bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Romanian managers and human resource management
Authors: Constantin Ticu , Pop Daniela , Stoica‐Constantin Ana 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the role of human resource management (HRM) in Romania.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the latest changes and their reflections in research by analysing data collected from an inquiry amongst 558 company managers. The attitudes and facts in HRM are identified, taking into account the characteristics of the firm. Additionally, the HR problems encountered by the managers, the training and consultancy needs and experience of the firms, and the academic background of the experts, are identified. Finally, some trends in HRM politics are revealed.FindingsThe outcomes sustain the conclusion that modern HRM in Romania registered an encouraging start after the communist period, but it is still facing important challenges.Originality/valueThe paper offers a sketchy picture of the HRM situation in Romania.
Degradation of Sn‐Ag‐Cu heat‐sink attachment during thermal shock cycling
Authors: Chang Junling , Janz Dirk , Kempe W. , Xie Xiaoming 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo investigate the degradation of lead free solder heat‐sink attachment by thermal shock. Samples with high voiding percentages were selected for the investigation in order to get information on the significance of voids on the reliability of Sn‐Ag‐Cu heat‐sink attachment.Design/methodology/approachThrough the use of X‐ray, C‐mode scanning acoustic microscopy, dye penetration, cross section and scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐ray tests, the degradation of Sn‐Ag‐Cu heat‐sink attachment during thermal shock cycling was evaluated.FindingsThe results showed that the Sn‐Ag‐Cu heat‐sink attachment where the area of voiding was 33‐48 per cent survived 3,000 thermal shock cycles, although degraded. The main degradation mechanism for the solder attachment was not solder fatigue but interface delamination due to Kirkendall voids at the Cu/Cu3Sn interface. It was found that the large voids in the Sn‐Ag‐Cu heat‐sink attachment were not significantly affecting the solder joint lifetime. Big differences of intermetallic compound growth behaviour and Kirkendall voids at device/solder and solder/Cu pad interfaces are found and the reasons for this are discussed.Originality/valueThis work has clarified the general perception that large voids affect the thermo‐mechanical lifetime of solder joint substantially and also provides further understanding of the Sn‐Ag‐Cu heat‐sink attachment degradation mechanism.
Low cycle fatigue testing and simulation of Sn‐8Zn‐3Bi and Sn‐37Pb solder joints
Authors: Sun Peng , Andersson Cristina , Wei Xicheng , Cao Liqiang , Cheng Zhaonian , Liu Johan 
Published: January 2007

PurposeSn‐Zn based lead free solders with a melting temperature around 199°C are an attractive alternative to the conventional Sn‐Pb solder and the addition of bismuth improves its wetability. Whilst lead‐free soldering with Sn‐8Zn‐3Bi has already been used in the electronics assembly industry, it is necessary to study its low cycle fatigue properties since such data have not been reported up to now.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, displacement‐controlled low cycle fatigue testing of Sn‐8Zn‐3Bi and Sn‐37Pb solder joints was done on lap shear samples. The test amplitude was varied whilst the frequency was kept constant at 0.2 Hz and failure was defined as a 50 per cent load reduction. Finite element (FE) modelling was used for analysis and the results were compared to the experimental data.FindingsThe microstructure of the Sn‐8Zn‐3Bi solder showed a mixed phase of small cellular‐shaped and coarser needle‐shaped areas. Au‐Zn intermetallic compounds were observed near the interface from the SEM‐EDS observation. The average lifetime for the Sn‐8Zn‐3Bi solder joints was 17 per cent longer compared to the Sn‐37Pb solder joints. The cross section observation indicated that the fatigue cracks propagated along the interface between the solder bulk and the Au/Ni layer. The locations of maximum equivalent stress from the FE simulation were found to be at the two opposite corners of the solder joints, coinciding with the experimental observations of crack initiation.Originality/valueThis is believed to be the first time, the low cycle fatigue properties of Sn‐8Zn‐3Bi solder have been reported.
A model for starting up and implementing continuous improvements and work development in practice
Authors: Ljungström Martin 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to evaluate and further develop a model created to start‐up the implementation of continuous improvements (CI) and work development (WD).Design/methodology/approachThe model is evaluated through action research at two different Swedish companies.FindingsThe study indicates that companies using the model can be successful in the start‐up of CI and WD and that the model creates opportunities to go further in both CI and WD issues. The study emphasizes the idea that facilitators are important for starting up and initiating a change in behaviour. The results also indicate the need for structural changes and a more profound competence in WD and coaching among managers to further develop a successful combination of CI and WD.Originality/valueThe study shows that it is harder to implement daily CI activities in the administrative parts then at the shop floor.
