bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the cross section geometry of laser‐densified dental porcelain bodies for rapid prototyping processes
Authors: Li X. , Wang J. , Shaw L.L. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo investigate the effect of laser densification parameters on the cross section geometry of the laser‐densified single line, and thus provide guidance for selecting the laser processing condition to obtain dense shapes with minimum processing defects.Design/methodology/approachA range of dental porcelain powder lines with small cross section areas (in the order of 1 × 1 mm2) were extruded from micro‐extruders and laser densified with the systematically changed peak laser power intensity, laser beam diameter, and ratio of the laser beam diameter to the width of the powder line.FindingsThe peak laser power intensity, laser beam diameter, and ratio of the laser beam diameter to the width of the powder line have substantial influence on the cross section geometry. The effects of these laser processing parameters can be explained in terms of minimization of surface energy in both solid and liquid states, volume shrinkage associated with densification, and temperature gradients present in the powder line during laser densification.Originality/valueFor the first time the cross section geometry of single powder lines in response to laser processing conditions has been systematically investigated, and the result offers guidance for obtaining dense shapes with minimum processing defects.
Study of laser‐sinterability of ferro‐based powders
Authors: Kruth J.P. , Kumar S. , Van Vaerenbergh J. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo find the suitable parameters for selective laser sintering (SLS) of selected ferro‐based powders. These parameters will help to create products having appreciable strength shown by the highest density and good surface property.Design/methodology/approachDesign of experiment (L9 Taguchi design) has been used to obtain the parameters in the minimum possible number of experiments. For finding the range of various parameters selected such as scan speed, scan spacing and layer thickness, some preliminary experiments have been performed. In order to carry out varied characterization for a given type of experiment, a number of samples have been made.FindingsAn attempt has been made to observe the correlation between applied laser energy and the properties of the laser‐sintered parts. Taguchi design has been useful and has given the optimized parameters. It has also been found that the infiltration increases the strength of the part substantially compared with the property of end‐used sintered product.Research limitations/implicationsThe present set of experiments was limited by the range of supplied laser energy to the powder system, as the laser power could not be increased.Originality/valueThere is a need to search for alternative powders for manufacturing parts through SLS, which can alleviate the need to depend on customized powders, as these customized powders are limited to be used only with prescribed commercial SLS machines for their best performance. This drawback restricts their general use independent of any particular machine and it is, therefore, required to develop know‐how of powders and related process parameters for SLS. The present work is an effort in this direction in which laser sintering of a specially developed iron‐based powder mixture (Fe, Ni, Cu and Fe3P) has been tested on an SLS machine.
Supply chain software implementations: getting it right
Authors: Favilla Jose , Fearne Andrew 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo highlight key success factors in supply chain projects.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents insights from a number of supply chain projects in which IT has played an important part in the business solution.FindingsSuccessful supply chain projects have four things in common: the right leadership, the right focus, the right approach and effective communication of KPIs to all stakeholders engaged in the project.Research limitations/implicationsThe focus of the paper is on supply chain projects with a significant IT component, but the key success factors identified are common to the majority of supply chain projects.Practical implicationsCompanies must not assume that investment in IT is, by itself, a solution to their supply chain solutions. A lack of leadership, focus and communication will invariably result in sub‐optimal outcomes which are all too frequently attributed to the complex nature of the project or the inflexibility of the software when in most cases the problems are internal to the businesses involved and the project management process.Originality/valueThis paper provides practical tips for improving the likelihood of getting the most out of IT‐based supply chain projects.
