bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Manufacturing firm reaction to supplier failure and recovery
Authors: André Mendes Primo Marcos , Dooley Kevin , Johnny Rungtusanatham M. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeManufacturing firm reaction to a supply failure is important because buyer dissatisfaction may induce related development or switching costs. The purpose of this paper is to ask: what is the impact of a supply failure and recovery on manufacturing firm dissatisfaction with the supplier?Design/methodology/approachA case study approach is used based on interviews of key informants, examining four US manufacturers classified by industry type (aerospace and electronics) and firm size (large and small).FindingsManufacturing firm dissatisfaction increases relative to the accumulated impact of the supply failure, and is reduced when the manufacturer has slack to absorb the failure or shares blame for it. The supplier's failure recovery reduces dissatisfaction to the extent that it demonstrates the supplier's long‐term commitment to the relationship. The findings indicate that attributes of the failure, the failure recovery, and context must be taken into account when considering how a supplier's recovery may ameliorate the negative impact of a supply failure.Research limitations/implicationsThe results are constrained by the number of cases we collected and by the limitations of retrospective interviews.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that manufacturers can over‐react to a failure because of the perceptual nature of risk, or under‐react to a failure because of excess slack or switching costs.Originality/valueThis paper adds significant detail to our understanding of how supplier failure and recovery impact a manufacturer's dissatisfaction with a supplier, the antecedent to costs involved with supplier development or switching.
Regional growth patterns and growth contagion
Authors: Bleaney Michael , Castilleja‐Vargas Liliana 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to assess the importance of time‐varying regional patterns to countries' per capita growth rates, and their effect on the conclusions that can be drawn from growth regressions.Design/methodology/approachPooled ordinary least squares on a data set of five‐year average growth rates for 101 countries over the period 1960‐1999 are used.FindingsIt is shown that time‐varying regional dummies explain more of the variance of per capita growth rates than do commonly used independent variables. This may indicate a problem of omitted variables with a strong regional dimension, or alternatively that growth is highly “contagious” within a region, perhaps through trade. Variables such as the growth of neighbouring countries or trading partners appear to be highly statistically significant when time‐varying regional effects are ignored, but are much less so when they are properly controlled for, and may simply be capturing unobserved regional effects. There is evidence that these variables reflect international business cycle correlation rather than the advantages of trading with, or being close to, faster‐growing countries.Research limitations/implicationsThere are strong regional patterns to growth of which one is still far from a full understanding.Practical implicationsGrowth of neighbouring countries or trading partners may be much less important for a country's per capita growth than is sometimes claimed.Originality/valueThe findings show the importance of applying appropriate robustness checks to empirical results, and (in a two‐dimensional data set) of exploring whether variables explain the time‐series or the cross‐section dimension.
Economic growth and its effect on income distribution
Authors: Nissim Ben‐David 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe main aim of this paper is to examine the effect of economic growth on worker mobility and the effect of this mobility on income distribution.Design/methodology/approachThe paper develops an overlapping generation model with multiple categories of labor. In order to confirm the theoretical results and demonstrate that the model can be used for empirical analysis, an example and a simulation were presented.FindingsThe analysis demonstrates that, as capital stock increase, workers are mobilized up to better jobs, their income grows and income distribution becomes more equalized.Research limitations/implicationsEndogenous technological improvement and population growth might also be added to the discussion, but at the price of a more complicated model. Discussion on these issues showed be left for future research.Practical implicationsThe effect of tax policy can be easily added to the model and to the discussion.Originality/valueThis paper extended the overlapping generation model to include different types of individuals. The importance of the paper is in its ability to analyze the changes in the income of various categories of workers along the growth path of the economy.
Maybe the world's largest automated assembly system?
Authors: Bloss Richard 
Published: February 2007

PurposeTo examine how a very large order assembly system can be designed and commissioned to achieve a throughput of filling 2,400 order totes/h with medical prescription orders.Design/methodology/approachTo combine RFID and bar code scanning, individual pill bottle handling, pill dispensing, pre‐packaged carton dispensing with some computer directed manual operations were key to meeting a goal of automatically filling tens of thousands of line items per day.FindingsCombining automated pill dispensing with automated small item order filling and computer directed pick‐to‐light manual item picking results in a single integrated system. A careful design by experienced suppliers is important to achieving successful commissioning in a timely manner. Read/write RFID technology plays an important role in insuring accuracy and traceability of each prescription bottle.Originality/valueShows that complex order filling applications such as the highly regulated medical prescription filling can be automated to obtain improvements in accuracy and through put while reducing direct labor costs.