Customer defections analysis: an examination of online bookstores
Authors: Shih Ya‐Yueh , Fang Kwoting 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe cost of retaining a customer is lower than that of obtaining a new one, so potential customer defection is an important issue in the fiercely competitive environment of electronic commerce. Accordingly, this paper aims to present a new way for gauging customer loyalty and predicting their possibility of defection reference to a set of quality attributes satisfaction and three types of belief in the theory of planned behavior (TPB).Design/methodology/approachThe performance of the classification utilization artificial neural networks (ANNs) was compared to that of traditional analytic tools, such as multiple discriminant analysis (MDA) and classificatory data mining technique – decision tree.FindingsThe analytical result represented that the predicted accuracy of ANNs is better then MDA and decision tree in both training and testing phases. Degree of repurchase intention has been classified correctly with a success rate of 83 percent using neural networks.Research limitations/implicationsLike all research, this study has its limitations. One such limitation is that the predictive model was designed for application to online bookstores. A further limitation of this survey is that it reflects intentions instead of actual behavior. Finally, despite of ANNs has been applied to numerous areas and have demonstrated a degree of classification success, it is difficult to extract rules for explanation. Therefore, enhancing ability of model explanation would be a valuable work in the future.Originality/valueThe contribution of this paper is to predict how marketing practitioners can tactically market to customers with weak repurchase intentions to prevent defections.
Benchmarking on managerial practices: a tool for SMEs
Authors: Garengo Patrizia , Biazzo Stefano , Simonetti Alessio , Bernardi Giovanni 
Published: January 2007

PurposeLiterature and practice highlight the need to stimulate processes of qualitative growth in SMEs. The aim of the research presented in this paper is to identify a type of benchmarking and a benchmarking tool which can support the qualitative growth of these companies.Design/methodology/approachDuring the study, literature review and empirical research had been carried out and further information was gathered by means of workshops and interviews to experts. Finally, the achieved results were tested on a sample of eight Italian SMEs.FindingsApproaches to benchmarking were reviewed and classified; synthetic benchmarking based on managerial practices was chosen as the most appropriate approach to stimulate improvement and qualitative growth in SMEs; moreover a tool for synthetic benchmarking on managerial practices tool was developed.Practical implicationsThe research has practical implication; it provides SMEs with adequate tool and methodology able to support the development of management system. The tool is able to allow SMEs to learn best managerial practices, assess itself with respect to these practices and at the same time understand what must be done to carry out improvement.Originality/valueThe developed tool has a general validity, it does not consider particular situation, but if some codified practices are not applicable to a specific company, it is possible to rule out these practices without compromising the effectives of the tool.
Robust PID controllers by Taguchi's method
Authors: Vlachogiannis John G. , Roy Ranjit K. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe aim of the paper is the fine‐tuning of proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers under model parameter uncertainties (noise).Design/methodology/approachThe fine‐tuning of PID controllers achieved using the Taguchi method following the steps given: selection of the control factors of the PID with their levels; identification of the noise factors that cause undesirable variation on the quality characteristic of PID; design of the matrix experiment and definition of the data analysis procedure; analysis of the data; decision regarding optimum settings of the control parameters and predictions of the performance at optimum levels of control factors; calculation of the expected cost savings under optimum condition; and confirmation of experimental results.FindingsAn example of the proposed method is presented and demonstrates that given certain performance criteria, the Taguchi method can indeed provide sub‐optimal values for fine PID tuning in the presence of model parameter uncertainties (noise). The contribution of each factor to the variation of the mean and the variability of error is also calculated. The expected cost savings for PID under optimum condition are calculated. The confirmation experiments are conducted on a real PID controller.Research limitations/implicationsAs a further research it is proposed the contiguous fine‐tuning of PID controllers under a number of a variant controllable models (noise).Practical implicationsThe enhancement of PID controllers by Taguchi method is proposed with the form of a hardware mechanism. This mechanism will be incorporated in the PID controller and automatically regulate the PID parameters reducing the noise influence.Originality/valueApplication of Taguchi method in the scientific field of automation control.
