bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strategy tools: who really uses them?
Authors: Knott Paul 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe paper complements other published material on strategy tools by presenting a picture of how practicing managers use tools and concepts in strategy activity.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on interviews with a diverse set of managers. The interviews explored how these managers used tools in a chosen strategy activity.FindingsThe paper presents a profile of how managers use tools that refines and challenges existing studies. Writing on strategy tools often implies strict application of the tools. In practice, managers take parts from different tools and mould them to suit pre‐existing business objectives and processes. This requires them to have a wide knowledge of tools and to reflect on them critically. Managers use tools as a source of inspiration as much as for communication or for facilitating initiatives. When looking to extend their knowledge, they seek new ideas, not packaged solutions.Practical implicationsThe implication for managers is to focus on reconstructing tools to fit local needs. The paper argues that this does not mean corrupting tools and is more effective than seeking better tools that already fit.Originality/valuePrior studies of strategy tools have focused mainly on the extent of tool use. This paper considers in more depth how managers enact these tools within their firms, and hence advances from the study of fads to the study of strategy practice. Its findings are relevant to those who devise and communicate tools as well as to managers.
Business leaders speak out: their real strategic problems
Authors: Donald Hopkins H. , Swift Tim 
Published: September 2008

PurposeMany observers agree that the recommendations from academic research are not followed by real world organizations, and that business researchers rarely consult practitioners when formulating research questions. Calls are increasing to make management research more relevant for business managers. This paper aims to seek to capitalize upon this opportunity by going straight to managers on the front line and asking them about their most pressing problems.Design/methodology/approachThe authors surveyed over 350 Chief Executive Officers of large, medium and small‐cap US firms. The authors asked these executives to describe the most important strategic problem facing their firms, to identify the fundamental source of the problem, and to identify the best response to this problem.FindingsExecutives tell us that their most common strategic problems relate to threats from new technology, and new competitors. Further, respondents believe that the most important threats originate outside the firm.Practical implicationsThe survey can help to align the interests of academic researchers and business practitioners. Future case study research can explore the most effective tactics in use to deal with the most important strategic problems.Originality/valueBoth practitioners and researchers should consider this paper's findings. Business executives can gain insights on the key concerns of their US peers in today's market. Management researchers and educators can consider using the findings of this survey to formulate new, more pragmatic research questions, and to make management curriculum more relevant to today's managers.
A new look at the sports paradigm for business: performing isn't enough
Authors: Adcroft Andy , Teckman Jon 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis article aims to provide an original explanation of the outcome of contests using a performing‐competing framework.Design/methodology/approachIn developing a conceptual model to explain the outcome of contests the article develops a set of assumptions that are supported by theory before combining them into a model with illustrative examples.FindingsUnderstanding the outcome of contests is a complex business. Contests are not always won by the best performing team but rather are won by the team with the most appropriate blend of competitiveness and performance.Originality/valueThe article takes a novel approach by combining management theory with sporting examples in order to make a conceptual innovation.
The great game of gotcha
Authors: Marren Patrick 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to highlight the strategic irrelevancy of much prognostication in business.Design/methodology/approachThis paper provides an opinion column.FindingsThis column shows how far off base recent government predictions of the price of oil have been, and compares this supposed miserable failure to similar (inevitable) failures on the part of the private sector. Single‐point prediction is essentially a sucker's game; though it is demanded by outside authorities, and often must be supplied for tactical reasons, it should never be relied upon for strategic purposes.Originality/valueExposes how pointless, from a strategic point‐of‐view, the mass of predictive effort in both private and public sectors can be.
Grow your business by offering less – and more
Authors: Jackson Stuart E. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeMost business leaders buy into the logic of differentiating their products from those of competitors, and of offering more complete solutions to customer needs. But what if you find that other competitors with stripped‐down offerings are gaining share? Does that mean you should abandon efforts at differentiation and switch to a simplified, low‐cost product? If so, what should you do about customers who say they like the more complete, higher‐value offering? In this column, Stuart Jackson considers a number of examples where companies have disaggregated their service offering to create a menu of options that appeal to a wide range of customers. The author then proposes four key questions for companies considering going down this path.Design/methodology/approachIn this article, Jackson considers service disaggregation strategies for companies in a number of different industries, including retailing, airlines and software. Jackson then draws lessons that can be applied broadly across any business considering tiered levels of services and pricing as a new source of profitable growth.FindingsMost companies want to offer more complete solutions to customer needs with all sorts of added features “built‐in”. This makes sense only as long as the large majority of customers really value all these features. If not, companies should examine ways to disaggregate their service offerings and broaden the range of their customer appeal.Originality/valueBy looking in detail at when taking away product features or charging more for specific services does or does not make sense, this article provides valuable insights into how to understand and predict when changes in service offerings will support increased competitive advantage and value creation.