The effect of supplier development initiatives on purchasing performance: a structural model
Authors: Sánchez‐Rodríguez Cristóbal , Hemsworth David , Martínez‐Lorente Ángel R. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeSupply chain management is an increasingly important organizational concern, and proper management of supplier relationships constitutes one essential element of supply chain success. However, there is little empirical research that has tested the effect of supplier development on performance. The main objective is to analyze the effect of supplier development practices with different levels of implementation complexity on the firm's purchasing performance.Design/methodology/approachThree supplier development constructs were defined: basic supplier development, moderate supplier development, and advanced supplier development. Three structural models were hypothesized and tested using structural equation modeling through field research on a sample of 306 manufacturing companies in Spain.FindingsIdentified important interrelationships among the various supplier development practices, basic, moderate, and advanced. Also indicated that the implementation of supplier development practices significantly contributes to the prediction of purchasing performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of a single key informant could be seen as a potential limitation of the study. The study was a cross‐sectional and descriptive sample of the manufacturing industry at a given point in time. A more stringent test of the relationships between the different levels of supplier development and performance requires a longitudinal study, or field experiment.Practical implicationsThis study focused on supplier development practices and revealed how involving suppliers in supplier development activities is important and may help buyers to increase their purchasing performance. The findings from the structural analysis should provide practicing managers with insights on how these practices and their benefits are related in terms of purchasing performance, thus affecting their ability to make better sourcing decisions.Originality/valueFills an important gap in the purchasing literature with respect to the area of supplier development. While there is much written about supplier development based on conceptual and case study research, this study is unique in that it is the first attempt to empirically model the relationships between different levels of supplier development and their impact on purchasing performance using a comprehensive set of practices.
Supply chain management practices in toy supply chains
Authors: Yew Wong Chee , Stentoft Arlbjørn Jan , Johansen John 
Published: January 2007

PurposeInnovative products usually experience highly unpredictable and variable demand. This is especially valid for the volatile and seasonal toy industry, which produces high obsolete inventory, lost sales and markdown. In such a volatile industry, what supply chain management (SCM) practices are applicable and effective? This study seeks to explore SCM practices, and identify practical and theoretical gaps in toy supply chains.Design/methodology/approachThis article includes a longitudinal and in‐depth case study during the past year in an international toy manufacturer, which includes qualitative semi‐structured interviews and questionnaire with 11 main European toy retailers.FindingsThe study concludes that there are three main SCM practices for toy retailers in terms of ordering behaviours (one‐off, JIT, and mixed model), and one dominated SCM practice for toy manufacturers (traditional mass‐production or push‐models). These low‐responsive practices in the toy supply chain are not caused only by slow knowledge diffusion. SCM know‐how is not yet capable of managing such levels of volatility and seasonality. Therefore, explanations of these theoretical gaps and what new theories are required for such extreme volatility and seasonality are proposed.Originality/valueIt reveals actual SCM practices in a volatile and seasonal supply chain, such that theoretical and practical gaps are identified. Also, it proposes a model to match manufacturing SCM‐practices with retailer SCM‐practices.
US consumer purchasing decisions and demand for apparel
Authors: Fadiga Mohamadou L. , Misra Sukant K. , Ramirez Octavio A. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this is study is to identify sources of demand growth for apparel in the US based on consumer demographic profiles, regions, and product characteristics.Design/methodology/approachA two‐step procedure was utilized to model, estimate, and analyze purchasing decision and consumer demand for nine apparel products (male shirts, shorts, jeans and slacks and female slacks, skirts, shorts, dresses and jeans). This study is based on a survey conducted by the American shoppers' panel, which collects consumption data of various garments, socioeconomic profiles, and product characteristics.FindingsThe results indicate that purchase decisions are determined by garments' own prices, age, female employment, gender, regions, and the presence of children. The study also shows evidence that the effect of product‐specific pricing strategies would be limited to the targeted products and the origin of the product has minimal effect on consumer expenditures on apparel.Originality/valueThis study is one of the few that have used disaggregated apparel products and detailed demographic factors, thus has clear marketing implications and can be useful to the apparel industry.
Age, gender and national factors in fashion consumption
Authors: Rocha Maria Alice V. , Hammond Lynne , Hawkins David 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe research aimed to reveal real behavioural preferences in fashion and clothing consumption, and analyses the similarities and differences between British, Brazilian and Chinese consumers. This approach was selected to consider the distinctions between a mature market, and emerging western and eastern markets.Design/methodology/approachThe investigation was based around a research methodology using quantitative analysis with appropriate statistical techniques on three random surveys of consumers from the southeast of England (N=265), the northeast of Brazil (N=310) and mainland China (N=226) older than 15 years.FindingsA new conceptual framework is proposed – the physical, identity and lifestyle (PIL) model, providing a tool for effective and more focused decision‐making techniques for developing better fashion products. British, Brazilian and Chinese consumers have different requirements for fashion and clothing products based upon age and gender. The evidence suggests that the fashion industry needs to be more aware of consumer indicators when targeting mature consumers.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was based on samples and not the entire population of target consumers, providing limitations. As an inferential statistical method was chosen, the results were susceptible to inaccuracy.Originality/valueThe survey came from three different continents, thereby providing rich perspectives into global consumption. Companies who own domestic market share and want to enter new global markets could use this data to improve their product design development decisions.
