bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A model for the twist distribution in the slub‐yarn
Authors: Lu Yuzheng , Gao Weidong , Wang Hongbo 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to build a mathematical model to deduct the twists distribution in the slub‐yarn.Design/methodology/approachThe model, considering the shearing modulus and polar moment of inertia of the yarn, influenced by the yarn density, is established based on the bar torsion model. The twists distribution in the slub‐yarn is concluded based on the analysis of the results. The rules were verified via an indirect method, by testing the breaking strength of the slub‐yarn.FindingsThe results of the analysis showed that twists in every section of the slub‐yarn are in inverse proportion to the square of the line density of the corresponding section. Slub length is a key factor to the twist in the base yarn, and the increase of the slub length will increase the twist; while the multiple is the key factor to the slub twist, and the enhancement of the multiple will decrease the twist significantly.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis cannot be verified via a direct method. A new, more conceivable direct method should be utilized to test the result.Originality/valueThe paper builds a base for the research of the mechanical properties of slub‐yarn and gives directions to the slub‐yarn production.
Dimensional characteristics of core spun cotton‐spandex 1×1 rib knitted fabrics in laundering
Authors: Herath C.N. , Choon Kang Bok 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to study the dimensional characteristics such as fabric density variations, dimensional constant parameters, linear and area dimensional changes and spirality angle variations of 1 × 1 rib knitted structures made from cotton‐spandex core spun yarns, under laundering regimes till 10th washing cycle.Design/methodology/approachSamples of the above fabrics underwent dry, wet and full relaxation treatments and were subjected to standard atmospheric conditions prior to take the measurements. Washing was done in a front loading machine under normal agitation with machine 56 RPM. Each washing regime includes wash, rinse, spin, tumble dry steps. Washing temperature was set at 40°C and water intake for washing was 30 l and rinsed with cold water. 0.1 g/l standard wetting agent was used. The mass of the load was maintained constant to 3 kg to keep the material ratio as 1:10. Washing regimes were continued till 10th cycle.FindingsCotton‐spandex rib structures came to a more stable state (minimum energy state) after 10th laundering cycle under the experimental conditions. Cotton did not come to such a state, even after 10th cycle proceeded. ANOVA analysis done under 95 percent confidential level has shown that fabric tightness and relaxation procedures give significant effect on dimensional characteristics of cotton‐spandex and cotton rib structures. However, area shrinkage variations of cotton rib fabrics have shown an exception to this.Research limitations/implicationsAccording to the dimensional constant values, evenafter 10th washing cycle, cotton rib structures did not come to a stable position. This should be further investigated to achieve a better stable rib knitted structure.Practical implicationsThe number of washing cycles can be increased or tumble dry duration can be increased to 120 min. to get a more stable state of cotton rib structures.Originality/valueThe results are important for the knitting industry to predict the dimensional behavior of designed knitted fabric under relaxation. These data can be used to set the circular machine parameters to achieve a more stable fabric after laundering.
Experimental analysis and modelling of textile transmission line for wearable applications
Authors: Chedid Michel , Belov Ilja , Leisner Peter 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks, by means of measurement and modelling, to evaluate frequency dependent per‐unit‐length parameters of conductive textile transmission line (CTTL) for wearable applications and to study deterioration of these parameters when CTTL is subjected to washing.Design/methodology/approachThe studied transmission line is made of Nickel/Copper (Ni/Cu) plated polyester ripstop fabric and is subjected to standard 60°C cycle in a commercial off‐the‐shelf washing machine. The per‐unit‐length parameters (resistance and inductance) and characteristic impedance of the line are extracted from measurements before and after washing. Using the measurement data an equivalent circuit is created to model the degradation of the line. The circuit is then integrated in a three‐dimensional transmission line matrix (TLM) model of the transmission line.FindingsBoth an electrical equivalent circuit and a TLM model are developed describing the degradation of the conductive textile when washed. A severe deterioration of the electrical parameters of the line is noticed. Experimental and modelling results are in good agreement in the addressed frequency band.Research limitations/implicationsAnalysis is performed for frequencies up to 10 MHz. The developed TLM model can be used to conduct parametric studies of the CTTL. To counteract the degradation of the line, protective coating is to be considered in further studies.Originality/valueThis paper extends knowledge of the subject by experimental and simulation‐based characterization of the CTTL when subjected to washing cycles.