Electroluminescent light sources via soft lithography
Authors: Young R.J.H. , Evans P.S.A. , Hay G.I. , Southee D.J. , Harrison D.J. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeMicrocontact printing is a process used to print high‐resolution protein arrays for biosensors. The paper aims to investigate using these techniques to print electrically conductive fine line structures for electroluminescent (E/L) light sources.Design/methodology/approachThe viability of using microcontact printing as a process for electronics fabrication is investigated. Polydimethylsiloxane stamps inked with alkanethiol compounds form self‐assembled monolayers on substrate surfaces, acting as the resist to subsequent etching processes. The printed lines are characterized with regard to their performance as high‐electric field generators in electroluminescent displays.FindingsIt has been demonstrated that microcontact printing is a cheap, repeatable process for fabricating electronic devices. The results demonstrate the viability of the process to fabricate electric field generator structures for E/L light sources with reduced driving voltages.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates that microcontact printing can produce electrically conductive fine‐line structures with high resolution, confirming its viability in printed electronics manufacture.
ProSurf technology road map – a summary
Authors: Ling John , Starkey Peter , Weinhold Michael 
Published: September 2008

PurposeIn August 2007, the European Institute of Printed Circuits produced a Technology Roadmap for the industry for the period 2007‐2017. The purpose of this paper is to give details of the roadmap, the aim of which is to provide information which underpins the aims of the EU‐funded ProSurf project, which are to strengthen European small‐to‐medium enterprises (SME) competitiveness in both the medium‐ and long‐term through increasing knowledge and awareness of high‐tech methods in these industries.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is an outline of the ProSurf project which will enable SMEs to have a clear view of the trends that will affect their businesses in the coming decade, and be delivered in a way that is readily comprehensible.FindingsThe summary highlights the present market, the market characteristics, and the position of the European PCB industry today. General factors which influence market trends are listed, within which the demands for miniaturisation and weight reduction, and higher data transmission rates are notable. There are specific requirements of each market sector, viz military, consumer, and automotive electronics, and here the roadmap looks at design rules and manufacturing capabilities. Towards the end of the roadmap attention is paid to the environmental considerations.Originality/valueThe ProSurf technology roadmap is a unique document without peer, and is specific to the European PCB industry whilst having considerable influence in other global areas as the technology demands within Europe impact upon production elsewhere.
The sonochemical surface modification of materials for electronic manufacturing. The effect of ultrasonic source to sample distance
Authors: Cobley Andy , Mason Tim 
Published: September 2008

PurposeTo build on the results detailed in the previous paper where it was shown that sonochemical surface modification could be achieved in water. This paper aims to look at one of the factors affecting sonochemical surface modification, namely the ultrasonic source to sample distance.Design/methodology/approachUltrasound was applied through deionized water for the surface modification of three materials: a high Tg PCB laminate (Isola 370HR), a polyphenylene ether – polystyrene polymer (Noryl HM4025) and an acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene/polycarbonate (Cycolac S705). The efficacy of the treatment was determined by weight loss, scanning electron microscopy, contact angle, roughness and tape testing after electroless copper plating.FindingsThe study confirmed, and extended the previous findings, that a range of substrates could be sonochemically surface modified in water, even though in this work the ultrasonic horn had a larger tip size and produced a different ultrasonic intensity. Although the results were material dependent, the ultrasonic source to sample distance was found to be critical. Employing a spacing of 5 mm produced samples which generally exhibited higher weight loss, roughness and significant changes in surface morphology than when a distance of 25 mm was utilized.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates that sonochemical surface modification has the potential to be a much more sustainable surface modification process than those currently employed in the electronics industry. However, to achieve this outcome acoustic cavitation and factors affecting it (such as source to sample distance) must be understood so that suitable equipment can be built.
