bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managing international business communication problems at work: a pilot study in foreign companies in Thailand
Authors: Sriussadaporn Roong 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo provide information regarding international/intercultural communication problems, along with management tactics for coping and handling such problems occurring in the international business work setting in foreign companies operating in Thailand.Design/methodology/approachExclusive 14 in‐depth interviews with expatriate executives and Thai senior employees were conducted in four Japanese, two German, and two multinational companies in Thailand. Both expatriates and Thai employees were asked to identify communication problems and describe how they managed such problems with international/intercultural partners, supervisors, or subordinates.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample was quite small. The subjects reacted to the interview protocol based upon their own personal experience working in eight foreign companies in Thailand, which might not represent the entire intercultural/international viewpoints.Practical implicationsThis study provides guidelines for prospective expatriates who will be assigned to work in the Thai host country and for Thai newcomers who are interested in working in foreign companies and must prepare to cope with the problems they may have in working with foreign managers.Originality/valueIt is hoped to be beneficial for both expatriates and Thai employees to perceive and learn each other's understandings, needs, and expectations. Also, it is hoped that information presented in this paper can trigger more thoughts and generate further discussions in international/intercultural business communication classrooms. The study also provides a framework for further investigation of commonalities and differences in tactics for dealing with international/intercultural communication problems at work in other countries compared with those found in Thailand.
Cultural diversity and leadership
Authors: Ayoko Oluremi B. , Härtel Charmine E.J. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo provide a new way of conceptualizing the leader's role in managing conflict for increased task and social outcomes in culturally heterogeneous workgroups (CHWs).Design/methodology/approachThe objectives of the paper can be met by hypothesizing the proposed relationships and testing them quantitatively using multiple regression.FindingsFinds that the effect of conflict in CHWs depends, in part, on the way the parties concerned manage it, and in particular the group leader.Research limitations/implicationsThe major limitation of the current research is that it is theoretical. Future research will now need to test the propositions put forward in this paper.Practical implicationsThe paper conceptually identified some skills and behaviors that are pertinent to effective leadership in culturally heterogeneous workgroups.Originality/valueThe model presented in the paper and the research emanating from it should assist in training leaders for these workgroups.
Optimizing life cycle cost of complex machinery with rotable modules using simulation
Authors: El Hayek M. , van Voorthuysen E. , Kelly D.W. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeMaintenance is constantly challenged to increase productivity by maximizing up‐time and reliability while at the same time reducing maintenance expenditure and investment. Traditional reliability models are based on detailed statistical analysis of individual component failures. For complex machinery, especially involving many rotable parts, such analyses are difficult and time‐consuming. This paper aims to propose an alternative method for estimating and improving reliability.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is based on simulating the up‐time of the machine or process as a series of critical modules. Each module is characterized by an empirically derived failure distribution. The simulation model consists of a number of stages including operational up‐time, maintenance down‐time and a user‐interface allowing maintenance and replacement decisions.FindingsInitial analysis performed on aircraft gas‐turbine data yielded an optimal combination of modules out of a pool of multiple spares, resulting in an increased machine up‐time of 16 percent.Practical implicationsThe benefits of this methodology are that it is capable of providing reliability trends and forecasts in a short time frame and is based on available data. In addition, it takes into account the rotable nature of many components by tracking the life and service history of individual parts and allowing the user to simulate different combinations of rotables and operating scenarios. Importantly, as more data become available or as greater accuracy is demanded, the model or database can be updated or expanded, thereby approaching the results obtainable by pure statistical reliability analysis.Originality/valueThe model presented provides senior maintenance managers with a decision tool that optimizes the life cycle maintenance cost of complex machinery in a short time frame by taking into account the rotable nature of modules.
Organism manufacturing engineering based on rapid prototyping principles
Authors: Xiong Zhuo , Yan Yongnian , Zhang Renji , Wang Xiaohong 
Published: January 2007

PurposeAims to provide information on organism manufacturing engineering (OME), a newly proposed interdisciplinary research area.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual discussion and approach are taken.FindingsOME is based on layer‐by‐layer RP principles and the integration of the new advancement of manufacturing science, biomaterials, cell molecular biology and developmental biology. OME aims to construct live tissues and organs through controlled assembly of 3D cell structure with the principles and methods of modern manufacturing science and life science.Originality/valueFocuses on important processes for indirect and direct cell assembly using OME approaches.
