bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability study of surface mount printed circuit board assemblies with lead‐free solder joints
Authors: Lo Jeffery C.C. , Jia B.F. , Liu Z. , Zhu J. , Ricky Lee S.W. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the lead‐free solder joint reliability of a variety of surface mount components assembled onto printed circuit boards (PCBs) under a number of different tests.Design/methodology/approachLead‐free solder with a composition of Sn96.5‐Ag3.0‐Cu0.5 was used in a surface mount reflow process. Different types of surface mount dummy components with a daisy chain, such as CBGAs, BGAs, PLCCs, CSPs, and QFNs, were assembled onto PCBs. Both the mechanical and thermo‐mechanical reliability of the solder joints were evaluated by several tests. The experiments included package shear, package pull, three‐point bending and accelerated thermal cycling testing for 2,000 cycles. The packages were examined by X‐ray and C‐SAM before the reliability tests were carried out. The maximum load and the corresponding load‐displacement curve were recorded in the mechanical test.FindingsThe results from the mechanical tests show the major failure mode is on the copper pad. Weibull analysis shows that the characteristic lives of most packages are between 1,100 and 2,400 cycles. For the CBGA, the characteristic life of 96 cycles is relatively short, due to the serious CTE mismatch. Cross‐section inspection shows failures occur at the solder joint. Copper pad failure is also observed.Originality/valueThis paper provides both the mechanical and thermal‐mechanical reliability of lead‐free solder joints. The experimental data are very useful in the lead‐free SMT industries.
Global supply chain risk management strategies
Authors: Manuj Ila , Mentzer John T. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeGlobal supply chains are more risky than domestic supply chains due to numerous links interconnecting a wide network of firms. These links are prone to disruptions, bankruptcies, breakdowns, macroeconomic and political changes, and disasters leading to higher risks and making risk management difficult. The purpose of this paper is to explore the phenomenon of risk management and risk management strategies in global supply chains.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on an extensive literature review and a qualitative study comprising 14 in‐depth interviews and a focus group meeting with senior supply chain executives.FindingsThe study provides insights into the applicability of six risk management strategies with respect to environmental conditions and the role of three moderators.Research limitations/implicationsThe model is developed in a global manufacturing supply chain context. It should be tested in other contexts and with other methods to provide generalizability. The study takes a much needed step toward building a theory of risk management in global supply chains, which opens important future research directions.Practical implicationsThis research provides direction to managers for choosing risk management strategies based on the global supply chain environment. Moderators have practical implications for global supply chain managers.Originality/valueThe paper addresses an identified gap in the literature for selecting risk management strategies in global supply chains. It employs grounded theory, a methodology appropriate for theory‐building, to explore a phenomenon with an inadequate theoretical base.
How procurement managers view low cost countries and geographies
Authors: Carter Joseph R. , Maltz Arnold , Yan Tingting , Maltz Elliot 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThere is good evidence that the shift in global sourcing is toward so‐called “low cost country suppliers.” Yet conditions in these countries are often not well‐known. At the same time, best practices in integrated supply dictate a multi‐faceted decision, rather than basing supplier location on a single attribute say, labor cost alone. With these issues in mind, a research project was formulated with two primary objectives. First, the authors wanted to compile the knowledge and perceptions of purchasing managers regarding low cost regions and their capabilities and to reflect the multiple factors involved in current sourcing strategies and supplier selection decisions in these low cost geographies. Second, the authors wanted to compare managers' subjective perceptions with objective data regarding attributes of sourcing locations to identify the relationship between perceptions and reality. This paper aims to explore the issues.Design/methodology/approachThe authors surveyed over 100 sourcing professionals on their perceptions of various low cost sourcing alternatives. Perceptual mapping techniques were used to combine the rankings on some 12 different attributes to visualize how the various attributes relate to each other and how the low cost regions compare when rated against sourcing managers' ideal perceptions.FindingsThe research results show that procurement managers select regions for low cost sourcing based on both specific measures and individual and/or group perceptions of the region, whether these perceptions are correct or not. This paper probes these perceptions. Also the paper compares these subjective perceptions with objective data to show that cultural stereotypes may bias managers' perception of location‐specific characteristics. The paper closes with implications for procurement managers and opportunities for further research.Practical implicationsThe authors have demonstrated that purchasing managers choose sourcing locations using multiple criteria instead of only focusing on cost. But some perceptions are biased by cultural stereotypes and do not reflect reality. This suggests that managers have to be careful when using their subjective judgment in choosing sourcing locations.Originality/valueThe authors believe that visual representations of alternative sourcing options have great potential to improve the efficiency of cross‐disciplinary and multi‐company teams that are increasingly responsible for global sourcing strategies. Comparing managers' perception with objective data of location attributes shows that mangers' perception may be biased by cultural stereotypes.