Reliability aspects of electronic devices for advanced requirements
Authors: Schüßler Florian , Rösch Michael , Hörber Johannes , Feldmann Klaus 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to detail the qualification of alternative substrate materials and reliability aspects for quad flat no lead (QFN) packages for highly stressed electronic devices, e.g. for use in automotive applications.Design/methodology/approachDetailed information is given on the advanced climatic and mechanical requirements that electronic devices have to withstand during life cycle testing to qualify for the automotive industry. Studies on the suitability of high‐temperature thermoplastics as substrate materials for printed circuit boards and the qualification of QFN packages for advanced requirements are described. In addition, information on cause‐effect relationships between thermal and vibration testing are given.FindingsWith respect to adhesion of metallization on high‐temperature thermoplastics and the long‐term stability of the solder joints, these substrate materials offer potential for use in electronic devices for advanced requirements. In addition, the long‐term stability of the solder joints of QFN packages depends on the design of the landings on the PCB and the separation process of the components during manufacturing.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper covers only a selection of possible high‐temperature thermoplastic materials that can be used in electronics production. Also, this paper has a focus on the new packaging type, QFN, in the context of qualification and automotive standards.Originality/valueThe paper details the requirements electronic devices have to meet to be qualified for the automotive industry. Therefore, this contribution has its value in giving information on possible substrate alternatives and the suitability for the usage of QFN components for highly stressed electronic devices.
The application of X‐rays in the failure analysis of electronic devices and systems
Authors: Smith C.A. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe aim is to focus on the application of X‐rays in the failure analysis of electronic devices and systems, with an emphasis on X‐ray radiography and X‐ray spectroscopy.Design/methodology/approachThe theory behind X‐ray radiography and X‐ray spectroscopy is reviewed, and relevant case studies are used to illustrate the application of these techniques in the failure analysis of electronic devices and systems.FindingsExamples from recent case studies are given.Originality/valueThe paper provides an introduction to X‐ray methods for engineers working on the failure analysis of electronic devices and systems who may be unfamiliar with these techniques.
Toward a formal theory of socioculture
Authors: Yolles M. , Frieden B.R. , Kemp G. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to initiate a new, formal theory of sociocultural physics.Design/methodology/approachIts intended scope is limited to predicting either long‐term, large‐scale or short‐term, small‐scale sociocultural events. The theory that the authors develop, called sociohistory, links three independent but relatable approaches: part of Sorokin's epistemological theory of sociocultural dynamics, Frieden's epistemological theory of extreme physical information (EPI), and Yolles's social viable systems (SVS) theory.FindingsAlthough not all of Sorokin's ideas are universally accepted, a subset of them is found to be extremely useful for describing the conceptual context of complex systems. This includes how sociocultural processes link closely into political processes.Research limitations/implicationsThe theory that develops helps explain how opposing, cultural enantiomers oryin‐yangforces (represented, for instance, by the polar mindsets represented in Islamic fundamentalism and global enterprise) can result in violent conflict, or in either viable or non‐viable social communities. The informationsIandJof EPI theory are regarded, respectively, as sensate and ideational enantiomers.Originality/valueWhile the resulting sociocultural physics is in its infancy, an illustrative application to the developmental dynamics of post‐colonial Iran demonstrates its potential utility.
A new definition of the Adomian polynomials
Authors: Rach Randolph C. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeTo provide a new proof of convergence of the Adomian decomposition series for solving nonlinear ordinary and partial differential equations based upon a thorough examination of the historical milieu preceding the Adomian decomposition method.Design/methodology/approachDevelops a theoretical background of the Adomian decomposition method under the auspices of the Cauchy‐Kovalevskaya theorem of existence and uniqueness for solution of differential equations. Beginning from the concepts of a parametrized Taylor expansion series as previously introduced in the Murray‐Miller theorem based on analytic parameters, and the Banach‐space analog of the Taylor expansion series about a function instead of a constant as briefly discussed by Cherruaultet al., the Adomian decompositions series and the series of Adomian polynomials are found to be a uniformly convergent series of analytic functions for the solutionuand the nonlinear composite functionf(u). To derive the unifying formula for the family of classes of Adomian polynomials, the author develops the novel notion of a sequence of parametrized partial sums as defined by truncation operators, acting upon infinite series, which induce these parametrized sums for simple discard rules and appropriate decomposition parameters. Thus, the defining algorithm of the Adomian polynomials is the difference of these consecutive parametrized partial sums.FindingsThe four classes of Adomian polynomials are shown to belong to a common family of decomposition series, which admit solution by recursion, and are derived from one unifying formula. The series of Adomian polynomials and hence the solution as computed as an Adomian decomposition series are shown to be uniformly convergent. Furthermore, the limiting value of themth Adomian polynomial approaches zero as the indexmapproaches infinity for the prerequisites of the Cauchy‐Kovalevskaya theorem. The novel truncation operators as governed by discard rules are analogous to an ideal low‐pass filter, where the decomposition parameters represent the cut‐off frequency for rearranging a uniformly convergent series so as to induce the parametrized partial sums.Originality/valueThis paper unifies the notion of the family of Adomian polynomials for solving nonlinear differential equations. Further it presents the new notion of parametrized partial sums as a tool for rearranging a uniformly convergent series. It offers a deeper understanding of the elegant and powerful Adomian decomposition method for solving nonlinear ordinary and partial differential equations, which are of paramount importance in modeling natural phenomena and man‐made device performance parameters.