Experimental determination of friction coefficients between thermoplastics and rapid tooled injection mold materials
Authors: Kinsella Mary E. , Lilly Blaine , Gardner Benjamin E. , Jacobs Nick J. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo determine static friction coefficients between rapid tooled materials and thermoplastic materials to better understand ejection force requirements for the injection molding process using rapid‐tooled mold inserts.Design/methodology/approachStatic coefficients of friction were determined for semi‐crystalline high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and amorphous high‐impact polystyrene (HIPS) against two rapid tooling materials, sintered steel with bronze (LaserForm ST‐100) and stereolithography resin (SL5170), and against P‐20 mold steel. Friction tests, using the ASTM D 1894 standard, were run for all material pairs at room temperature, at typical part ejection temperatures, and at ejection temperatures preceded by processing temperatures. The tests at high temperature were designed to simulate injection molding process conditions.FindingsThe friction coefficients for HDPE were similar on P‐20 Steel, LaserForm ST‐100, and SL5170 Resin at all temperature conditions. The HIPS coefficients, however, varied significantly among tooling materials in heated tests. Both polymers showed highest coefficients on SL5170 Resin at all temperature conditions. Friction coefficients were especially high for HIPS on the SL5170 Resin tooling material.Research limitations/implicationsApplications of these findings must consider that elevated temperature tests more closely simulated the injection‐molding environment, but did not exactly duplicate it.Practical implicationsThe data obtained from these tests allow for more accurate determination of friction conditions and ejection forces, which can improve future design of injection molds using rapid tooling technologies.Originality/valueThis work provides previously unavailable friction data for two common thermoplastics against two rapid tooling materials and one steel tooling material, and under conditions that more closely simulate the injection‐molding environment.
Volume deviation in direct slicing
Authors: Kumar Chandan , Roy Choudhury A. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo calculate the volume deviation between a CAD model and built‐up part in 5‐axis laminated object manufacturing employing direct slicing with first‐order approximation.Design/methodology/approachIt is proposed here that the deviation between the CAD model and the built‐up part, which is normally calculated as a linear dimension in specific 2D sections of the CAD model, be treated as a volume (as it actually is), for higher accuracy in subsequent calculations. An algorithm has been developed and implemented for identification and calculation of volume deviation, considering all possibilities.FindingsIt has been conclusively shown that volume deviation consideration results in improved feature recognition and less approximation.Research limitations/implicationsIncrease in complexity of the CAD model leads to a considerable increase in the volume deviation computation time. Future research in this area would focus on optimization and calculation of the slice heights based on volume deviation.Practical implicationsCalculation of volume deviation would help eliminate the loss of intricate features in a complex surface and thus improve feature recognition. Slice height calculations based on volume deviation would reduce the deviation between the actual model and the built‐up part.Originality/valueA new method has been developed for the calculation of volume deviation that could be implemented in the rapid prototyping software packages so as to build prototypes with higher accuracy.
Creating tactile captions in three‐dimensional computer‐aided design and manufacturing
Authors: Dickson Stewart 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to present new work on a topic/which has received very little attention.Design/methodology/approachRapid prototyping technology is used to provide access to 3D computer graphics and visualization for people with visual disabilities. Software and techniques for composing DotsPlus(tm) Braille text in a three‐dimensional computer‐aided design (CAD) and rapid prototyping system are presented.FindingsVision‐limited people and people with cognitive or learning disabilities can benefit from casting the results of scientific computing into physical form using rapid prototyping.Research limitations/implicationsNot much is known about the extent of three‐dimensional spatial cognition in people with the kinds of disabilities who might benefit from this work. The argument for this application of rapid prototyping remains to be tested in a laboratory or classroom environment. The manufacturing principles in a limited test scenario are presented here. Work remains to be done to develop software in order to manufacture polygon mesh models from an arbitrary scientific visualization via rapid prototyping with tactile captions applied.Practical implicationsThe CAD modeling and rapid prototyping innovations suggested in this paper will create pedagogical models, which are sufficiently robust to withstand the classroom and will lower the cost of producing and distributing these models.Originality/valueRapid prototyping has only been used on three documented occasions in the past to create experimental models of scientific information for the blind. There has been no attempt prior to now to integrate captions with these tactile models. These models have not been in general use for education of persons with visual, cognitive or learning disabilities.