Alignment of parts in automatic assembly using vibrations
Authors: Baksys Bronius , Puodziuniene Nomeda 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate theoretically and experimentally vibrational alignment of parts in an assembly position under kinematical excitement of the movably based part.Design/methodology/approachPresents developed mathematical model for vibrational alignment when the kinematical excitement of movable part is applied along the insertion axis. Dependencies of alignment duration on stiffness of basing elements and excitation frequency were defined numerically solving the mobile‐based part alignment equations. Alignment experiments of rectangular cross‐section and cylindrical parts under kinematical excitement were carried out.FindingsThe mathematical model and the experiments have demonstrated that alignment of the parts being assembled happens due to directed displacement of the movable part resulted by certain parameters of the system and excitement. In the course of the displacement, mating surfaces are aligned and the final mutual orientation of the parts before insertion is realized. Experiments have proved validity of the developed mathematical model. This process reduces allowable axial non‐coincidence and angular misfit of the parts to be assembled.Research limitations/implicationsImpact and non‐impact regimes of the displacement exist depending on the excitement amplitude and initial contact force between the parts. Also, during the vibrational alignment it is possible to control dry friction force between parts by additional high frequency vibrations. Besides, the vibrational excitement can be not only harmonic, but also impulse, bi‐harmonic, etc. Only non‐impact regime of the motion without dry friction force control was investigated and presented in the paper.Practical implicationsThe paper investigates the vibrational alignment method based on the directed vibrational displacement of the connecting part, which does not require high preciseness of the interdependent position of the parts in the assembly position.Originality/valueVibrational assembly devices of directional action enable compensation of errors of the parts' mutual positioning without use of sensors, feedback systems and control algorithms.
Selecting the right system ‐ assembly system comparison with total cost of ownership methodology
Authors: Heilala Juhani , Montonen Jari , Helin Kaj 
Published: February 2007

PurposeTo present theories for total cost of ownership (TCO) methodology in assembly system trade‐off analysis and to show benefits of the methodology as a decision support in system selection.Design/methodology/approachThe developed TCO methodology is a combination of factory simulation, system performance and loss factor evaluation using overall equipment efficiency, system life cycle costing, and assembled unit cost analysis including cost of bad quality and rework.FindingsThe purchase price of equipment is just one cost element in the comparison. TCO shows how important it is to analyse all the cost, direct and indirect, incurred throughout the life cycle of an equipment, including acquisition and installation, operations and maintenance, and end‐of‐life management. TCO methodology pinpoints costs that could be easily underestimated, such as quality and rework as well as all the costs of running the system.Research limitations/implicationsThe methodology is partially based on semiconductor industry standards and other asset comparison methodology, which are now integrated and applied also for electromechanical final assembly. Development continues.Practical implicationsThe methodology is useful in system integrator and end‐user collaboration, where both can use similar formulae in system evaluation and trade‐off analysis. Integration to component‐based simulation adds system visualisation and simulation analysis and combines system configuration with cost analysis into a tool for the sales engineer.Originality/valueIntegration of different analysis methods improves the quality of decisions. The TCO methodology is a systematic way to analyse system cost and performance issues. With proper use of the TCO methodology it is possible to justify investments to automation and modular re‐configurable hardware.
One million pound investment and 90 percent chance of failure – would you sign off?
Authors: Speculand Robin 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine investment market strategy and risk.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a number of examples of companies which have been had either success or failure, and discusses the lessons learned.FindingsThe paper finds that it is important to apply the a good strategy to risk management as well as investing in strategy creation and implementation.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information on risk management strategy.