Understanding the time dimension in resource management
Authors: Walter Stefan 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe paper's aim is to present a concrete approach of understanding economic time and how acceleration might be controlled based on the application of operation logics of social systems.Design/methodology/approachFollowing the reasoning of an indicator that reflects acceleration/deceleration in the economic system and based on the economy's operation logic, a correlation analysis has been undertaken where interest rate and inflation rate statistics from Sweden, Finland and Russia are combined with statistics of roundwood logging from the three countries.FindingsAnalysis shows that a confiding environment of the economic system is needed for the control measure to work. Furthermore, given that for complex systems control is limited, not only the question whether control is possible is important but also whether this possibility is probable.Practical implicationsInforms policy makers about the need to maintain a confiding and trustful environment for the economic system to maintain control possibilities.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the research on the management of time and acceleration, the management of the economic system in general and the wider sustainable development discourse.
A value‐based pricing system for strategic co‐branding goods
Authors: Chang Wei‐Lun 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to propose a novel pricing system for co‐branding goods by utilizing perceived value, which employs prospect theory (PT) and mental accounting to acquire the consumer's perceived value and to estimate an appropriate price.Design/methodology/approachThe approach taken is design science, an artifact of automatic pricing system for co‐branding goods.FindingsThe results reveal that PT is superior to expected utility theory in terms of adjusted perceived prices and decision weight probabilities.Practical implicationsThis paper aims to provide clues for industries in terms of providing a customer‐centric pricing method, systematic and automatic approach, and pricing‐based strategic information system.Originality/valueThe proposed pricing method: applies value‐based method to estimate the co‐brand price, considers risk and real‐world decision making, provides an efficient and effective approach, and enhances the competitiveness of price through the system.
The grey extent analysis
Authors: Çakir Ozan 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe aim is to present a novel approach for tackling multi‐attribute decision problems with using concepts from grey system theory and the extent analysis method.Design/methodology/approachUnderlying judgment set of a multi‐attribute decision problem is modeled with employing grey numbers. Fundamental principles for comparing a set of grey numbers are established. A procedure for evaluating the decision alternatives is explained in detail and referred to as “The grey extent analysis”.FindingsIt is shown that the proposed procedure can be used as a decision‐making tool where the judgments of the decision maker are not exact (i.e. in terms of grey system terminology they are not “white”).Research limitations/implicationsThe grey numbers utilized are assumed to be asynchronous and uniformly distributed over their domain.Originality/valueThe extent analysis is well studied as an evaluation tool under a fuzzy system. This study is set apart from the previous extent analysis research for two reasons: this paper provides basic guidelines for applying the extent analysis procedure within a grey system; the (grey) number comparison principles are totally different.
Emerging order in CAS theory: mapping some perspectives
Authors: Wallis Steven E. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe aim is to investigate the state of complex adaptive system (CAS) theory in the organizational theory literature and to provide a map for future studies of CAS theory.Design/methodology/approachAbstracts were searched via electronic database and a range of recently published (1996‐2004) books and articles were identified that contained a relatively concise description of CAS. Content analysis is used to deconstruct the CAS descriptions into “component concepts.” Those concepts are analyzed from multiple viewpoints.FindingsThere is no single, shared, sense of CAS theory. Differing understandings of CAS theory are identified based on “expert version” and “most popularly identified concepts.” Also, differences and similarities are identified between an “academic” version of CAS and a version developed by those who are influenced by both academic learning and practical experience.Research limitations/implicationsStudy is limited to concise definitions of CAS, so could be improved by including more lengthy conversations. Additionally, study is limited to organizational theory, so may be less applicable in other disciplines.Practical implicationsWhen working within a CAS framework, academics should specify their CAS perspective to improve clarity of their work. When using a CAS framework to study organizations, researchers should include a comprehensive suite of concepts. Though not described in depth, no effective application of CAS for organizational change were found.Originality/valueFor those who study CAS theory and theory of theory, this paper provides an important benchmark by identifying a bifurcation in the evolution of CAS theory.