Gender differs: assessing a model of online purchase intentions in e‐tail service
Authors: Chiu Yu‐Bin , Lin Chieh‐Peng , Tang Ling‐Lang 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis study proposes a model of online purchase intentions. Four exogenous constructs – namely, personal awareness of security, personal innovativeness, perceived ease of purchasing, and perceived usefulness – have not only direct influences on attitudes and online purchase intentions, but also have indirect influences on online purchase intentions through the mediation of attitudes.Design/methodology/approachData were collected via questionnaires from customers of the leading internet service provider (ISP) in Taiwan. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the model.FindingsThe influences of personal innovativeness and perceived usefulness on attitudes and online purchase intentions are similar for males and females. The influences of personal awareness of security on both attitudes and online purchase intentions are strong for males, while no such effects exist for females. The influences of perceived ease of purchasing on both attitudes and online purchase intentions are stronger for females than for males.Research limitations/implicationsThere are several limitations. For example, there may exist common method variance, and the generalisability of the findings might be limited. Besides, this study is using only one product category, and customers' online purchase intentions may be only partially reflected due to the investigation of self‐reports.Practical implicationsBy learning gender differences, e‐tailers and advertisers can better target right consumers and consequently foster more positive attitudes and online purchase intentions.Originality/valueThis study presents a thorough understanding on a model of online purchase intentions, and how gender moderates several paths of the model.
The role of customer clubs in recent telecom relationships
Authors: Roos Inger , Gustafsson Anders , Edvardsson Bo 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to enhance understanding of the club's role in the customer relationships of a telecommunications company by re‐considering the concepts of frequency and commitment in a telecom‐customer club.Design/methodology/approachWe interviewed telecom customers that were members of a Swedish telecom company's customer club. The approach was to understand the customer evaluation of the customer club. We conducted 44 in‐depth interviews with members of the loyalty club.FindingsWe found an umbrella concept for the club regarding loyalty: a keeping function, which divided the customer club in two ways: the affective role makes the customer stay with the company and the calculative role with a more inferred loyalty function. The expressions that were not connected to loyalty is the attracting function.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of our qualitative study include the small sample size, and it represents only one kind of industry and one company.Originality/valueThe first contribution of this study is the new perspective of customer clubs in the telecommunications industry on customer relationships. The implication is that customers do not always consider all parts of the club when they stay loyal, and not always think about it when they plan future behaviour.The second contribution is the result regarding re‐consideration of the frequency concept. Bearing in mind the delimitations, the calculative role dominated the affective role. Thirty‐three of the 44 members said that their club was of minor importance in terms of relationship continuation. The calculative role is, accordingly, dominant.
Relationships among customer orientation, service orientation and job satisfaction in financial services
Authors: Gil Saura Irene , Berenguer Contrí Gloria , Cervera Taulet Amparo , Moliner Velázquez Beatriz 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe present study attempts to contribute to the knowledge of how customer orientation (CO), service orientation (SO) and job satisfaction (JS) are defined and relate to each other. It explores the relationships between CO and JS by analysing a company providing intermediation services to the banking sector, in its external finance division.Design/methodology/approachAfter the literature review, the method of empirical analysis consisting in quantitative intervention with an ad hoc survey using a structured questionnaire was developed. Regression analysis with mediation is used to contrast the hypotheses on the links between the constructs analysed.FindingsBoth reliability and factorial analysis of the scales used provided satisfactory results. CO was found to produce mediated effects, through SO, on overall JS. The mediator role was identified as human resources management practice, service systems practice and service leadership practice. In addition, in all cases, a direct, positive association was found between SO practices and CO.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, the use of just one company invites a repeat study in other companies in the sector and in other service contexts. Second, cross‐cultural approaches to the constructs analysed would be interesting. Third, it may be relevant to use longitudinal approaches for a better understanding of the dynamic behaviour of the variables analysed. Fourth, attaining all of data from employees invites to future measures of the constructs taken from different sources. Future research needs to be done on the service profit chain theory to incorporate both customer and financial performance variables.Practical implicationsThe results should lead managers to consider the importance of emphasizing those organizational cues that help build a SO climate in their organizations.Originality/valueThis paper further acknowledges the links between the constructs being studied, on the basis of employees' perceptions. It was found that CO produces mediated effects, through SO, on overall JS.