Exploring adolescent girls' identification of beauty types through consumer collages
Authors: Martin Mary C. , Okleshen Peters Cara 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe objective of this study is to explore adolescent girls' knowledge about the types of beauty valued in contemporary American popular and commercial culture.Design/methodology/approachEighty girls ranging from seven to thirteen years old participated in a card sorting and collage construction exercise using 47 advertisements that featured models.FindingsDifferences were found among girls according to age. Preferred beauty types were more complex with age. Furthermore, older girls made more product and brand associations.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings indicate that the beauty match‐up hypothesis holds among young girls.Practical implicationsAdvertisers may be overlooking the audience of young women by neglecting to use models who represent their desired type(s) of beauty. They may even be alienating young girls by using anti‐ideals such as nudity and sexiness. Furthermore, advertisers must use models who convey the appropriate personality traits to create persuasive ads.Originality/valueThis study is important because it expands upon previous work that has assessed how and why young girls are affected by highly attractive models in ads. However, instead of conceptualizing physical attractiveness as a simple bipolar continuum from “attractive or pretty” to “unattractive or ugly”, this work considers the complex, multidimensional properties of beauty.
Generation X, Baby Boomers, and Swing: marketing fair trade apparel
Authors: Littrell Mary A. , Jin Ma Yoon , Halepete Jaya 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis study focused on two research questions: How do generational cohorts of fair trade consumers differ in their product attitudes and behaviors, retail preferences, shopping orientations, and socio‐political attitudes? How do factors influencing purchase intentions for fair trade apparel differ among generational cohorts?Design/methodology/approachData from 1,055 current customers of four North American fair trade businesses were collected via mail survey and store‐intercept. Respondents included generation X (ages 29‐40,n=200), baby boomer (ages 41‐59,n=589), and swing (ages 60‐75,n=266) generations.FindingsResults revealed that baby boomers and swing respondents differed from Generation X participants in their greater focus on qualities of apparel comfort, value, and quality; preference for authentic products and ethnic attire; and local activism behavior. In contrast, they exhibited more limited interest in wearing fashionable attire. All respondents placed high importance on fair trade philosophy centered on wages, workplace, and the environment. For all generational cohorts, their propensity toward wearing ethnic attire was the strongest influence on future intentions to purchase fair trade clothing.Research limitations/implicationsFor fair trade researchers, taking generational cohorts into consideration is recommended for assisting fair trade business persons in reaching their goal of market expansion to younger consumers.Practical limitations/implicationsCoupling significantly expanded information on ethnicity of designs, colors, production methods, or garments styles, along with current promotion of fair trade practices, was suggested for expanding purchases among consumers in both the generation X and swing cohorts. Baby boomer participants also valued pragmatic clothing details related to comfort, value, and quality.Originality/valueThis research provided support for use of generational cohorts in understanding consumer behavior. Regression analysis across the total sample led to different results as compared to when each generational cohort was examined individually.
Grey consumers are all the same, they even dress the same – myth or reality?
Authors: Mumel Damijan , Prodnik Jadranka 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research was to test the statement. “All older people are the same” and answer the question if professional and social activity play an important role in dividing the respondents into different segments in the field of apparel shopping. We examined seven aspects of apparel consumer behaviour: where do our respondents buy apparel and how often in each retail place, do they like shopping, how often they buy apparel, how much they spend, who/what influence them to buy, who/how influence on their clothing style and other statements about consumer behaviour related with apparel.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the results of 271 older consumers of apparel through multiplicity sample were collected. Then an a priori segmentation based on social and professional activity was conducted.FindingsBased on the survey, it can be concluded that it is not true that “all older people are the same”, as far, as the apparel business is concerned. The population observed is not homogeneous, although the differences are not so obvious and numerous as one could expect.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper demonstrates a simple a priori segmentation based on professional and social activities of respondents. In further research it is inevitably to compare results with a posteriori segmentation based on cluster analysis or discriminant analysis.Practical implicationsThe results are useful for product, place, price, and promotion management and through this for planning differential marketing mixes for separate older consumer segments.Originality/valueThe value of this article is to extend our knowledge in the field of apparel behaviour of older consumers, and to demonstrate how useful could be just two simple questions (about professional and social activities) in differentiating older consumers regarding apparel behaviour.