An interview with Jim Kouzes
Authors: by Rachel Brown Interview 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to determine the views of Jim Kouzes, the chairman emeritus of the Tom Peters Company, a leadership development firm.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is an interview with Jim Kouzes..FindingsJim Kouzes has been cited by the Wall Street Journal as one of the 12 most requested “non university executive‐educated providers” to US companies. The interview covers his opinions on a range of issues.Originality/valueThe paper provides insights into the thinking of a prominent individual.
MEMS sensors: past, present and future
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: February 2007

PurposeTo describe the historical development of micro‐electromechanical system (MEMS) sensor technology, to consider its current use in physical, gas and chemical sensing and to identify and discuss future technological trends and directions.Design/methodology/approachThis paper identifies the early research which led to the development of MEMS sensors. It considers subsequent applications of MEMS to physical, gas and chemical sensing and discusses recent technological innovations.FindingsThis paper illustrates the greatly differing impacts exerted on physical, gas and chemical sensing by MEMS technology. More recent developments are discussed which suggest strong market prospects for MEMS devices with analytical capabilities such as microspectrometers, micro‐GCs, microfluidics, lab‐on‐a‐chip and BioMEMS. This view is supported by various market data and forecasts.Originality/valueThis paper provides a technical and commercial insight into the applications of MEMS technology to physical and molecular sensors from the 1960s to the present day. It also identifies high growth areas for innovative developments in the technology.
Chairman of the board: demographics effects on role pursuit
Authors: Kakabadse Nada K. , Kakabadse Andrew P. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to undertake a study of national configurational demographics in order to determine the spread of understanding of the chairman's role, performance and contribution.Design/methodology/approachQualitative methodology, exploratory in nature through in‐depth interviews and workshop discussion involving 103 UK, US and Australian participants, was undertaken.FindingsThe role of chairman is considered as having a distinct effect on board dynamics, role and contribution and the monitoring and support of management. Nine demographic factors are identified as affecting the manner in which the role of chairman is exercised in the UK, USA and Australia.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this qualitative exploratory study need to be integrated into a quantitative empirical survey in order to ascertain the validity of the results to date.Practical implicationsThe two key conclusions highlight the requirement for governance due diligence, examining the financial and competitive strength of the organisation as well as uncovering contextual sensitivities.Originality/valueInsufficient attention has been given to the role of chairman. The study offers additional insight on how demographic factors influence the shaping and determination of the role of chairman. This paper should be of interest to practitioners, consultants, line managers, board members, chairmen, management academics and business studies students.
Cooperation and partnering in facilities construction – empirical application of prisoner's dilemma
Authors: Erik Eriksson Per 
Published: February 2007

PurposeTo investigate if game theoretic reasoning may be used to explain a lack of cooperation in buyer‐supplier relationships within construction and facilities management. In order to make an empirical application of the prisoner's dilemma (PD) game, possible important variables are operationalized and empirically measured.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical data concerning pay‐offs and the variables in the discount parameter formula (created in this paper) have been obtained through interviews with clients and contractors in the Swedish construction sector.FindingsThis paper suggests a way to operationalize pay‐offs and the discount parameter, making empirical measurements possible. Owing to differences in pay‐offs and the discount parameter, different forms of contracts will affect cooperation. Cumulative values of cooperation are much higher in lasting relationships than in occasional transactions. Thus, the best way to facilitate cooperation between rational players is long‐term contracts.Research limitations/implicationsSince, the values used are based on empirical data collected from a few respondents, they should be viewed as illustrative empirical examples, rather than statistical generalizations.Practical implicationsFrom a game theoretic perspective the practice of project partnering may not solve problems regarding lack of cooperation. To increase the incentives for cooperation, the actors should work together in long‐term relationships instead of focusing on single projects. Long‐term strategic partnering is, therefore, beneficial for the construction and management of facilities.Originality/valueThis paper makes empirical application of the PD game possible by operationalizing and empirically measuring game theoretic variables that previously have been given values set by the researcher rather than by the players in the game.
