bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Additive manufacturing boosts efficiency of heat transfer components
Authors: Neugebauer Reimund , Müller Bernhard , Gebauer Mathias , Töppel Thomas 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show the innovative approach of manufacturing filigree and highly complex components by means of laser beam melting.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the unique geometric freedom of the laser beam melting technology and its possibility of quick, tool‐less production of complex components allow the manufacturing of functionally superior components in a short time.FindingsPrincipally concludes the following: additive manufacturing proved to give superior properties to the component compared to conventional manufacturing methods.Originality/valueThis study provides context for the development and manufacturing of an individual heat‐transfer component for an electric‐driven formula race car.
Analyses of peg‐hole jamming in automatic assembly machines
Authors: Usubamatov Ryspek , Leong K.W. 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate theoretically the process of jamming in the peg‐hole type parts and to derive a mathematical model of jamming.Design/methodology/approachThe mathematical model of the jamming of the peg‐hole type parts in assembly process was performed and its boundary conditions, which lead to jamming, defined.FindingsThe equation of the critical angles of declination for the peg, which leads to the peg‐hole jam, was derived. The boundary condition of the angles of declination and the depth of the peg insertion into the hole were defined.Research limitations/implicationsA mathematical model is developed for rigid parts with a hole and for the peg clamped in the rigid assembly mechanisms. The research has not considered flexible deformations and stiffness of the assembly mechanisms, which result in the peg's declination in the assembly process.Practical implicationsThe results are represented in the form of the peg's critical angles of declination and critical depth of insertion into the hole, which leads to jamming of the peg‐hole type parts to be assembled. On the basis of the obtained results, it is possible to formulate the tolerances of the declination angles for the assembly mechanisms, which clamp the peg‐type parts.Originality/valueThe proposed method calculating the critical angles of the peg's declination and critical depth of the peg's insertion into the hole for assembly of the peg‐hole type parts, enables one to increase the reliability of the assembly process in the manufacturing industry.
A discrete particle swarm optimization algorithm for rectilinear branch pipe routing
Authors: Liu Qiang , Wang Chengen 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a new rectilinear branch pipe‐routing algorithm for automatic generation of rectilinear branch pipe routes in constrained spaces of aero‐engines.Design/methodology/approachRectilinear branch pipe routing that connects multiple terminals in a constrained space with obstacles can be formulated as a rectilinear Steiner minimum tree with obstacles (RSMTO) problem while meeting certain engineering rules, which has been proved to be an NP‐hard and discrete problem. This paper presents a discrete particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm for rectilinear branch pipe routing (DPSO‐RBPRA) problems, which adopts an attraction operator and an energy function to plan the shortest collision‐free connecting networks in a discrete graph space. Moreover, this paper integrates several existing techniques to evaluate particles for the RSMTO problem in discrete Manhattan spaces. Further, the DPSO‐RBPRA is extended to surface cases to adapt to requirements of routing pipes on the surfaces of aero‐engines.FindingsPipe routing numeral computations show that, DPSO‐RBPRA finds satisfactory connecting networks while considering several engineering rules, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method.Originality/valueThis paper applies the Steiner tree theory and develops a DPSO algorithm to plan the aero‐engine rectilinear branch pipe‐routing layouts.
Design and implementation of a haptic‐based virtual assembly system
Authors: Xia Pinjun , Lopes António , Restivo Maria 
Published: October 2011

PurposeHaptics can significantly enhance the user's sense of immersion and interactivity. Especially in an assembly task, haptic feedback can help designers to have a better understanding of virtual objects and to increase task efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the design and implementation of a haptic‐based virtual assembly system (HVAS).Design/methodology/approachA multi‐thread system structure was designed, an automatic data integration interface was developed to transfer geometry, topology, assembly and physics information from a computer‐aided design system to virtual reality application, and a hierarchical constraint‐based data model and scene graph structure was designed to construct the virtual assembly environment. Unlike traditional virtual assembly systems based on collision detection or geometry constraint only, a physics‐based modeling approach combining with haptic feedback and geometry constraint was undertaken to realize and guide the realistic assembly process. When two parts collide into each other, the force and torque can be computed and provide feedback, and a spring‐mass model is used to prevent penetration and simulate dynamic behaviour. When two parts are close enough to each other and the assembly simulation state is activated, a geometry constraint can be captured, an attractive force can be generated to guide the user to assemble the part along the correct position, and the repulsive force can also be generated to realize the mating process as natural and realistic as in real life.FindingsThe implementation details and application examples demonstrate that haptic‐based virtual assembly is a valuable tool for assembly design and process planning.Originality/valueThe paper presents an HVAS.
