureaucratic socialization; and demographic, experiential, and philosophical orientations (beliefs about key educational concepts) variables on teacher candidates' pupil control ideology (PCI) during a pre‐service teacher education program. The relationship between philosophical orientations and changes to PCI is of particular interest.Design/methodology/approachData collected at the beginning and end of their teacher education program from 474 teacher candidates were analysed using multivariate analyses.FindingsPracticum socialization experiences were more closely associated with participants' PCI at the end of the teacher education program than any of the demographic, experiential, or philosophical orientation variables.Research limitations/implicationsAn examination of interaction effects among the variables revealed a limited number of situations where the interaction of particular beliefs, demographic, and experience variables appear to minimize the shift to a more custodial PCI. Specific implications are identified in relation to males and elementary teaching, urban practicum placements, and pre‐service teacher education curriculum units pertaining to authenticity of beginning teacher practices.Originality/valueThe study provides a framework within which educators may examine the authenticity of beginning teachers' practice. In particular, educators may wish to carefully consider the evidence suggesting that pre‐service teachers practice may be inauthentic, that is, primarily imitative as a result of custodializing socialization factors, but only in particular circumstances associated with their predominantly humanistic beliefs about education.
Case writing as a signature pedagogy in education leadership
Authors: Meyer Heinz‐Dieter , Shannon Brenda 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose, as a candidate for a signature pedagogy, a method centered on case writing and peer review.Design/methodology/approachIn this method, aspiring education leaders use the writing of case studies – frequently featuring themselves as an actor in a narrative of organizational development or change – to advance their reflection in and on action. The study is then shared with members of the candidate's peer group (cohort members, faculty, or senior practitioners) as a step to building and integrating the candidate in a community of practice. To illustrate, the authors publish the case of a novice school‐leader's voyage to create unity and solidarity among a divided staff. The paper shows that case writing can enrich our arsenal of pedagogies that move the novice beyond the dualism of scholarship and practice.FindingsCase writing uniquely facilitates reflection‐in‐action and the building of communities of practice.Practical implicationsInnovative pedagogies are required if practitioner education and training are to take their distinct place next to that of researchers and academics.Originality/valueThis paper describes the use of case writing cum peer review as a tool to develop the practical knowledge of fledgling educational leaders.
Curriculum reform in remote areas: the need for productive leadership
Authors: Niesche Richard , Jorgensen Robyn 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on research into the challenges for leadership in implementation of a new curriculum in a remote region of Queensland, Australia.Design/methodology/approachData for the research were gathered through an online survey and semi‐structured interviews with teachers and principals involved in the reforms.FindingsResults show that there were substantial differences in the views of teachers and principals in their perceptions of the implementation process. The vast differences in the implementation strategies and leadership approaches between the schools suggested that the effect of the reform on leadership practices was more positive in schools in which elements of productive leadership were present.Originality/valueThis research highlights the importance of leadership throughout reform processes, particularly in terms of the different experiences and perceptions teachers and principals have during the policy implementation process. As a result, this paper offers an important perspective on the complex dynamics of leadership processes and how curriculum reform is enacted at the local level.
Managing consumer complaints: differences and similarities among heterogeneous retailers
Authors: Hansen Torben , Wilke Ricky , Zaichkowsky Judith 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is threefold: to examine complaint management among retailers in order to develop a typology of their strategic complaint management system; to develop a profile of each retailer group included in the typology using a set of key relevant variables (e.g. company size, perceived customer dissatisfaction); and to investigate the state of complaint management across different types of retailers.Design/methodology/approachData are collected from an online survey of Danish and Swedish grocery retailers, electronic stores, car‐dealers, and furniture stores (n=260) using self‐administered questionnaires.FindingsCluster analysis identifies two clusters of retailers: non‐active complaint handlers and medium‐active complaint handlers. Medium‐active complaint handlers regard complaint handling as having higher strategic relevance than non‐active complaint handlers and also, medium‐active complaint handlers were more inclined to compensate the complaining customers for the loss they might have experienced. The developed cluster profiles revealed that medium‐active complaint handlers perceive a higher degree of customer dissatisfaction than do non‐active complaint handlers and also that a larger proportion of their customers have complained. Within retailers, grocery stores had the best compensation policies and the most positive attitude toward retailer‐customer interaction, while car dealers are the most likely to have a strategic plan to deal with complaints.Practical implicationsThe results obtained in this paper indicate that retailers hesitate from inciting customers to complain. This is unfortunate, as dissatisfied customers should be regarded as a strategic asset, which potentially could provide retailers with important knowledge concerning their products and services and thereby helping retailers in improving their market place behaviour.Originality/valueNo other research has looked across different types of retailers to determine if there are differences in the integration of complaints to the strategic management process.
