bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A conceptual framework of corporate and business ethics across organizations
Authors: Svensson Göran , Wood Greg 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to introduce and describe a conceptual framework of corporate and business ethics across organizations in terms of ethical structures, ethical processes and ethical performance.Design/methodology/approachA framework is outlined and positioned incorporating an ethical frame of reference in the field of organizational chain management.FindingsA number of areas and sub‐areas of corporate and business ethics are framed in the context across organizations.Research limitations/implicationsThe introduced framework should be seen as a seed for further development and refinement. It provides opportunities for further research of ethical concerns across organizations.Practical implicationsOrganizations may benefit from the findings and insights presented and they may be used to enhance their ability to manage, monitor and evaluate ethical business practices across organizations.Social implicationsChanging societal and market patterns may enforce organizations to address ethical concerns across organizations. A myopic approach restricted to the judicial system may become insufficient and unsatisfactory from the perspective of other stakeholders of the organization.Originality/valueThe framework makes a contribution bringing in ethical concerns across organizations, providing a basis for their ethical values and culture, as well as asymmetric relationships in terms of power and dependence. The authors believe that a true learning organization needs to realise the importance of an extended view of its endeavors of corporate and business ethics in terms of ethical structures, ethical processes and ethical performance across organizations.
A complexity theory approach to sustainability
Authors: Mitleton‐Kelly Eve 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that organisational sustainability is not a continuation of the status quo but, seen from a complexity theory perspective, is a continuous dynamic process of co‐evolution with a changing environment. It is underpinned by learning, and it creates new structures and ways of working to adjust and to continue adjusting to a changing set of conditions.Design/methodology/approachThis longitudinal study concerns two London‐based NHS hospitals: a teaching hospital and a District General Hospital. The analysis is based on several sets of semi‐structured interviews, group interviews and workshops, conducted in June and July 2005 and again in October 2006 and finally in January 2007. The argument used to analyse narrative data is underpinned by complexity theory and based on two hypotheses and two assumptions defined in the paper.FindingsBoth hospitals faced a significant deficit and in addressing it they had to change fundamentally ways of working and relationships, to become capable of learning and changing. Empirical data reveal two different styles of leadership, creating totally different “enabling environments” and illustrate some essential elements of sustainability. Leadership and the creation of an enabling environment are necessary but not sufficient, if the changes have not been embedded within the organisational culture, through a different way of working, relating and thinking.Originality/valueThe paper provides theoretical insights in practice through case study exploration to emphasise that the distinctive characteristic of complex systems is their ability to create new order; that is, not simple adaptation, but in this case a different way of working, thinking and relating. A key insight is that sustainability is a continuous process of co‐evolution. The paper also highlights the critical significance of leadership styles in fostering or inhibiting learning in organizations and the importance of co‐creating enabling environments which facilitate learning. It further demonstrates the value of leaders understanding and working with (not constraining) their organisations as complex social systems.
Sustainability, complexity and learning: insights from complex systems approaches
Authors: Espinosa A. , Porter T. 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore core contributions from two different approaches to complexity management in organisations aiming to improve their sustainability,: the Viable Systems Model (VSM), and the Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS). It is proposed to perform this by summarising the main insights each approach offers to understanding organisational transformations aiming to improve sustainability; and by presenting examples of applied research on each case and reflecting on the learning emerging from them.Design/methodology/approachAn action science approach was followed: the conceptual framework used in each case was first presented, which then illustrates its application through a case study; at the first one the VSM framework supports an organisational transformation towards sustainability in a community; the second one is a quantitative case study of intended greening of two firms in the supermarket industry, taken from a CAS perspective. The learning from each case study on how they support/explain organisational learning in transformations towards more sustainable organisations was illustrated.FindingsIt wase found that the VSM and the CAS approaches offer internally consistent and complementary insights to address issues of self‐organisation and adaptive management for sustainability improvement: while CAS explains empowerment of bottom‐up learning processes in organisations, VSM enables a learning context where self‐organised networks can co‐evolve for improved sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsThe main aspects of both theories and examples of their explanatory power to support learning in practical applications in organisations were introduced. The initial findings indicate that it will be worth studying in greater depth the contributions to organisational learning from both conceptual models and more widely comparing their applications and insights.Practical implicationsThe paper offers some guidance to both researchers and practitioners interested in using complex systems theories in action research‐oriented projects, regarding the usability and applicability of both approaches.Originality/valueIt is considered that, by better understanding organisational ability to adapt and self‐regulate on crucial issues for sustainability, it may help to develop one path through the ongoing socio‐ecological crisis. While much has been written about sustainability initiatives and governance from conventional perspectives, much less is known about how a complex systems framework may help to address one's pressing sustainability needs. These issues from two innovative complexity approaches as well as the value of using them in action research were illustrated.