Determining the role of innovation management in facilities management
Authors: Goyal Sonia , Pitt Michael 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to consider how an organisation can strategically manage its position with regard to suppliers of multiple services and to suggest a strategy for obtaining and protecting optimum multiple contract management and performance.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review of published work along with questionnaires and interviews with a range of people working within the industry from top managerial level to technicians.FindingsEstablishes that to innovate is a mindset and not a one‐time event. Innovation management principles should be incorporated as a part of daily schedule for each employee at all levels and is essential for supplier companies to prepare themselves for future that brings extreme competition and increasing customer demands.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to constraint of time, the author has done only limited study in specific areas. The literature reviewed is not exhaustive. Many concepts are mentioned and referenced but not explained fully due to space constraints.Practical implicationsHelps facilities managers to exemplify their knowledge and skill, by apprehending the role of innovation management in facilities management (FM) at operational and strategic levels, and establishes the factors that led to the growth and development of innovation as a field and an important part of the FM world, including relationship with suppliers and multiple contract management.Originality/valueDetermines various factors that would guide innovation in multiple contracts in the future and maintain its role in the ever‐changing business patterns and customer demands and suggests future use of innovative strategies in FM solutions and multiple contract management, thereby enabling more effective FM.
A new life: conversion of vacant office buildings into housing
Authors: Remøy Hilde T. , van der Voordt Theo J.M. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe vacancy of office buildings leads to financial problems for the owners and social problems for the community, e.g. vandalism, dereliction and deterioration. A solution may be found through the conversion of vacant office buildings into housing. Vacancy‐threatened buildings are often part of the mediocre part of the building stock. Does conversion make sense in this case? What are the opportunities, threats and risks? What are the critical success factors? The purpose of this paper is to discuss financial, functional, structural, technical and aesthetic issues.Design/methodology/approachThrough previous research at the Delft University of Technology, tools are developed to decide the potential for the conversion of buildings. This paper discusses the risks and chances, and brakes and triggers of transformation projects, based on case studies. These case studies are performed through interviews with professionals involved in the transformation process and through analyses of architectural drawings of the before and after situations. For each project two interviews were held, with the architect and the developer or client. The interviews focussed on the process of the transformation projects.FindingsThe conversion of nondescript and unarticulated buildings makes sense from the point of view of sustainability, both ecologically and in an urban regeneration context. These projects will only be interesting for developers of commercial real estate if they can be made economically feasible. Social housing associations also have additional social goals. Through a longer investment perspective these associations can wait for property increases through long‐term externalities as result of upgrading of the area. In buildings that are kept because of economical or social feasibility there are strong connections between the target group, the location and the conversion costs.Practical implicationsThe tools developed have proved to be useful for quick scans of the potential for building conversion. This paper is a first step in trying to depict a more detailed view of the risks and chances of building conversions. Knowledge of the risks and chances of conversion is required to make decisions concerning transformation projects.Originality/valueThe paper develops knowledge about transformation projects and decision support tools for the conversion of buildings, based on empirical studies.
Flexibuild – a systematic flexibility management procedure for building projects
Authors: Saari Arto , Kruus Matti , Hämälainen Aimo , Kiiras Juhani 
Published: February 2007

PurposeNowadays it is typical that the precise use of a building becomes clear during construction. Current building processes do not support this in Finland. The objective of this study is to present a novel systematic management of the design process for flexible construction projects, from the project programming stage through to overall design, detailed designs, procurement, and handover, in a situation where the final use of the building becomes clear only during construction.Design/methodology/approachThe development work included a constructive search for solutions to the problems presented above. The process developed in this study is illustrated with two case projects analysed retrospectively.FindingsAccording the open building principle, buildings should be divided into two parts: a permanent base building; and modifiable interior spaces. This division should apply throughout the building's entire life cycle, starting from the beginning of the construction project. The start of the project is the time when goals should be set for the flexibility of the building. The first step in this goal‐setting procedure is to define the flexible modifiable spaces, and the second step is to dimension the permanent base building. A design procedure for this open building procedure has also been developed in the study. The study concludes that traditional boundaries and the content of design packages must be changed. These boundaries should be compatible with the appropriate bid packages and should support implementation of the construction work. The bid packages should follow the division to base building and spaces too.Originality/valueThe procedure proposed forms guidelines for flexible programming, basic principles for design and procurement processes. In addition, it is the starting point to transforming the Finnish standard scope of work for design corresponding to the open building approach.