Comparing ways of breaking symmetries in mathematical models for SALBP‐1
Authors: Pastor Rafael , García‐Villoria Alberto , Corominas Albert 
Published: October 2011

PurposeSimple assembly line balancing problem type 1 is the most studied assembly line problem and many procedures have been proposed to solve it. Ho and Emrouznejad proposed to add a novel set of constrains into a binary integer‐programming model that is useful for breaking symmetries between equivalent solutions. The purpose of this paper is to compare this way of breaking symmetries with the usual ones existing in the literature (by means of the objective function and by means of additional constraints) and propose two novel ways of breaking symmetries which improve the existing ones.Design/methodology/approachFor the comparison, the authors solve the well‐known benchmark instances.FindingsIt was found that the most efficient model is one of the new models which has not been proposed in the literature to date. Moreover, the authors noticed that Ho and Emrouznejad attribute a mathematical model to Patterson and Albracht that is different from the original model proposed by Patterson and Albracht.Originality/valueThere is not, in the literature, a comparison between classical and new mathematical models. The authors give an empirical comparison between them, together with two new ones that the authors propose. Moreover, the authors point out the mistake about the attribution model in Ho and Emrouznejad's, work attributing a mathematical model to Patterson and Albracht, with the aim of preventing its possible propagation in future researches.
The “bold and the beautiful” of the UAE retail environment
Authors: Madichie Nnamdi O. , Blythe Jim 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to profile the potential impact of shopping malls in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – a country renowned for its hedonic consumption.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is based on a combination of personal observation and review of media reports on the duality (bricks‐and‐mortar versus clicks) of investments in UAE retail space.FindingsInitial observations of developments in the UAE shopping landscape provide compelling evidence to suggest that online shopping (etailing) is unlikely to match the hedonic consumption patterns such as major bricks‐and‐mortar investments in shopping malls (the Dubai Mall is not only equipped with an aquarium, a cinema, and a zoo, but also has an on‐site hotel).Practical implicationsThe findings highlight two key challenges that would require further investigation. First amongst these is how to transform the identified entertainment aspects epitomised by the hedonic attributes of UAE shopping malls into generating “real profits” for retailers. Second is to establish how to reconcile the conflicting etailing investments in the country with the fast paced bricks‐and‐mortar developments – both running into millions of dollars.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the very few on the retail sector in the UAE and perhaps the first that examines this sector in the light of hedonism versus utilitarianism.
Does stakeholder engagement promote sustainable innovation orientation?
Authors: Ayuso Silvia , Ángel Rodríguez Miguel , García‐Castro Roberto , Ángel Ariño Miguel 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on the contribution of stakeholder engagement to firms' innovation orientation within the context of sustainable development. It investigates whether engagement with different stakeholders promotes sustainable innovation.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical analysis is based on an international sample of 656 large companies, drawn from the annual assessment for the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes. A logistic regression analysis was performed in order to test the hypothesized relationships between stakeholder interaction, knowledge management and sustainable innovation orientation.FindingsEmpirical results showed that knowledge sourced from engagement with internal and external stakeholders contributes to a firm's sustainable innovation orientation, but that this knowledge has to be managed by the firm internally in order to be converted into new ideas for innovation.Research limitations/implicationsSince the present study represents one of the first attempts to characterize stakeholder‐driven innovation in a quantitative way, there are some limitations related to the used database that should be addressed in future research.Practical implicationsThe results show the importance for companies of connecting the business functions of stakeholder engagement and innovation, and find flexible mechanisms to combine access and transformation of relevant stakeholder information.Originality/valueThe main contribution of the present research is to prove quantitatively that engagement with different stakeholders is a valid mechanism for promoting sustainable innovation within firms. This is done with a unique dataset, the SAM Group database. In addition, the present study will advance understanding on firm's sustainable innovation processes by framing this phenomenon as an organizational capability.