The shift needed for sustainability
Authors: Smith Peter A.C. , Sharicz Carol 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this action research is to begin to assess to what extent organizations have in practice begun to make the shift towards triple bottom line (TBL) sustainability.Design/methodology/approachA definition of TBL sustainability is provided, and key elements of TBL sustainability considered necessary to success are identified based on current literature and public commentary. An assessment is made via published surveys and an action research study of how these components are being addressed now and for the future. The action research study involved the design and launching of a Zoomerang survey that was posted both in the USA and on international websites and blogs.FindingsThe synthesis from the research reveals a lack of a clear definition of sustainability which sets in motion a whole systemic dynamic. The data from the action research exemplify this dynamic. First, there is a pattern of adopting a short‐term focus and expediency in decision making. Second, problem solving favors the “quick fix” over thoughtful consideration and development of the key components for sustainability. The research may also lead to questioning the urgency of implementing the very complex systemic TBL sustainability at this time in view of widespread climate concerns, versus concentrating on the more straightforward carbon footprint reduction.Research limitations/implicationsA major implication is the pressing need to clearly define sustainability and its organizational implications. Organizations must then make the shift from a short‐term perspective to more of a long‐term perspective, such that the clearly defined sustainability concerns will be addressed. Research conclusions are based on limited published data and a single survey; further research is required to substantiate the conclusions.Practical implicationsSustainability is making some inroads in organizations but far too many organizations are only “going through the motions” with predictable results for overall need for improvement. A cohesive, clear linkage among the defining characteristics of sustainability, and guidelines for implementation, are proposed in this paper.Originality/valueThis action research presents data on how sustainability is actually viewed and implemented in organizations, and suggests from a systemic point of view which critical components of sustainability are yet to be seriously addressed.
Drivers of falling interaction costs in global business networks
Authors: Walters David , Bhattacharjya Jyotirmoyee , Chapman Judith 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the interactions that are engaged in when specialist organizations collaborate in business networks organized around global value chains. Interaction costs are defined as including transaction costs plus the costs for exchanging information and ideas. The view is forwarded that as interaction costs decrease, potential business partners have greater scope to interlink their business strategies and operations to co‐create value.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on ideas linking the emergence of new forms of organization, technology and innovation, and global business strategy. In particular, its focus is on how ICT is transforming the ways in which organizations around the globe interlink through innovative approaches to operational and strategic imperatives.FindingsThree factors that are either reducing interaction costs or increasing the effectiveness or frequency of interactions are identified and examined: the convergence of technologies, the delineation of roles within value chain business networks, and the emergence of innovative interaction strategies among network participants.Research limitations/implicationsFurther developments of “interactions theory,” based on the four factors discussed in this paper, would increase our knowledge of contemporary business models. A greater understanding of how interactions influence strategy and operational decisions is needed.Practical implicationsAdvances in interaction efficiency will facilitate an increase in the number of businesses working together as networks. The speed and transparency of business arrangements will increase. As a consequence, executives will require advanced technology and relationship management skills.Originality/valueThis paper builds on previous conceptualizations, but provides a more encompassing and integrated explanation of new business approaches than most other accounts.
Workplace psychodynamics and the management of organizational inertia
Authors: Allcorn Seth , Godkin Lynn 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a psychoanalytical approach to dealing with organizational inertia.Design/methodology/approachThe concept of organizational inertia is defined and factors contributing to insight inertia and action inertia are delineated.FindingsIt was found that applying psychoanalytically informed theory provides alternative insight into dealing with organizational inertia.Originality/valueThe paper illustrates how human nature influences the workplace in general and contributes to organizational inertia in particular.
Topology design and freeform fabrication of deployable structures with lattice skins
Authors: Maheshwaraa Namasivayam Uma , Conner Seepersad Carolyn 
Published: January 2011

PurposeSolid freeform fabrication is particularly suitable for fabricating customized parts, but it has not been used for fabricating deployable structures that can be stored in a compact configuration and deployed quickly and easily in the field. The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology for deploying flexible, freeform structure with lattice skins as the deploying mechanism.Design/methodology/approachA ground structure‐based topology optimization procedure is utilized, with a penalization scheme that encourages convergence to sets of thick lattice elements that are manufacturable and extremely thin lattice elements that are removed from the final structure.FindingsA deployable wing is designed for a miniature unmanned aerial vehicle. A physical prototype of the optimal configuration is fabricated with selective laser sintering and compared with the virtual prototype. The proposed methodology results in a 78 percent improvement in deviations from the intended surface profile of the deployed part.Originality/valueThe results presented in the paper provide proof‐of‐concept for the use of lattice skins as a deployment mechanism. A topology optimization framework is also provided for designing these lattice skins. Potential applications include portable, camouflaged shelters and deployable aerial vehicles.
