bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brand image associations for large virtual groups
Authors: Danes Jeffrey E. , Hess Jeffrey S. , Story John W. , York Jonathan L. 
Published: June 2010

PurposeAs an aid to understanding brand image and brand attitude, this paper aims to present an innovative method of capturing qualitative brand associations from very large virtual groups.Design/methodology/approachFrom the target market, two familiar brands were selected: one more favored and one less favored by the market segment. Two samples of respondents engaged in a collaborative, virtual ideation session designed to elicit “top of mind” brand associations for two fast food brands, McDonald's and In‐N‐Out. Members of each group posted their brand associations and then rated each other's associations on the basis of agreement.FindingsAnalysis provided by dialogr.com showed sharp differences between the two brand images. To independently assess brand attitude, two judges evaluated favorability of the free associations as either “good,” “neutral,” or “bad.” The results confirmed initial expectations. The more favored brand received considerably more favorable free associations than did the less favored brand. The results are shown in qualitative word maps.Research limitations/implicationsA potential limitation of this paper is that the proposed qualitative method is more applicable to well‐known, familiar brands; thus these techniques may not work as well with less familiar brands.Practical implicationsVirtual collaboration tools provide a proficient method of measuring brand image and brand attitudes, for very large groups. These tools are well suited for gaining greater understanding of the cognitive and affective dimensions of a realized brand position (image) as well as an aid to re‐positioning an errant brand image.Originality/valueMost qualitative group interviews are limited to a small number of respondents, ranging from five to 12 people. Virtual ideation sessions, which are designed to elicit “top of mind” brand associations, enable collection of qualitative data from large groups quickly and efficiently; without the negative influences of face‐to‐face group interaction.
Scheduling and process planning for multiple material stereolithography
Authors: Kim Hochan , Choi Jae‐Won , Wicker Ryan 
Published: June 2010

PurposeTo operate a multiple material stereolithography (MMSL) system, a material build schedule is required. The purpose of this paper is to describe a scheduling and process‐planning software system developed for MMSL and designed to minimize the number of material changeovers by using low‐viscosity resins that do not require sweeping.Design/methodology/approachThis paper employs the concept of using low‐viscosity resins that do not require sweeping to minimize the number of material changeovers required in MMSL fabrication. A scheduling and process‐planning software system specific to MMSL is introduced that implements four simple rules. Two rules are used to select the material to be built in the current layer, and two rules are used to determine at which layer a material changeover is required. The schedule for the material to be built depends on the material properties stored in a user‐defined materials library. The developed algorithm produces sliced loop data for each material using the predetermined layer thickness from an input CAD model, and the four rules are applied at each layer. The algorithm then determines the build order for each material, the material‐specific number of layers to be built, and whether or not sweeping is required. Output data from the program are the scheduling and process‐planning report and the partitioned computer‐aided design models to be built before changing a material according to the process planning. Two examples of the algorithm applied to multiple material parts are provided.FindingsThe MMSL scheduling and process‐planning software system is developed using Microsoft Visual C++7.0. For verification, a simple demonstration is conducted on a two material part where the process plan could be easily determined through intuition. A more complex multiple material part is also tested that consisted of four subparts. Several cases of resin assignment are tested showing that the ultimate scheduling and process planning vary significantly depending on the material combinations and specifications. These examples demonstrate that the strategy, method, and software developed in this paper can be successfully applied to prepare for MMSL fabrication.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the software system is demonstrated on two multiple material parts, more extensive work will be performed in the future on fabricating multiple material parts using the MMSL machine. It is expected that additional rules will be developed as additional limitations of MMSL are identified. It is also anticipated that particular emphasis will be placed on building without sweeping as well as development of advanced non‐contact recoating processes.Originality/valueAs designs incorporating multiple materials increase in the future and additive manufacturing (AM) technologies advance in both building out of multiple materials and fabricating production parts, the scheduling and process‐planning concepts presented here can be applied to virtually any AM technology.