Compensation zone approach to avoid print‐through errors in mask projection stereolithography builds
Authors: Shankar Limaye Ameya , Rosen David W. 
Published: January 2007

PurposePrint‐through results in unwanted polymerization occurring beneath a part cured using Mask Projection Stereolithography (MPSLA) and thus creates errors in its vertical dimension. In this paper, the “Compensation Zone approach” is presented to avoid this error.Design/methodology/approachCompensation zone approach entails modifying the geometry of the part to be cured. A volume (compensation zone) is subtracted from underneath the CAD model in order to compensate for the increase in the Z dimension that would occur due to print‐through. Three process variables have been identified: thickness of compensation zone, thickness of every layer and exposure distribution across every image used to cure a layer. Analytical relations have been formulated between these process variables in order to obtain dimensionally accurate parts. The compensation zone approach is simulated on a test part with a slanted down‐facing surface.FindingsThe simulation results show that the compensation zone approach can reduce print‐ through errors significantly. In addition, it has been demonstrated numerically that the approach can also alleviate the problem of stair stepping.Research limitations/implicationsThe derivations in the compensation zone approach are made with the following simplifying assumptions: exposure is additive; threshold model of resin cure is valid; the resin molecules underneath the part being cured are stationary; and the cleaning process can completely clean the part off the surrounding resin, due to these assumptions, the compensation zone model might require some calibration.Originality/valueThe errors in the vertical direction of a MPSLA build have been modeled for the first time. Compensation zone approach is a new concept.
Case study: promoting design automation by rural manufacturers
Authors: Tennyson Steve , McCain Gary , Hatten Steve , Eggert Rudy 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper describes a cooperative endeavor between a state university and a federal agency to modernize design automation among rural manufacturers. It concerns efforts to infuse leading‐edge design technology into rural product development.Design/methodology/approachBoise State University established a rapid prototyping (RP) laboratory and conducted an information campaign targeting Idaho's design and manufacturing sector. About 12 rural companies participated in a program supported by a federal grant wherein they received solid modeling and RP services while developing a product.FindingsSignificant unfamiliarity about benefits of solid modeling and RP persists amongst Idaho's rural manufacturers. When exposed to the potential of these technologies, manufactures readily move to adopt them into their new product development processes. Those companies adapting design automation improved their capability to bring products to the marketplace more rapidly and with greater market success.Practical implicationsOther regions with similar dispersion of manufacturing can disseminate knowledge of advanced design automation technology and services through promotional approaches as described in this paper.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on a cooperative endeavor to infuse leading‐edge design technology into rural product development.
A first approach to choose between HSM, EDM and DMLS processes in hybrid rapid tooling
Authors: Mognol P. , Rivette M. , Jégou L. , Lesprier T. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo propose a method to manufacture a hybrid rapid tool (a multi component tool).Design/methodology/approachThe part is decomposed into multi component prototype instead of a part made from a single piece. First, this method is based on a topological analysis of the tool. Features are regrouped starting from the numerical definition of the die. Second, the manufacturing possibilities of the high speed milling (HSM), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) and electro discharge machining (EDM) process are analyzed. Finally this information is synthesized to obtain solutions. This method is validated by industrial example.FindingsA method is proposed to choose the best manufacturing process in order to optimize the manufacture of a “hybrid rapid tooling” between three processes: HSM, DMLS and EDM. So, it is possible to obtain the different components of the hybrid rapid tooling according to the envisaged process.Research limitations/implicationsThe final goal is to propose a software assistant used in association with CAD system during the design of hybrid rapid tooling. An important work concerning the features recognition must be implemented. The assembly of the different parts of the hybrid rapid tooling must be considered and optimized.Practical implicationsThis method allows the selection of the best process among EDM, HSM and DMLS technologies form manufacturing tools.Originality/valueThe analysis of manufacturing hybrid rapid tooling has not been studied yet.