Hidden effects of variable order review intervals in inventory control
Authors: Waller Matthew A. , Williams Brent D. , Eroglu Cuneyt 
Published: April 2008

PurposeWhereas inventory theory traditionally assumes the periodic review inventory model (R, T), with an order‐up‐to level R, has a random demand and lead time coupled with a deterministic review interval T, firms often deviate from a strict adherence to a fixed review interval when they attempt to capture transportation scale efficiencies. Employing this policy introduces additional supply chain variability. This paper aims to provide an expression for the standard deviation of demand during the protection period, important in setting safety stock, as well as an expression for the amount of order variance amplification induced by a stochastic review interval.Design/methodology/approachAnalytical modeling is used to develop the expression for the standard deviation of demand during the protection period as well as the calculation for the amount of order variance amplification induced by a stochastic review interval.FindingsIn terms of the variance of demand over the protection period, a stochastic review interval has a similar effect to that of a stochastic lead time, but its impact on demand variance amplification within the supply chain differs fundamentally. Specifically, a stochastic review interval creates an order batching bullwhip effect not identified in existing literature.Research limitations/implicationsThis study offers an expression for the standard deviation of demand during the protection period when stochastic review intervals are employed. The expression can be used to more effectively set safety stock. The paper also offers an expression for the order variance amplification induced by a stochastic review interval.Practical implicationsThe study offers suggestions for retailers and suppliers regarding when the use of a stochastic review interval is effective in terms of cost efficiencies.Originality/valueWhile the existence and effect of lead time variability is well‐established in the literature, traditional approaches the periodic review inventory model ignore the stochastic nature of review interval. This paper highlights the use of stochastic review intervals as a contributing factor to the bullwhip effect.
Foundations for building share of heart in global brands
Authors: Pitta Dennis A. , Franzak Frank J. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore the relationship between global brands and the emotional connections between consumers and the brand.Design/methodology/approachThe paper integrates concepts including a range of recently published (1995‐2006) theoretical works in the branding, global branding, and share of heart literature.FindingsThe paper provides information and action approaches to marketers to aid them in managing the emotional ties of global brands to specific market segments. The term “global brand” is used extensively in business but its nature and scope are not understood by all. Global brands are few in number and must satisfy several criteria to be considered truly global. This study explores the requirements for global branding as well as the characteristics and advantages of global brands. Brands may be considered in two dimensions based on their acceptance by consumers. One dimension is the brand's deliverable benefits relevant to its target segment. The other is the type and depth of emotional connection between the consumer and the brand. The article reviews the state of global branding and types of emotional connections. It then postulates a series of actions to build share of heart to aid in taking brands global.Research limitations/implicationsThe theoretical concepts that form the foundation of the paper appear to have a significant application to consumer marketing but have not been tested empirically.Practical implicationsThe paper explores a global phenomenon that has implications for the nature and scope of market segmentation, product design and promotion.Originality/valueThe paper describes the nature and application of emotional connections to particular brands. While most literature has concentrated on local or national brands, the paper provides a perspective that may help to understand how global brands generate emotional ties to consumers.
Alternative measures of satisfaction in cross‐cultural settings
Authors: Ross Robert H. , Allen Broyles S. , Leingpibul Thaweephan 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to develop and test a model that enables examination of the cross‐cultural comparative influence of the meets expectations versus feeling state perspectives of consumer satisfaction for a product or brand.Design/methodology/approachNew measures were developed for the meets expectations and feeling state constructs, leading to a survey that was administered to Chinese and Americans. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling in order to test hypotheses that were developed from the extant literature.FindingsThe study found that meets expectations and feeling state are two distinct separate constructs with Americans and Chinese, and that their influence on future purchase intent differs between cultures, and between brands.Research limitations/implicationsOnly two brands were used in the study. The survey was completed with university students in the USA and China versus a broader range of age groups. The dissimilar nuances of English and Chinese may lead to different understandings of the measurement items.Practical implicationsThis study provides a foundation for future cross‐cultural consumer research, and provides empirical insights into the ongoing standardization versus localization marketing strategy debate.Originality/valueThis study is a benchmark comparative cross‐cultural consumer satisfaction study with vastly disparate American and Chinese consumers.