Perceptions of an organization's culture for work and family
Authors: Forret Monica , de Janasz Suzanne 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis study sets out to examine whether protégés have more favorable perceptions of an organization's culture for balancing work and family than non‐protégés.Design/methodology/approachData were obtained from 418 employees of a major public accounting firm who completed a survey on mentoring and work‐family issues. Correlation analyses, t‐tests, and regressions were performed to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe results strongly support the view that protégés had more favorable perceptions than non‐protégés of the organization's work‐family culture – the degree to which integration of employees' work and family lives is supported. Having a mentor was significantly related to each component of work‐family culture (managerial support, time demands, and career consequences) in the predicted direction.Research limitations/implicationsBy focusing on respondents in a single firm, it is impossible to determine whether the findings generalize to individuals in other industries or companies.Practical implicationsTo attract and retain employees, organizations have become increasingly concerned about their cultures for balancing work and family. By encouraging mentoring, organizations can transmit the message to their employees of resources and support available to help achieve balance.Originality/valueDespite strong interest in the fields of mentoring and work‐family balance, few research studies have attempted to link these two domains. This research integrates these areas and demonstrates the important role mentors play in developing perceptions of an organization's culture for work‐family balance.
Applying an adult development perspective to developmental networks
Authors: Chandler Dawn E. , Kram Kathy E. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo elaborate how an adult development perspective can further an understanding of mentoring (developmental) networks and their value to focal individuals in terms of the developmental functions provided and outcomes such as personal learning, task performance and development.Design/methodology/approachThe article utilizes Kegan's developmental stage theory to explore the implications of an adult development lens for individuals' mentoring networks.FindingsTheoretical propositions suggest varying network structures among individuals at three of Kegan's latter stages of development: interpersonal, institutional, and interindividual, as well as implications for networks and stage on relationship dynamics.Research limitations/implicationsSeveral propositions are offered for future research that will help to illuminate what mentoring networks may look like at various adult development stages, as well as what organizations should consider as they go about fostering both formal and informal mentoring for their members.Practical implicationsIndividuals should consider how their developmental stage may influence the relationships that they have, and those that they should seek to foster for continuous development. Organizations should consider stage of potential mentors and protégés when creating formal mentoring programs, and include opportunities for individuals to reflect on their own developmental stage as part of the self‐assessment and career development process.Originality/valueThe article identifies and describes an individual antecedent – one's developmental stage – that influences developmental relationship qualities and outcomes.
Disentangling the influence of suspects' demeanor and mental disorder on arrest
Authors: Novak Kenneth J. , Engel Robin S. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the factors that influence officer behavior when encountering suspects of crime who are perceived to have a mental disorder.Design/methodology/approachThis paper utilizes data collected from systematic social observations of street officers during 617 encounters with suspects, including 49 that were perceived to have a mental disorder. Multivariate models are estimated to determine the relative influence mental disorder has on officer decision making.FindingsThe paper finds mentally disordered suspects are more likely to demonstrate disrespectful or hostile behavior. The paper also finds that disrespect and hostility increases the likelihood of arrests. However, results also demonstrate that despite behavioral differences, persons with mental disorders are significantly less likely to be arrested by officers. Results support the contention that officers view mental status as a mitigating factor during encounters, and further calls in to question the criminalization hypothesis.Research limitations/implicationsIt is not clear what extent informal actions were taken by officers during encounters with mentally disordered suspects. Future research can also examine the interaction process that occurs between police and citizens who are mentally disordered, and consider evaluating the effectiveness of various responses to mentally disordered suspects.Originality/valueThis paper has value for both practitioners interested in understanding the dynamics of the police‐citizen encounter, as well as academics who are involved with theorizing the nature of social control by police officers.