Matching “environmental performance” and “quality performance”
Authors: Giancarlo Barbiroli 
Published: January 2007

PurposeEnterprises are used to managing quality together with productivity but neglecting environmental management. This involves higher costs and lower benefits than if they were managed jointly. Therefore, efforts must be made to link all of the main aspects of the global performance/efficiency. In recent years several methodologies have been developed and implemented to consider and sort out single aspects of performance (concurrent engineering, quality function deployment, rapid prototyping, lean production, design for assembly and disassembly, total quality management, LCA) seeks to propose a method to attain such a result, within a continuous improvement environment.Design/methodology/approachThe method is based on the correlation between 12 aspects of performance/efficiency in the production processes, general specifications of the project, detail specifications for sub‐systems, and productive modalities.FindingsIt is found that this can be done by constructing specific matrices, by utilizing both technical and economic data, which permit to identify the modifications to introduce in the process/product to improve the various aspects of performance.Originality/valueThe way to follow is necessarily the adoption of methodologies able to integrate all aspects, to pursue and achieve an increasing efficiency.
The application of business process reengineering in the UK
Authors: Tennant Charles , Wu Yi‐Chieh 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research was to identify the key factors for success of business process reengineering (BPR) applications in the UK‐based companies.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was used to gather primary research data from the UK‐based companies that have applied BPR to investigate the triggers for BPR, identify the main barriers, and enable the authors' to propose key factors for success.FindingsThe survey found that the main reasons for applying the technique were external competitive pressures, internal cost reduction, and productivity improvements. The main barriers to successful implementation were reported as tactical short‐term solution driven approaches, which inadequately considered the people issues, and an over reliance on IT‐based technology. It is proposed that the factors for success include adopting a strategic approach, which prioritises business processes for BPR projects. This should include the establishment of appropriate company‐wide targets and measures that emphasise continuous improvement for the long term. Finally, management needs to motivate and involve employees as a key enabler by removing their fears that BPR is really a “downsizing” exercise, and emphasising improved co‐ordination of people and technology.Research limitations/implicationsThe research has limitations in that the respondent companies are UK‐based and therefore the internationalisation of the findings requires further validity.Practical implicationsThe discussion and conclusions from this work are made in a practical manner.Originality/valueSome useful primary data from the UK industry which makes the work original and of value to both academics and practising managers.
Gironacel: a virtual learning experience for improving quality
Authors: Casadesús Martí , Albertí Marta , Mendez Empar 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the Gironacel® project. The aim of this tool is to make it easier for companies to implement ISO 9001:2000 standard in a very practical and non‐interruptive way.Design/methodology/approachBy means of creating a fictitious virtual company, called Gironacel, to be used as an example, it aims to provide companies using the tool with all kinds of information concerning the challenges that the Gironacel company faces and all the difficulties and consequences that come with them.FindingsThe paper give companies a clear and highly practical reference regarding the implications of any new project, such as, for example, implementing a quality management system, which is the first of the objectives chosen for the virtual company and the challenge that is dealt with in this paper.Originality/valueThis paper explains how this new tool was designed and implemented, along with the results expected of it.
An AHP‐based study of TQM benefits in ISO 9001 certified SMEs in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Lewis W.G. , Pun K.F. , Lalla T.R.M. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper empirically determines the extent to which the criteria of total quality management (TQM) are achieved in ISO 9001 certified small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). These criteria represent the attributes of TQM and as such one can equate these to the benefits of TQM that are achieved through ISO in SME. In addition, weaknesses are highlighted to which scarce resources could be parsimoniously allocated.Design/methodology/approachThe analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methodology is used to determine the percent weightings of four categories of performance criteria that were identified via a review of quality management literature. These criteria constitute four stages of TQM implementation including top management commitment (TMC), gap analysis (GA), systems deployment (SD) and continual improvement (CI). A process model together with an AHP framework using these categories of criteria is proposed. An empirical analysis of the criteria of each stage using the AHP methodology and the expert opinion of the top management of four SME operating in T&T are used to evaluate the percent weightings of the criteria that are synonymous with TQM implementationFindingsThe findings of this study suggest that the SMEs were focused on SD and CI, but were least able to effectively determine their strategic direction. In addition, the potential benefits that could be derived from TQM criteria were lacking in the areas of TMC and GA. Having compliance requirements that deal directly with these areas would help SMEs align their quality management practices with quality culture and strategic process changes towards TQM.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to the ethnographic nature of the study, it was possible to obtain data from only four SMEs.Practical implicationsSMEs in T&T may apply the findings of the empirical research to the design, implementation and CI of their quality management systems (QMSs).Originality/valueThis paper makes a contribution to the body of knowledge in the field of quality management in a region where such work is limited. It also adds value by empirically measuring TQM implementation by determining the extent to which its criteria are implemented in ISO 9001 certified SMEs.