Artery vessel fabrication using the combined fused deposition modeling and electrospinning techniques
Authors: Owida Amal , Chen Rui , Patel Shital , Morsi Yos , Mo Xiumei 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to prepare a new combined method of rapid prototyping, fused deposition modeling (FDM) and electrospinning for the fabrication of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).Design/methodology/approachA dynamically optimum design of blood vessel graft was constructed using FDM and electrospinning. Fabrication of 3‐D CABG model was constructed using pro‐engineer based on the optimum hemodynamic analysis and was converted to an stereolithography file format which was imported to the Magic software where it was edited to a high‐resolution contour. The model was then created from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene which was used as a collector for electrospinning fabrication. For the electrospinning thermoplastic polyurethane was dissolved with hexafluoroisopropanol. The voltage applied for electrospinning was 15 kV where the solid FDM model was used to collect nanofibers at fixed distance.FindingsThe properties of the fabricated vessel agreed well with those of human artery. The proposed method can be effectively used for the fabrication of an optimized graft design. This proposed method has been proved as a promising fabrication processes in fabricating a specially designed graft with the correct physical and mechanical properties.Originality/valueThe proposed method is novel and combines the advantages of both FDM and electrospinning techniques.
A preliminary design and manufacturing study of hybrid lightweight high‐speed wind‐tunnel models
Authors: Dang‐guo Yang , Zheng‐yu Zhang , Yan Sun , Wei‐jun Zhu 
Published: January 2011

PurposeIn view of the strength and stiffness deficiencies of current photopolymer resin models under high aerodynamic loads, the purpose of this paper is to introduce a preliminary design and manufacturing technique for hybrid lightweight high‐speed wind‐tunnel models with internal metal frame and surface photopolymer resin based on rapid prototyping (RP).Design/methodology/approachInternal metal frame structure was designed to be of regular configurations that can be conveniently fabricated by conventionally mechanical manufacturing methods. Outer resin components were designed to meet configuration fidelity and surface quality, which were fabricated by RP apparatus. Combination of aerodynamics and structure was utilized to accomplish structural design, strength and stiffness calibration and vibration analysis. Structural design optimization and manufacturing method of the validated hybrid AGARD‐B models were studied by analysis of manufacturing precision, surface quality processing and mechanical capability.FindingsThe method with internal metal frame and outer resin has dramatically improved the overall strength and stiffness of RP parts of the hybrid AGARD‐B model, and it is suitable to construct the high‐speed wind‐tunnel models with complex internal structure. The method could decrease the model's weight and prevent resonance occurrence among the models, wind‐tunnel and support system, and shorten processing period, and also it leads to decrease in manufacturing period and cost.Research limitations/implicationsStiffness of thin components for outer resin configuration is somewhat poor under high aerodynamic loads in a high‐speed wind‐tunnel test, and the effect of deformation of the components on the experimental results should be taken into account.Originality/valueThis method can enhance the versatility of using RP technique in the fabrication of high‐speed wind‐tunnel models, especially for experimental models with complex structure. Aerodynamic and structural combination design and structural optimization for hybrid models make RP techniques more practical for manufacturing high‐speed wind‐tunnel models.
Geometrical modeling of H&N cancer tumor
Authors: Kamrani Ali K. , Azimi Maryam 
Published: January 2011

PurposeMost of the current radiation treatment planning systems use pre‐treatment computed tomography (CT) images to detect the tumor location and then plan the radiation therapy to be delivered during the treatment period. It is assumed that the tumor geometry will not change throughout the treatment course; however, tumor geometry is shown to be changing over time. The purpose of this paper is to present results of an ongoing research in 3‐D modeling and reconstruction of head and neck cancer tumors. The results from this phase of the project will be used in developing a prediction model for tumor deformation during radiation treatment of cancer patients.Design/methodology/approachBy using CT scan data in the 3‐D ASCII format, the tumor's progressive geometric changes during the treatment period are quantified. After constructing slice contours, both triangular and rectangular patch approaches are applied to map and analyze the tumor surface and volume. The changes in tumor location are calculated based on a reference feature on the top of the spine canal. MATLAB routines are developed to perform the required calculations. A set of prototype mockups of different stages are used for the purpose of validation and verification of the proposed methodology.FindingsThe proposed method is applied to calculate volume, surface, and displacement of the tumor, using patients’ data obtained from the University of Texas‐MD Anderson Cancer Center. The results are consistent with the actual data.Originality/valueThe proposed methodology increases the accuracy of treatment planning by predicting the changes in tumor geometry. The literature survey reveals that no work has been devoted to mathematically model the geometrical changes that a tumor might go through after each radiation.