The effect of critical success factors on IT governance performance
Authors: Nfuka Edephonce N. , Rusu Lazar 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the effect of critical success factors (CSFs) on information technology (IT) governance performance in public sector organizations in a developing country such as Tanzania.Design/methodology/approachBased on a previous study and a further literature review, a research model was developed for analysing the relationship between the CSFs found for effective IT governance in this environment and their effect on IT governance performance. A survey research method was applied for data collection and sample data from Tanzanian public sector organizations (this environment) obtained. Subsequently, a second‐generation structural equation modelling technique, namely partial least squares, was applied to test statistically the correlated effect.FindingsThe results indicate significant small to strong positive correlated effects on IT governance performance. The CSF with the most significant correlated effect was “involve and get support of senior management” and the one with the least “consolidate, standardize and manage IT infrastructure and application to optimize costs and information flow across the organization”. Finally, a CSF model for effective IT governance in this environment was proposed.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings imply that decision makers can optimize IT‐related plans and use of scarce resources by concentrating on the CSFs that have a significant effect on IT governance performance that could lead to an improvement of public service delivery. This study is limited to a single developing country but future studies can involve more such countries to broaden the insights into the effect of CSFs on IT governance performance in such environments.Originality/valueBy establishing the correlated effects between these CSFs and the IT governance performance, this study has revealed a significant impact of CSFs on IT governance performance. It also suggests a CSFs model for effective IT governance in this less‐resourced environment in which such studies have not been conducted before, yet which are vital for analysing and improving IT governance.
Construction contract administration in Malaysia using DFD: a conceptual model
Authors: Yih Chong Heap , Balamuralithara Balakrishnan , Choy Chong Siong 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual model which is aimed at assisting end‐users, i.e. construction practitioners who are without a proper legal background for effective administration of construction contracts, to enable them to make correct interpretations and decisions in dealing with vast amount of legal information.Design/methodology/approachThis study proposes the application of data warehouse technology in the contract administration process of the construction industry. Upon identification of a comprehensive list of problems associated with construction contracts based on the feedback from 12 reputed experts in the construction industry, a conceptual model is developed using data flow diagram.FindingsThe results show that data warehouse technology is feasible and practical to the construction practitioners in the contract administration process.Research limitations/implicationsThis research focuses only on the development of a conceptual model and thus the practicability aspect of the model is a major concern. As such, the resulting practical implications are limited and are constrained only to the construction industry in Malaysia, raising the question of generalizability of the proposed model, as well as across different industries and countries.Practical implicationsIt is posited that the proposed conceptual model, when implemented, would enable construction practitioners to administer construction contracts with better clarity and accuracy, so that interpretation errors and disputes can be mitigated. This will facilitate the development of harmonious working relationships.Originality/valueThe application of data warehouse technology in contract administration is rather new in the construction industry. The conceptual model thus offers a more effective and proactive approach in construction contract administration towards dispute resolution and/or prevention.
A Bayesian multivariate probit analysis of Korean firms' information system adoption
Authors: Young Choi Jae , Kim Yeonbae , Jun Yungman , Kim Yunhee 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reveal the core determinants and adoption patterns of the major enterprise information systems.Design/methodology/approachThis study incorporated the core representative and meaningful explanatory variables in the major previous literatures and analyzes the core determinants of businesses' adoption of the essential information systems and the substitutionary patterns among them, using a Bayesian multivariate probit model, which is based on McFadden's random utility model and capable of handling multiple response data.FindingsIt was found that not only factors from the classical technological diffusion viewpoint but also factors such as organizational tools and strategic behaviors play an important role in firms' adoption of information systems. Specifically, epidemic effect generally outweighs size effect, and putting more effort into the intensity of information strategy planning is more influential than the hiring of a professional chief information officer. On the other hand, such variables as age of the firm, labor intensity, and number of PCs per person generally have no significant impacts. Finally, a relatively strong complementary relationship exists between enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management adoption, and between e‐buy and groupware adoption.Originality/valueThe results presented in this paper have important implications for firms on a minimal budget that want to maximize their productivity through the adoption of information systems. They also provide important information for government policymakers whose job it is to design strategies for the successful deployment of information systems.