Selective laser melting of Inconel 625 using pulse shaping
Authors: Mumtaz Kamran , Hopkinson Neil 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the selective laser melting (SLM) of Inconel 625 using pulse shape control to vary the energy distribution within a single laser pulse. It aims to discuss the effectiveness of pulse shaping, including potential benefits for use within SLM.Design/methodology/approachLaser parameters were varied in order to identify optimal parameters that produced thin wall parts with a low surface roughness without the use of pulse shape control. Pulse shape control was then employed to provide gradual heating or a prolonged cooling effect with a variety of peak power/pulse energy combinations. Properties of pulse shaped and nonpulse shaped parts were compared, with particular attention focused on part surface roughness and width.FindingsHigh peak powers tended to reduce top surface roughness and reduce side roughness as recoil pressures flatten out the melt pool and inhibit melt pool instabilities from developing. Ramp up energy distribution can reduce the maximum peak power required to melt material and reduce material spatter generation during processing due to a localized preheating effect. Ramp down energy distribution prolonged melt pool solidification allowing more time for molten material to redistribute, subsequently reducing the top surface roughness of parts. However, larger melt pools and longer solidification times increased the side roughness of parts due to a possible lateral expulsion of material from the melt pool.Originality/valueThis paper is the first of its kind to employ laser pulse shape control during SLM to process material from powder bed. It is a useful aid in unveiling relationships between laser energy distribution and the formation of parts.
Blending of iron and silicon carbide powders for producing metal matrix composites by laser sintering process
Authors: Krishnamurthy Srinivasa Cheekur , Suryanarayana Ramesh Chinnakurli , Prabhakar S.K. 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the effect of blending time, SiC content and fill ratio on the homogeneity of iron‐silicon carbide powder mixture, blended in double‐cone blender; to evaluate density, microstructure and micro hardness of laser sintered iron and iron‐SiC specimens; and study the feasibility of building a complex iron‐SiC metal matrix composite (MMC) part by direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) process.Design/methodology/approachThe morphology and particle size of iron and silicon carbide powders were evaluated. Nickel coating was carried out on silicon carbide particles. Blending of iron‐SiC powders were carried out in two phases in a double‐cone blending equipment. In the first phase, three tests were conducted with fill ratios (ratio of volume of conical blender to volume of powder mixture) of 1.68, 3.39, and 6.8 percent while iron‐SiC weight ratio was kept constant at 97:3. In the second phase, four tests were conducted with iron‐SiC weight ratios of 99:1, 98:2, 97:3, and 95:5 while keeping a constant fill ratio of 1.68 percent. In both the phases, blending was carried out for duration of 43 minutes. Homogeneity of the powder mixture was evaluated at different intervals of time by adopting sampling process. Sintering was carried out on iron and iron‐SiC powder mixture using DMLS machine at laser speed of 50, 75, 100, and 125 mm/s. Microstructure, density and micro hardness studies were carried out on the sintered specimens. A 3D model of a part with complex geometry was modeled using Unigraphics CAD/CAM software and prototype part was built by DMLS technology using the blended iron‐2 weight percent SiC powder.FindingsA reduction in blending time was observed with increase in SiC content and decrease in fill ratio. Microstructure and micro hardness tests conducted on laser sintered iron‐silicon carbide specimens, reveal the homogeneity of blended powder. The density of the iron‐SiC composites sintered at a laser speed of 50 and 75 mm/s, decreased with increase in SiC content. Further, an increase in the micro hardness of iron‐SiC composites was observed with increase in SiC content and decrease in laser speed. Complex functional part was built by DMLS technology with out any supports.Research limitations/implicationsThe experiments were conducted with standard blending equipment in which the speed is limited to 48 revolutions per minute only.Originality/valueMeager information is available on blending of powders for producing MMCs by laser sintering process. The work presented in this paper will be a guideline for researchers to carry out further work in blending of powders for producing MMCs by rapid prototyping process.
Effect of height to width ratio on the dynamics of ultrasonic consolidation
Authors: Gibert James M. , Austin Eric M. , Fadel Georges 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on the changing dynamics of the ultrasonic consolidation (UC) process due to changes in substrate geometry. Past research points to a limiting height to width ranging from 0.7 to 1.2 on build features.Design/methodology/approachResonances of a build feature due to a change in geometry are examined and then a simple non‐linear dynamic model of the UC process is constructed that examines how the geometry change may influence the overall dynamics of the process. This simple model is used to provide estimates of how substrate geometry affects the differential motion at the bonding interface and the amount of energy emitted by friction change due to build height. The trends of changes in natural frequency, differential motion, and frictional energy are compared to experimental limits on build height.FindingsThe paper shows that, at the nominal build, dimensions of the feature the excitation caused by the UC approach two resonances in the feature. In addition trends in regions of changes of differential motion, force of friction, and frictional energy follow the experimental limit on build height.Originality/valueThis paper explores several aspects of the UC process not currently found in the current literature: examining the modal properties of build features, and a lumped parameter dynamic model to account for the changes in of the substrate geometry.