Optimal retail pricing of a store brand
Authors: Chan Choi S. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to provide a practical methodology for a retailer's pricing decisions for a store brand in relation to the corresponding national brand's price.Design/methodology/approachDemand functions for the national and store brands are derived by mixing two consumer heterogeneity distributions: reservation price and quality‐price trade‐off. Unlike the existing theoretical models, a flexible gamma distribution is employed for practicality. A numerical approach is proposed for finding an optimal price for the store brand.FindingsThe proposed methodology is flexible and computationally straightforward, and is based on economic models. Instead of deriving generalized theories, however, a numerical approach using survey data is developed for more practicality.Practical implicationsThe proposed methodology allows managers to find the optimal price for a store brand using survey data.Originality/valueThe proposed methodology overcomes the limitations of the existing methodologies, i.e. the discontinuous nature of the conjoint analysis‐based approach and the theoretical nature of the economic model approach.
The changing price of brand loyalty under perceived time pressure
Authors: Jensen Marlene , Drozdenko Ronald 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis study sets out to investigate the price premium brand‐loyal customers would be willing to pay over expectations in order to remain loyal.Design/methodology/approachA total of 385 consumers were asked price expectations and brand preferences for ten different products. Non‐brand‐loyal consumers were asked whether they would buy the cheapest brand or the cheapest brand with a name they recognized. Brand‐loyal consumers were asked to imagine they went to buy each product only to discover a higher price than expected. These consumers gave the maximum price they would pay to buy their preferred brands under two conditions – time pressured and not.FindingsFor non‐brand‐loyal consumers, just 14‐43 percent (depending on the product) would buy the cheapest offering, while 57‐86 percent would buy the cheapest brand whose name they recognized. Brand‐loyal consumers would pay a mean of 15.4 percent more than expected (not rushed) or 37.0 percent (rushed). Findings differed by product category with HDTVs garnering just an 8.8 percent price premium (not rushed) and 19.1 percent (rushed), while shirts/blouses showed the highest (21.9 percent not rushed and 53.2 percent rushed).Research limitations/implicationsIt is unknown how consumers would respond to categories not studied.Practical implicationsRecognizable brand names are able to attract more buyers than lower‐priced unknown brands, even among “bargain shoppers”. Consumers are willing to pay more to buy preferred brands, and even more in rushed situations.Originality/valueThis study puts a dollar value on consumers' desires to avoid search under time pressure.
Brand image of company names matters in ways that can't be ignored
Authors: Rotfeld Herbert Jack 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to discuss the conceptual problems of family brands, and how conflict of images can work to the detriment of the entire line.Design/methodology/approachCase examples are presented of a few brands that keep different “levels” of product quality apart by different brand labels contrasting with one company that decided to make it all one name.FindingsCompanies often worry more about generating a well‐known brand than about what the brand means to consumers.Practical implicationsConsumers can discern the value of related brands of hotels or cell phones or internet service belonging to the same company even if they have different names built around distinct images in each category.Originality/valueNames matter beyond simplistic managerial thinking of brand name awareness.
A question answer system based on confirmed knowledge acquired from a mailing list
Authors: Watanabe Yasuhiko , Nishimura Ryo , Okada Yoshihiro 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to report a QA system that can answer how‐type questions based on confirmed knowledge acquired from mails, posted to a mailing list. It aims to propose a method of detecting incorrect information in mails posted to a mailing list (ML) by using mails that ML participants submitted for correcting incorrect information in previous mails.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses a problem of acquiring knowledge from natural language documents, then proposes a method to give these mails three kinds of confirmation labels, positive, negative, and other, depending on their credibility.FindingsThe paper shows a QA system based on the confirmed knowledge. It finds mail questions that are similar to the user's question and gives answers and their confirmation labels to the user. By using the confirmation labels, the user can easily choose the information that can solve his or her problem.Originality/valueThe study describes a method of detecting incorrect information in mails posted to a mailing list and acquiring confirmed knowledge from them.