Make or buy analysis for rapid manufacturing
Authors: Ruffo Massimiliano , Tuck Chris , Hague Richard 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline how rapid manufacturing (RM) could influence the decision‐making process for managers involved in make or buy decisions.Design/methodology/approachA literature review on make or buy issues has been carried out and the results of which have been distilled into a number of qualitative considerations. These considerations have been formed into three possible make or buy scenarios: the firm has no experience of rapid prototyping (RP) or RM; the firm already has an RP department; and the firm already has an RM function. In order to analyse the decision further a quantitative approach has been taken, mainly adapted to the last scenario but applicable also to the second scenario. Here, manufacturing cost data has been directly compared with price information from two current RP bureaus. The differences between RM cost and RP price have been studied.FindingsStrategically, the points analysed were in favour of the make option. Economically, the lack of dedicated RM bureaus and the consequent use of RP costing has further pushed the make or buy decision in favour of make.Originality/valueThere is a lack of work on the implementation of RM as a mainstream manufacturing process. Existing knowledge has begun to look at the use and costs of RM, however, this paper highlights the lack of dedicated RM providers.
Comparative study of 3DP material systems for moisture resistance applications
Authors: Suwanprateeb J. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo study the properties of three dimensional printing (3DP) materials systems which were directly in contact with water or exposure to humidity in order to help in deciding the appropriate system for moisture resistance applications.Design/methodology/approachTwo commercially available 3DP materials namely ZP 100 and ZP 15E were infiltrated with three commonly used infiltrants. All samples were subjected to three storage conditions including dry, room (55 percent RH) and wet (100 percent RH) for 168 h. Then they were characterized to compare the influence of storage conditions on properties such as dimensional change, moisture absorption and flexural properties including modulus, strength and strain at break.FindingsAmongst six material systems investigated in this study, it was observed that the combination of ZP 15E with acrylate infiltrant showed the greatest flexural properties in room and wet conditions. All infiltrated ZP 100 samples were not likely to be as suitable for using in moisture resistance environment as infiltrated ZP 15E samples especially when they were in direct contact with water. Using low moisture absorption infiltrant and 3DP materials that can absorb high amount of infiltration are needed to produce low moisture absorption system.Research limitations/implicationsThe moisture absorption experiment was done at 168 h. The values obtained from the report for some testing conditions, i.e. room environment may not be able to extend to long‐term performance.Practical implicationsThe results presented here can be used as a guideline for 3DP materials selection for moisture resistance applications.Originality/valueThis study demonstrated the governed factors that were needed to consider for using 3DP models in moisture resistance applications.
Slicing of CAD models in ETL format
Authors: Wang Dong‐Xing , Leng Hui‐Wen 
Published: January 2007

PurposeETL format is a newly proposed CAD format, which is both simple enough that CAD models in this format can be easily sliced, and capable of describing solids with arbitrarily complex surface details. This paper aims to provide a method for slicing CAD models in ETL format.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed slicing method is based on a method for slicing CAD models in colour STL format. Affine mapping method is used to calculate the colour of the intersection polygon of a voxel in the slicing result volume dataset, and a triangular facet that constitutes the geometry of the described object, when the facet has texture mapping definition.FindingsThe proposed slicing method is simple and robust. Implementations have demonstrated its feasibility.Originality/valueThe proposed slicing method is meaningful to preparing data for the rapid formation of models with complex surface details, including colour and textures.
The impact of gender, social capital and networks on business ownership: a research agenda
Authors: Neergaard Helle , Shaw Eleanor , Carter Sara 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo advance knowledge about the relationship between small firm networks and social capital by considering the network experiences of women business owners. To engage in such research, the paper proposes a conceptual model of business owner networking which is informed by social support theory.Design/methodology/approachTo develop a conceptual model of business owner networking the paper reviews extant small business network research and argues that, while network theory can provide an understanding of the impact which social capital may have on the entrepreneurial process, a concentration on quantitative methodologies has restricted understanding of this. To address the gender bias in small firm network research the paper integrates social support theory into a conceptual model of business owner networks.FindingsThe conceptual model proposed recognises the interplay between network structures, interactions and contents and argues that consideration of these three network dimensions may provide insights into the impact of gender on business owner networks, social capital and experiences of business ownership. The paper also discusses the methodological implications of this model and proposes a research agenda for future business owner network research.Originality/valueThe paper addresses a recognised gap in extant small business network research and proposes a conceptual model of business owner networking which may be better suited to and more reflective of women business owners' networking experiences.