Speed and accuracy evaluation of additive manufacturing machines
Authors: Brajlih Tomaz , Valentan Bogdan , Balic Joze , Drstvensek Igor 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish a general method for achievable speed and accuracy evaluation of additive manufacturing (AM) machines and an objective comparison among them.Design/methodology/approachFirst, a general schematic is defined that enables description of all currently available AM machines. This schematic is used to define two influential factors describing certain parts' properties regarding the machines' yield during manufacturing. A test part is defined, that will enable testing the influence of these factors on the speed and accuracy of manufacturing. A method for implementing and adapting test parts is established for individual machine's testing. This method was used to test four different machines that are predominantly used in Slovenia at the moment.FindingsResearch has proven that the machine's yield had a predominant influence on the achievable manufacturing speeds of all the tested machines. In addition, the results have shown different ranges of achievable manufacturing speeds for individually tested machines. Test parts' measurement results have shown comparable achievable accuracies for all the tested machines.Research limitations/implicationsSpeed evaluation is based on a 2k factorial design that assumes the linearity among individual points of the experiment. This design was chosen to keep the method as simple and quick as possible, in order to perform testing on those machines otherwise used in industrial environments. Accuracy evaluation was limited by a rather small sample size of ten fabricated test parts per machine.Practical implicationsThe presented evaluation method can be used on any existing or future type of AM machine, and their comparative placement regarding achievable manufacturing speed and accuracy.Originality/valueThe presented method can be used to evaluate a machine regardless of the AM technology on which it is based.
Selective laser melted prototype of original minimally invasive resurfacing hip endoprosthesis
Authors: Uklejewski Ryszard , Winiecki Mariusz , Rogala Piotr , Mielniczuk Janusz 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to present the main results of a research project finished in 2008 which concerned the selective laser melted (SLM) prototype of a new kind of minimally invasive resurfacing hip arthroplasty (RHA) endoprosthesis with the original multi‐spiked connecting scaffold (MSC‐Scaffold). Previous attempts performed in pre‐Direct Metal Manufacturing (DMM) era demonstrated that it was impossible to manufacture suitable prototypes of this RHA endoprosthesis (especially of the MSC‐Scaffold) using traditional machining technologies. Owing to an extensive development of DMM technologies observed in recent years the manufacturing of such prototypes has become possible.Design/methodology/approachComputer aided design models of pre‐prototypes and the prototype of the RHA endoprosthesis with MSC‐Scaffold were designed and initially optimized within the claims and the general assumptions of international patents by Rogala. Prototyping in SLM technology was subcontracted to SLM Tech Center (Paderborn, Germany). Macroscopic and SEM microscopic evaluation of the MSC‐Scaffold was performed using SLM manufactured prototypes and paying special attention to the quality and precision of manufacturing.FindingsIt was found that SLM can be successfully applied to manufacturing of prototypes of the original minimally invasive RHA endoprosthesis. The manufacturing quality of the 3D spikes system of the MSC‐Scaffold, which mimics the interdigitations of articular subchondral bone, has been proved to be geometrically corresponding to the biological original. Nevertheless, some pores and non‐melted zones were found in SLM prototyped RHA endoprosthesis cross‐sections which need to be eliminated to minimize the potential risk of clinical failure.Research limitations/implicationsThe presented case study was performed with a limited number of samples. More research needs to be performed on the rapid prototyped samples including microstructural and mechanical tests. The results may enable the optimization of the SLM manufacturing process of the prototypes of the minimally invasive RHA endoprosthesis with MSC‐Scaffold.Practical implicationsThe SLM can be considered as potentially suitable for the fabrication of patient‐fitted minimally invasive RHA endoprostheses with MSC‐Scaffold.Originality/valueFor the first time, largely owing to SLM technology, it was possible to manufacture the prototype of the original minimally invasive RHA endoprosthesis with MSC‐Scaffold suitable for further research.