Taking sides: user classification for informal online political discourse
Authors: Malouf Robert , Mullen Tony 
Published: April 2008

PurposeTo evaluate and extend, existing natural language processing techniques into the domain of informal online political discussions.Design/methodology/approachA database of postings from a US political discussion site was collected, along with self‐reported political orientation data for the users. A variety of sentiment analysis, text classification, and social network analysis methods were applied to the postings and evaluated against the users' self‐descriptions.FindingsPurely text‐based methods performed poorly, but could be improved using techniques which took into account the users' position in the online community.Research limitations/implicationsThe techniques we applied here are fairly simple, and more sophisticated learning algorithms may yield better results for text‐based classification.Practical implicationsThis work suggests that social network analysis is an important tool for performing natural language processing tasks with informal web texts.Originality/valueThis research extends sentiment analysis to a new subject domain (US politics) and a new text genre (informal online discusssions).
YouTube: an opportunity for consumer narrative analysis?
Authors: Pace Stefano 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to discuss a possible extension of narrative analysis to a new medium of expression of consumer behaviour, specifically YouTube.Design/methodology/approachMarketing and consumer behaviour studies often apply narrative analysis to understand consumption. The consumer is a source of introspective narratives that are studied by scholars. However, consumption has a narrative nature in itself and consumers are also storytellers. YouTube is a new context in which subjects tell stories to an audience through self‐made videos and re‐edited TV programs. After defining the pros and cons of different approaches to the study of YouTube, narrative analysis is presented as a possible means of understanding YouTube.FindingsSome preliminary evidence is presented by discussing several YouTube videos. These indicate that YouTube content can be better understood as stories, rather than example of other approaches, such as visual analysis, media studies, videography, and others.Research limitations/implicationsFrom the analysis conducted, preliminary managerial implications can be drawn. It seems unlikely that normal TV broadcasters will be substituted by YouTube videos. For the most part, YouTube content draws its sense and shared meaning from the major TV shows and series. The discursive nature of YouTube is also an indication of how to deal with this new medium as a company or researcher.Originality/valueThe paper is an attempt to open up new applications of interpretive market research in the form of narrative analysis. It explores a new context that is gaining relevance in both the marketing literature and managerial practice.
Introducing structuration theory in communal consumption behavior research
Authors: Algesheimer René , Gurău Călin 
Published: April 2008

PurposeIn community research, there is a large gap between theoretical developments and empirical proves. Especially, in micro‐macro contexts, where the interaction between micro‐ (the community member) and macro‐(the community) level variables have significant effects, no comprehensive theoretical approach that explicitly frames micro‐macro phenomena has been considered in empirical methodology. This study attempts to present a multilevel theoretical framework which explains the complex interrelationship of various elements that shape consumption experience and market institutions.Design/methodology/approachBased on practical questions related to community research, where individuals act in communal contexts, shape the community and are influenced by the community, the importance of studying micro‐macro phenomena are discussed. These preliminaries form assumptions that are integrated into theoretical and methodological developments. It is shown how structuration approaches meet the assumptions on communal consumption research and how multilevel analyses fit into the assumptions that are raised by the structuration approach.FindingsThe paper develops and presents a multilevel model, which represents the interplay among various cultural levels that influence consumption experience and the evolution of consumption trends. This model proposes a theoretical framework which explains structuration in consumer research contexts.Originality/valueAcademics can use this study to understand the link between communal consumption theory to methodology. They have access to a research framework that integrates micro‐macro effects and receive some ideas on possible structures and variables they can analyze. Practitioners learn that within communal research consumption patterns do not only influence individuals, but they also determine the community's structure that in turn shapes the behaviour of its members.
Optimal inspection and preventive maintenance policy for systems with self‐announcing and non‐self‐announcing failures
Authors: Chelbi Anis , Ait‐Kadi Daoud , Aloui Houda 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to propose and model an inspection and preventive maintenance policy for randomly failing systems that alternate operating and idle periods according to their mission profile.Design/methodology/approachA maintenance policy is defined and modeled mathematically. The paper focuses on finding the age T for inspection which maximizes the stationary availability of the system.FindingsExcept for the case of only self‐announcing failures, there always exists a finite optimal strategy T*. Two sufficient conditions for the uniqueness of such an optimum are also derived.Practical implicationsMany productive systems alternate operating and inactive periods, their failures may be self‐announcing or not self‐announcing (detected only through inspection). This paper presents a maintenance strategy for such systems in order to maximize their stationary availability. The proposed strategy suggests submitting the system to inspection when its age reaches T units of time.Originality/valueThis paper states a general expression of the system stationary availability which is considered as the performance criterion. Conditions of existence and uniqueness of an optimal strategy are developed.