The tower nozzle solid freeform fabrication technique
Authors: Costa Lino , Rajput Deepak , Lansford Kathleen , Yue Wenqiang , Terekhov Alexander , Hofmeister William 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a simple, easy to implement powder delivery strategy for solid freeform fabrication (SFF) processing.Design/methodology/approachA specially designed “tower nozzle” located at the center of the processing area dispenses the feedstock powders continuously and uniformly onto the processing area, where powders accumulate progressively as a flat powder bed. During the dispensing, powders are selectively consolidated by melting and solidification using a laser beam which was scanned in a predefined pattern using a galvo‐mirror scan head.FindingsExperiments performed with AISI H13 steel show that the tower nozzle powder delivery strategy is suitable for SFF processing.Practical implicationsBoth powder delivery and laser consolidation are performed simultaneously and without interruption with simple apparatus. No powder delivery scrapers or rollers are used.Originality/valueThe main characteristics of a prototype tower nozzle and the typical processing conditions used to form thin wall AISI H13 steel shapes are presented.
A critical examination of the EO‐performance relationship
Authors: Andersén Jim 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to critically analyze the assertion that there is a statistical significant relationship between EO and performance.Design/methodology/approachIn several publications it has been stated that there is a positive relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and the performance of a firm. These studies have generally used the same core references, and these seminal contributions are examined critically in this article. The EO‐performance relationship is also analyzed in an empirical study, consisting of 172 Swedish SMEs in the manufacturing sector.FindingsThe result of the literature review is that the notion of a positive EO‐performance relationship can be questioned. Earlier studies have neglected some important issues, mainly regarding the use of perceptual performance data, common method biases and survival biases. Some of the conclusions presented are supported by the empirical study.Originality/valueThe main point of this paper is to show that the relationship between EO and performance is more complicated than previous studies have implied. More care should be taken when generalizing the results of core references and scholars ought to have a more cautious approach when stating that there is a general correlation between EO and performance.
Entrepreneurial self‐efficacy and business start‐up: developing a multi‐dimensional definition
Authors: Drnovšek Mateja , Wincent Joakim , Cardon Melissa S. 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe aims of this paper are to: critically review and identify gaps in current literature on entrepreneurial self‐efficacy, provide a definition of entrepreneurial self‐efficacy that addresses some of those gaps, and explore the role of entrepreneurial self‐efficacy during the phases of a business start‐up process. The research seeks to define entrepreneurial self‐efficacy using three sources of dimensionality. The first includes the particular aspect of entrepreneurship to which self‐efficacy is applied, whether to business start‐up or business growth activities. The second sources of dimensionality refers to the content of self‐efficacy beliefs (task or outcome goal beliefs), and the third source to the valence of entrepreneurial self‐efficacy beliefs (positive or negative control beliefs).Design/methodology/approachThe authors build from the origins and mechanisms of the self‐efficacy construct in social cognitive theory and a synthesis of that work with prior use of self‐efficacy in entrepreneurship to propose a definition of entrepreneurial self‐efficacy that is context specific and empirically testable.FindingsEntrepreneurial self‐efficacy is best seen as a multidimensional construct made up of goal and control beliefs, and propositions for how these two different dimensions will play a role during phases in the process of starting‐up a new business are developed.Research limitations/implicationsA well‐defined entrepreneurial self‐efficacy construct has significant pedagogical payoffs given that entrepreneurship education should also focus on social‐cognitive, psycho‐cognitive and ethical perspectives of entrepreneurship.Originality/valueThe proposed multidimensional nature of self‐efficacy is original and unique in its contribution, and provides a conceptual foundation to understand how capabilities along different dimensions of entrepreneurial self‐efficacy are created and nurtured. This knowledge is useful for potential entrepreneurs as well as those who support them in the process.
The influence of the Portuguese environmental accounting standard on the environmental disclosures in the annual reports of large companies operating in Portugal
Authors: da Silva Monteiro Sónia Maria , Aibar Guzmán Beatriz 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to empirically examine the influence of the new Portuguese environmental accounting standard on the environmental information disclosed in the annual reports by a sample of large firms operating in Portugal during the period 2002‐2004.Design/methodology/approachThe method used is the content analysis technique by developing an index (which consists of the 16 environmentally‐related disclosure items) in order to assess the presence of the environmental disclosures and their breadth (number of items disclosed).FindingsThe results indicate that, in spite of the fact that the level of environmental information disclosed during the period 2002‐2004 is low, the extent of environmental disclosure has increased, as well as the number of Portuguese companies that disclose environmental information. The change in environmental disclosure behaviour between 2002 and 2004 is certainly consistent with the idea that the new accounting standard is starting to have an impact.Originality/valueThe study adds to the international research on environmental disclosure by providing empirical data from a country, Portugal, where empirical evidence is still relatively limited. Moreover, the study provides empirical support for the contentions of other authors that mandatory reporting guidelines affect corporate reporting practices.