Transferring best practices to healthcare: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Nat Natarajan R. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the opportunities and challenges in the healthcare sector for learning and transferring from other sectors the concepts, best practices, and tools for improving quality, safety, and productivity. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, the various approaches for improving quality, safety, and productivity are considered. How these approaches are being used in healthcare are analyzed. The obstacles to their successful implementation in healthcare are discussed. Findings – The paper finds that there are many approaches, best practices, tools, and technologies for improving quality and safety – which have proved their worth in other industries – that are relevant for the healthcare sector. There are some characteristics of the healthcare industry that distinguish it from other industries. Although the managerial processes in the healthcare industry are similar to those of other industries, the prevalent norms, culture, practices, and the regulatory framework can promote or hinder efforts to improve performance. These characteristics influence the extent to which the best practices in other industries are relevant and transferable to the healthcare sector. Originality/value – In this paper, prospects for utilizing the opportunities are assessed. The paper identifies a number of obstacles to the transfer of best practices to the healthcare sector. Insights are provided into factors that are critical to addressing those obstacles. These are of value to the practitioners in healthcare and to the academics, who want to pursue further research on this topic.
Integrated approach to healthcare quality management: a case study
Authors: Dey Prasanta Kumar , Hariharan Seetharaman 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to develop an integrated quality management model, which identifies problems, suggests solutions, develops a framework for implementation and helps evaluate performance of health care services dynamically.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses logical framework analysis (LFA), a matrix approach to project planning for managing quality. This has been applied to three acute healthcare services (Operating room utilization, Accident and emergency, and Intensive care) in order to demonstrate its effectiveness.FindingsThe paper finds that LFA is an effective method of quality management of hospital‐based healthcare services.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper shows LFA application in three service processes in one hospital. However, ideally this is required to be tested in several hospitals and other services as well.Practical implicationsIn the paper the proposed model can be practised in hospital‐based healthcare services for improving performance.Originality/valueThe paper shows that quality improvement in healthcare services is a complex and multi‐dimensional task. Although various quality management tools are routinely deployed for identifying quality issues in health care delivery and corrective measures are taken for superior performance, there is an absence of an integrated approach, which can identify and analyze issues, provide solutions to resolve those issues, develop a project management framework (planning, monitoring, and evaluating) to implement those solutions in order to improve process performance. This study introduces an integrated and uniform quality management tool. It integrates operations with organizational strategies.
Dynamics of organizational learning and continuous improvement in six sigma implementation
Authors: Savolainen Taina , Haikonen Arto 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the dynamics of organizational learning and continuous improvement (CI) in the context six sigma implementation in business organizations operating in multicultural environments.Design/methodology/approachA specific research question is: does learning mechanisms and continuous improvement practices support each other and how, and what type of learning can be identified in the improvement of business processes. The question is linked to one of the fundamental issues currently discussed in the field of organizational learning; how do organizations get “from here to there”, in other words, what is the dynamics of the processes of learning and how progressive learning is achieved. A case study of a few Finnish companies is made and a procedural implementation model is applied.FindingsThe findings suggest that the learning process is characterized by measurement, detection and correction of errors, and cost reduction. In six sigma implementation, learning is a single‐loop type of learning. It is an incremental change process which reminds a technical variant of the learning organization. Continuous improvement occurs through procedural practices (the DMAIC‐cycle) which forms a structure for sustaining learning.Research limitations/implicationsIn this study, an essential question remains still unanswered: what type of learning is appropriate when organizational performance is enhanced by process improvements in production, delivery processes, etc. and what kind of learning mechanisms are the most supportive to continuous improvement practices. Further research is needed to find out how (if at all) the technical (single‐loop) approach develops into social (cultural and political) type of learning enabling sustainable capability development. For researching this a longitudinal case study setting would be required. As this paper has reported on the authors' first exploration, further research is needed to increase understanding of learning mechanisms that support CI practices. In further studies it is necessary to “dig” in real life practices of six sigma implementation more deeply.Practical implicationsManagement should invest in, and allocate resources to staff training in order to promote learning and CI. On the level of operational leadership, the role of the leaders needs to be more clearly defined and leaders should be empowered. Managerial implication is that the development of information systems is a necessity for supporting CI and progressive learning in six sigma implementation.Originality/valueExplains the dynamics of continuous improvement and learning process. Presents findings from a case study in three Finnish multinational companies. Presents a few key success factors for progressive organizational learning in conclusion.