Understanding industrial safety signs: implications for occupational safety management
Authors: Chan K.L. , Chan Alan H.S. 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the understanding of industrial safety signs and messages by registered and non‐registered safety officers in Hong Kong with ten different user factors, and examine the relationship between cognitive sign features and sign comprehensibility.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology includes the survey development and appropriate statistical analyses. In total, 92 Hong Kong Chinese participated voluntarily in the study. A questionnaire survey was used to collect information about demographics, personal experience on safety and health issues, experience of reviewing safety sign information, comprehension scores, and the ratings of sign features for 30 industrial safety signs used in Hong Kong. The effect of ten user factors on sign understanding for the design of highly usable safety signs was examined.FindingsOf the ten factors tested, only the factor of possession of registered safety officer (RSO) status was a significant predictor of comprehension performance. As expected, comprehension scores varied with the cognitive sign features of familiarity, concreteness, simplicity, and meaningfulness.Research limitations/implicationsThe currently used industrial safety signs should be redesigned as soon as possible, with careful consideration of cognitive sign features. To make the results more generally applicable, further research is needed to collect more data, particularly from females.Practical implicationsThis research suggests that an effective education program for promoting the intended messages of industrial safety signs in various industries and work environments should be conducted as soon as possible. Safety officers, especially those who work in the construction industry need to play a more prominent role in ensuring workplace safety, and in transferring safety knowledge to the workers.Social implicationsThere is a need to enhance RSOs' risk perception and to increase awareness of the importance of safety signs through training programs, so as to improve workplace safety and organizational safety culture. The redesigned safety signs need to be launched with a public education program.Originality/valueThe paper's findings emphasize the need to create awareness of the importance of industrial safety and promote understanding of safety sign meanings amongst people in their work environments. Useful information for the design and use of safety signs was generated.
The influence of external factors on routine ERP usage
Authors: Sternad Simona , Gradisar Miro , Bobek Samo 
Published: October 2011

PurposeEnterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have been implemented in most organizations for a few years. ERP solutions go through three phases of lifecycle: selection, implementation and operation phase; the operation phase consists of the stabilization stage and the routine stage. To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of ERP system use in the operation phase, organizations need to research the factors that have impact on users' satisfaction. A literature shows that few published studies have examined users' adoption of ERP systems through a technological acceptance model (TAM) or examined external factors that have influence the intention to use an ERP system, or ERP use in the stabilization stage. The purpose of this paper is to expose and research external factors which have influence on ERP users in the operation phase of ERP lifecycle and to investigate the impact of those factors on ERP system use.Design/methodology/approachThe TAM proposed by Davis has been the most widely‐used model for researching user acceptance and usage of information technology/information systems. Despite the existence of several additions to TAM connected with ERP use, the authors aim to make further contribution in the area of external factors. Within this context the present research is focused on the mature use of ERP system (more than one year of ERP use in an organization). A limited number of external factors mentioned in already published papers connected with TAM regarding ERP use has also been extended. The authors have researched the effect of external factors through the second‐order factors on the original TAM. The model has been empirically tested using the data collected from a survey of 161 ERP users from a national telecom company, which has been using an ERP system since 1999. The model has been analysed using PLS approach.FindingsThe study shows that extended external factors observed through the second‐order factors have important influence on ERP usefulness and ERP ease of use; they also have a strong influence on the attitude toward using ERP system by ERP users in the routine (maturity) stage.Originality/valueThe paper researches the factors which have an impact on ERP solution use in the routine (mature) stage of ERP lifecycle. The paper adds to the literature, in that few previous studies have examined the users' adoption of ERP systems through the TAM or examined external factors that have influence on the intention to use an ERP system or ERP use in the stabilization stage.