Green labels and sustainability reporting
Authors: Andrea Blengini Gian , Shields Deborah J. 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to contribute to the understanding of corporate sustainability reporting strategies and communication tools that are increasingly being adopted to foster green market outlets, with focus on the building materials supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThe suitability, feasibility, appropriateness, effectiveness, completeness and redundancy of some of the most common sustainability reporting tools such as Sustainability Reporting (SR), Sustainable Development Indicators (SDI) and Green labels based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) were investigated.FindingsFocusing on the present Italian situation and with emphasis on ornamental stones, ceramic tiles, cement and concrete producers, the interest and the response in the building materials supply chain are highlighted, pointing out strengths, weaknesses and future perspectives.Practical implicationsGreen communication tools discussed in the paper can also be used to protect local markets against the unfair competition by those producers that can supply low price building products, but with much higher environmental externalities.Originality/valueThe paper can be considered as a contribution to support the European Commission's and Member States' policymakers which are pushing for instruments that will improve the sustainability of the building products supply chain. The findings can encourage those producers who are more aware of the environmental consequences of extractive and manufacturing activities and that are actively engaged in Sustainable Development.
Alternative drinking water supply in low‐income urban settlements using tankers
Authors: Appiah Obeng Peter , Dwamena‐Boateng Philip , Jardelle Ntiamoah‐Asare Doreen 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to verify claims that water supplied by operators of tanker trucks in Cape Coast does not meet quality standards recommended for human consumption, and to investigate the sources of any contamination.Design/methodology/approachSamples were collected from a water hydrant from which tanker operators draw water from the Ghana Water Company Limited distribution system in Cape Coast and a number of tankers sampled at random. Additional samples were taken from the premises of a patron of the tanker service and a regular customer of the Ghana Water Company Limited. All samples were subjected to physico‐chemical and bacteriological analyses and the results compared with the World Health Organization's guidelines for drinking water.FindingsIt was found out that water supplied by the tanker operators indeed failed to meet the World Health Organization's guidelines for some quality parameters as alleged by patrons of the service. The tanker‐supplied water was found to contain high levels of Escherichia coli, colour, turbidity and total iron. This was found to arise from the management of the water hydrant and the tankers by the Ghana Water Company Limited and the tanker operators respectively.Originality/valueThe study provides a basis for the set of actions that must be taken to safeguard public health and consumer confidence in drinking water supply using tankers as an emerging alternative to conventional water supply in urban centres of the developing world.
Biomass for transport, heat and electricity: scientific challenges
Authors: Dallemand J.F. , De Santi G. , Leip A. , Baxter D. , Rettenmaier N. , Ossenbrink H. 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to discuss some scientific challenges related to the production and use of biomass for transport, heat and electricity.Design/methodology/approachSpecific attention is paid to the environmental assessment of liquid bio‐fuels for transport and to the discussion of causes of uncertainties in the assessment. Three main topics are taken as examples, in order to illustrate the complexity of environmental assessment of bio‐fuels and the difficulty in reducing uncertainties: agro‐environmental impact of bio‐ethanol (from sugar cane) in Brazil and bio‐diesel (from palm oil) in Malaysia. These two tropical countries were selected because of their role as leaders at world level and their strong export potential to the European Union), N2O (Nitrous Oxide) emissions related to crop cultivation for bio‐fuels and land use change; and GHG emissions and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of bio‐diesel from palm oil in Malaysia. These three topics are discussed and complemented by considerations about biomass conversion issues.FindingsThe quantification of the degree of the sustainability of the production and use of bio‐fuels for transport is to a large extent related to the choice of farming practices during the feedstock production and their corresponding environmental impact.Practical implicationsRecommendations are formulated so as to reduce scientific uncertainty, for example through the development of internationally‐agreed sustainability certification systems with corresponding verification measures, or further research on emissions and indirect land‐use change.Originality/valueThe value of the paper on bio‐energy research challenges is related to the combined analysis of European and tropical constraints in the field of biomass.