Matrix: a double functional business classification scheme
Authors: José del Olmo María 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to present the Business Classification Scheme used by the Directorate General Environment of the European Commission.Design/methodology/approachThe classification was developed following the functional methodology commonly recommended by existing records management guidelines and standards.FindingsThe outcome of the analysis is a double classification system that has been represented in a table. At the end level, the classes of both classifications coincide to define the same individual transactions. One of the classifications defines them as sub‐types of business activities and the other as the subjects or field of application of business operations.Practical implicationsThe scheme reflects the different points of view that horizontal and line units have over the same groups of documents. In this sense, it facilitates document sharing and collaboration. It also promotes the organisation of records into similar types of files and, in so doing, facilitates management operations.Originality/valueThe table format gives visibility to the relations between transversal processes and business areas that constitute the activities of an organisation. These cannot be represented in a linear classification.
Applying the strategy‐structure‐performance paradigm to the supply chain environment
Authors: Clifford Defee C. , Stank Theodore P. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper extends a central paradigm of the strategy literature to the supply chain environment to foster a better understanding of the elements characterizing strategic decisions that lead to supply chain structural development and performance.Design/methodology/approachStrategic literature is reviewed to provide a fuller explanation of the strategy‐structure‐performance (SSP) research stream. SSP foundational principles are linked to supply chain management concepts, and synthesized into an explanatory framework. Propositions for future research are presented based upon the framework.FindingsAn iterative relationship among internal firm strategy, structure, and performance measurement systems is indicated, implying that firm supply chain strategy should be complementary with that of supply chain partners.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper presents a content analysis of existing research and a conceptual framework emerging from it. No data were collected nor were research propositions tested.Practical implicationsThe primary implication is “know your supply chain partners”. Do their strategies mesh – either as consistent or complementary – to your own firm's supply chain strategy? Strategic alignment is a necessary precursor to deployment of an effective supply chain structure.Originality/valueThe paper shows that SSP theory can be extended beyond the firm to the complex supply chain environment.
Logistics flexibility and its impact on customer satisfaction
Authors: Zhang Qingyu , Vonderembse Mark A. , Lim Jeen‐Su 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo succeed in an uncertain environment, firms must respond to changing customer needs, and logistics flexibility is an important part of the response. This paper defines logistics flexibility, creates a framework to understand it, and shows how it relates to customer satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a large sample survey (n=273) from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers to develop valid and reliable instruments to measure logistics flexibility and to test the relationships among the variables using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results indicate strong, positive, and direct relationships between flexible logistics competence and capability, and between flexible logistics capability and customer satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsThe dependent and independent variables were measured through a single respondent, which may introduce common‐method bias. The respondents were manufacturing executives, which provides only a single perspective.Practical implicationsThe dichotomy of flexible logistics competence and capability can help managers differentiate between the elements of logistics flexibility that are critical to customers from the elements that support these capabilities. Standing alone, flexible competence may not be sufficient to build a sustainable competitive edge.Originality/valueThe paper organizes literature on logistics flexibility and classifies it according to competence and capability theory. It describes a framework to explore the relationships among flexible competence, flexible capability, and customer satisfaction.
A cross country comparison of careers in logistics management in Australia and Britain
Authors: Burcher Peter G. , Lee Gloria L. , Sohal Amrik S. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe aim of this research was to ascertain the current roles and responsibilities of logistics managers in two countries, how they compare their situation with other managers and to identify the types of knowledge and experience that would assist them to develop their careers.Design/methodology/approachThis paper compares the results of a postal survey of 303 Australian and 161 British logistics managers.FindingsThe study indicates that logistics managers in both countries share many similar experiences, responsibilities and perceptions of their career situations. They take considerable pride and satisfaction from these careers but recognise the need for continuing professional development in their present and future roles.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited to the respondents to the surveys. Further research in other countries including less well‐developed economies would add to the generalisation of results.Practical implicationsIt is argued that for successful international supply chain management, there is a need to review both current and future provision in higher education and continuing professional development, in order to strengthen strategic competences and increase understanding of the significance of interdisciplinary awareness in global markets.Originality/valueThis paper represents the first attempt to understand the roles, responsibilities, career pathways and future needs of logistics managers in the two countries. Its results should provide guidance to top managers for the future success of the logistics function in their organisations.
Supply chain collaboration: what's happening?