Alignment of retail channels in the fashion supply chain
Authors: Castelli Cecilia Maria , Brun Alessandro 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the use of alignment practices between manufacturers and retailers; it focuses on the Italian fashion industry.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach is adopted (case studies of fashion retailers in Italy), involving both documentary analysis and structured interviews with retail and store managers, with the aim of assessing the level of channel alignment between manufacturer and retailer.FindingsThe paper gives an overview of the extent to which fashion retailers in Italy pursue channel alignment; it suggests a relationship between the degree of alignment and two relevant drivers (channel type and lifecycle phase).Research limitations/implicationsA descriptive analysis with exploratory purpose is provided. The overall research plan includes expanding the analysis and final testing through quantitative methods.Originality/valueThe paper analyses the role of retail channel alignment in the fashion industry from an operational point of view; helps understanding the need for alignment with respect to channel type and lifecycle phase.
Fear of crime on shopping intentions: an examination
Authors: Burns David J. , Manolis Chris , Keep William W. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of fear of crime on consumer shopping intentions at a secondary business district in the USA.Design/methodology/approachQualitative methodologies are used to first develop factors associated with fear of crime. These factors are then tested quantitatively with a sample of residents from a community bordering an established secondary shopping district. The model, which also includes behavior and subjective social norms as explanatory variables, is tested using multiple ordinary least square regression.FindingsOnly a single factor associated with fear of crime (which includes measures of vagrancies, lighting, and cleanliness) is found to be significantly related to shopping intentions. The findings do not differ between males and females. The remaining five factors associated with fear of crime are not significantly related to shopping intentions.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is limited to a single location and measures shopping intentions but not actual shopping activity. Future research can build in these two areas.Practical implicationsRetailers located in older shopping districts are challenged to renew interest among shoppers. This paper suggests that by focusing on a few key environmental characteristics, retailers can reduce the fear of crime and improve consumers' shopping intentions.Originality/valueGiven the many older, secondary shopping districts, this paper is one of a few to link specific shopping district characteristics to fear of crime and shopping intentions.
The role of top management in supply chain management practices
Authors: Sandberg Erik , Abrahamsson Mats 
Published: January 2010

PurposeDespite the often stated importance, little about top management's role in supply chain management (SCM) practices is known. The purpose of this paper is therefore to explore the role of top management in two retail companies that successfully utilise opportunities given by SCM practices.Design/methodology/approachAs an empirical basis for the research, two Swedish retail companies are explored. Members of the top management teams have been interviewed about their role in the company and their priorities.FindingsThe top management role is described by introducing four archetypes; the supply chain thinker, the relationship manager, the controller and the organiser for the future.Originality/valueThis paper adds to existing theory by giving a more detailed description of top management's role in SCM practices, i.e. how SCM practices could actually be managed, and, in the extension, to the understanding for what is needed to implement more SCM practices in real existing companies and supply chains.
An analytic hierarchy process approach to assessing consumers' distribution channel preference
Authors: Kevin Chiang Wei‐yu , Li Zhen 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe competition in market penetration between the traditional and online channels has been intensified. The purpose of this paper is to assess predictors of business‐to‐consumer (B2C) channel preference and investigate the consumers' attitudes towards different shopping channels.Design/methodology/approachAn analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is applied to assess factors influencing consumers' channel attitudes based on an empirical survey which focuses on three different product types: books/CDs, electronics, and fashion products.FindingsThe results reveal that price, product variety, and accessibility, respectively, are the dominant predictors of B2C channel preference. It is found that consumers' utility value of buying online decreases in the online quality uncertainty level.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample focuses on the age group of 20‐40. Since this group of people are generally more skilled and confident on internet technology, it is unclear whether the insights obtained could extend to a more unbiased sample.Practical implicationsThis paper provides insights into the relative importance of factors affecting consumers' channel preference, which are helpful for practitioners in terms of coming up with more effective channel improvement plans and strategies under limited resources.Originality/valueThis is the first study that applies AHP to assess consumers' channel preference. This approach, which does not require restrictive assumptions, takes into account the difficulty of giving precise judgments by allowing respondents to be inconsistent to some extent.