Authors: Min Soonhong , Roath Anthony S. , Daugherty Patricia J. , Genchev Stefan E. , Chen Haozhe , Arndt Aaron D. , Glenn Richey R. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeCollaboration has been referred to as the driving force behind effective supply chain management and may be the ultimate core capability. However, there is a fairly widespread belief that few firms have truly capitalized on its potential. A study was undertaken to assess the current level of supply chain collaboration and identify best practice.Design/methodology/approachSupply chain executives provided insights into collaboration. Survey data, personal interviews, and a review of the collaboration literature were used to develop a conceptual model profiling behavior, culture, and relational interactions associated with successful collaboration.FindingsPositive collaboration‐related outcomes include enhancements to efficiency, effectiveness, and market positions for the respondents' firms.Research limitations/implicationsThe small sample size represents a limitation, but is balanced by the quality of the respondent base and their expertise/experience. Another limitation involves securing input from only one party to the collaborative relationships. Developing a longitudinal study would help determine how collaboration‐related factors and relationships change over time.Practical implicationsSeveral respondents mentioned a “blurring of lines” between organizations contrasted to an “us vs them” approach. This was expressed in a number of different ways – treating the arrangements as if they both were part of the same operation, treating them as co‐owned, and employing a new focus on the best common solution. Many of the respondents indicating rewards are not distributed evenly still admitted they get enough “out of” the collaborative arrangements to make it worthwhile.Originality/valueReal‐world practical experiences are recounted involving many of today's top companies.
An integrative framework for supply chain collaboration
Authors: Simatupang Togar M. , Sridharan Ramaswami 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper proposes an integrative framework for supply chain collaboration which is based on the reciprocal approach.Design/methodology/approachA reciprocal approach is adopted to capture the interaction phenomenon of different features of collaboration in attaining overall supply chain performance.FindingsA collaborative supply chain framework is composed of five connecting features of collaboration, namely collaborative performance system, information sharing, decision synchronization, incentive alignment, and integrated supply chain processes.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research could be carried out to capitalize the framework for diagnosing and improving supply chain collaboration.Practical implicationsThe proposed framework enables the chain members to scrutinize key features of supply chain collaboration before and during collaborative initiatives.Originality/valuePrevious research on supply chain collaboration mainly assume the unilateral phenomenon of collaboration that focuses on a single feature such as information sharing or co‐managed inventory. The proposed framework for the first time explicitly addresses the interaction of different connecting features of collaboration.
Realities of supply chain collaboration
Authors: Kampstra R.P. , Ashayeri J. , Gattorna J.L. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the gap between the interests in supply chain collaboration (SCC) and the relatively few recorded cases of successful applications – this is the reality of SCC.Design/methodology/approachThe research represents the viewpoints of the authors based on their collective field experiences and literature reviews.FindingsThree realities of SCC are identified – establishing the prerequisites for the collaboration process; where the process starts; and where it terminates. Moreover, a realistic structured approach to SCC containing three loops is outlined.Research limitations/implicationsIncreased awareness for practitioners in SCM by crystallizing when collaboration is useful; what to change; what to change to; and how to make changes happen.Originality/valueThe value of the paper is that it offers a “different” perspective on SCC.
Information‐sharing in supply chains: five proposals on how to proceed
Authors: Kaipia Riikka , Hartiala Helena 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to focus on supply chain visibility in practice and to suggest ways to improve the supply chain performance through information sharing.Design/methodology/approachA case study exploring the current state of visibility in the demand‐supply network of an original equipment manufacturing company was carried out. The goal was to understand how a manufacturing company and its suppliers can benefit from incremental demand information sources. Data were collected through interviews and data analyses and focused on an end‐to‐end view of demand information. The most relevant information uses were tested in pilot projects. A literature review on demand information sources and benefits of visibility was conducted.FindingsOn the basis of the case results and a literature survey, five proposals on how to improve visibility are presented. They suggest that only information that improves supply chain performance should be shared, demand‐supply planning processes be stabilized and synchronized, different demand data sources should be used in parallel, customer collaboration offers a wider view to demand, and that suppliers' need for demand information differs from those of downstream actors.Practical implicationsThe paper proposes solutions to managers on how they can benefit from improved access to demand information.Originality/valueThe paper shows, via case study and literature review, how information sharing can improve supply chain performance.