bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revitalising the trade union movement through internationalism
Authors: Ryland Rebecca , Sadler David 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to present an exploration of grassroots perspectives on trade union methods of organisational change management through internationalism. A case study of UNISON (one of the largest UK trade unions, representing public sector workers) is explored with the intention of identifying whether or not there are opportunities for the rebuilding of grassroots‐led collective identities, solidarity and community beyond national borders.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based upon a case study of UNISON's North West region in England. Participant observation was conducted and semi‐structured interviews were held with UNISON key informants. Focus group sessions were conducted with UNISON grassroots members.FindingsThere remains a big divide between the aspirations of unions such as UNISON, and the grassroots perspectives upon labour internationalism of many members. Nonetheless, as some trade unions increasingly recognise that the choice is between organisational change and growing irrelevance, we show that the way in which organisational change is understood by the grassroots is of growing significance.Research limitations/implicationsThe research raises implications for understanding the relationship between international officials and others within union leadership roles; the meaning of internationalism at union branch level; and the impacts of new or emergent civil society agendas such as global climate change.Practical implicationsThe research equips trade unions with a deeper understanding of how their organisational change management strategies are supported, or questioned, by members. It demonstrates the level of grassroots support for internationalism, enabling the identification of how members position themselves with respect to cross‐border solidarity, and how they interpret organisational change strategies.Originality/valueThere has been great debate as to the effects of globalisation and neoliberalism on trade unions and the strategies available to achieve renewal. One such strategy is trade union internationalism. Very little is known, however, about the extent and manner of membership understandings of internationalism. Do members support internationalism, or do they perceive it as a distraction from a core agenda? The paper explores this grassroots perspective.
Community as a factor in union organization
Authors: Hess Michael 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThere is now considerable evidence that “community unionism” is emerging as a new form of worker organization in many quite different national contexts. This paper aims to look at the conceptual underpinnings of the relationship between ideas about community and union organisation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is particularly concerned with the impact “community” in two types of national context might have when it is applied to union organization. The contrast provides an interesting demonstration of the relationship between organisational change and contextual specificities.FindingsIn the western market‐oriented democracies of first world nations, community unionism may be seen as part of a broader (re‐)discovery of the power of community factors in these highly individualistic societies. In third world nations pursuing accelerated economic growth and social development “community” finds expression in communal loyalties based on localised social relations.Originality/valueThis paper considers differences in how “community” impacts on unionism differ in these varied historical contexts.
The comparison studies on growth kinetic of IMC of Cu/Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu (Sn0.4Co0.7Cu)/Cu joints during isothermal aging and their tensile strengths
Authors: Guo‐kui Ju , Xi‐cheng Wei , Peng Sun , Johan Liu 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare the growth kinetics of interfacial intermetallic compound (IMC) layer and its effect on the tensile strength of two solder (Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu and Sn0.4Co0.7Cu) joints.Design/methodology/approachThe samples annealed, respectively, at 85, 120 and 150°C up to 1,000 h were tensile tested and their cross‐sections were observed by scanning electron micrography.FindingsThe results showed that, for both solder joints, an approximately linear reduction in tensile joint strength with an increase in the IMC layers' thickness occurred. The tensile strength of Cu/Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu solder joints is slightly better than that of Cu/Sn‐0.7Co‐0.4Cu solder joints under analogous aging conditions. In addition, the growth kinetics of the overall interfacial IMC layer in Sn0.4Co0.7Cu solder joints can be simply described by the classical growth kinetic theory for solid‐state diffusion with an activation energy of 2,996.85 J/mol and interdiffusion constant of 4.15×0−17 m2/s which are relatively lower, compared with Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu solder on copper with 14,167.8 J/mol and 65.33×10−17 m2/s, respectively.Originality/valueThe paper is of value in evaluating the growth kinetics of Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu and Sn0.4Co0.7Cu solder joints, and in discussing and contrasting the influence of IMC growth on their tensile strength.
Characterization of Sn7In4.1Ag0.5Cu solder in lead‐free composite solder joints of LTCC/PWB assembly
Authors: Nousiainen O. , Kangasvieri T. , Rautioaho R. , Vähäkangas J. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a novel Sn7In4.1Ag0.5Cu/Plastic Core Solder Ball/Sn4Ag0.5Cu composite solder joint configuration for second‐level ball grid array (BGA) interconnections of low temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) modules and the thermal fatigue durability of the configuration. The purpose of using the Sn7In4.1Ag0.5Cu solder was to increase the creep/fatigue resistance of critical regions on the LTCC side of the joint.Design/methodology/approachTest LTCC module/printed wiring board (PWB) assemblies were fabricated and exposed into temperature cycling tests over the 0 to 100°C and −40 to 125°C temperature ranges. The characteristic lifetimes of these assemblies were determined using DC resistance measurements. The failure mechanisms of the test assemblies were verified using scanning acoustic microscopy, FE‐SEM, and SEM investigation.FindingsThe test assemblies were exposed to thermal cycling tests (TCT) over test ranges of 0 to 100°C and −40 to 125°C, and characteristic lifetimes of over 5,500 and 1,400 cycles, respectively, were achieved. Compared with Sn4Ag0.5Cu/plastic‐core solder balls (PCSB)/Sn4Ag0.5Cu joints, the characteristic lifetime of the SAC‐In/PCSB/SAC joints increased over 55 per cent in the harsh (−40 to 125°C) TCT conditions. In the milder test conditions (0 to 100°C), the characteristic lifetime of the SAC‐In/PCSB/SAC joints increased 30 per cent compared with the SAC/PCSB/SAC joints.Originality/valueThe results proved that the enhanced creep/fatigue properties of the solder matrix resulted in satisfactory lifetime durations in the present lead‐free composite solder joints and, consequently, different primary failure mechanisms on the LTCC side due to the use of indium alloyed solder. Thus, the present joint configuration is assumed to be a promising solution for the further design of a reliable second‐level solder interconnection in LTCC/PWB assemblies with a high‐global thermal mismatch.
Board level reliability of lead‐free designs of BGAs, CSPs, QFPs and TSOPs
Authors: Huang Meng‐Kuang , Lee Chiapyng 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the board level reliability test results of four IC packages with lead‐free balls/platings, soldered with lead‐free solder paste, during thermal cycling. The board level reliability test results of tin‐lead balled/plated packages soldered with lead‐free solder paste have also been included for comparison.Design/methodology/approachFour different packages, i.e. ball grid array (BGA), chip scale package (CSP), quad flat package (QFP) and thin small outline package (TSOP), were assembled on a test printed circuit board (PCB) as the test vehicle. Lead‐free and tin‐lead BGA/CSP packages were equipped with Sn‐3.0Ag‐0.5Cu and Sn‐37Pb solder balls, respectively. The lead‐frames of lead‐free QFP/TSOP leaded‐packages were plated with Sn‐58Bi and those of tin‐lead QFP/TSOP leaded‐packages, Sn‐37Pb. The lead‐free solder paste used in this study was Sn‐3.0Ag‐0.5Cu. Two kinds of surface finishes, immersion gold over electroless nickel (Au/Ni) and organic solderability preservative, were used on the PCBs. The test PCBs were thermal cycled 5,000 times within the temperature range of −40 to 125°C and electrically monitored during the thermal cycling.FindingsIt was found that the tin‐lead balled/plated BGAs, CSPs, QFPs and TSOPs soldered with lead‐free solder paste showed serious board level reliability risks as their abilities to withstand thermal cycling stresses are much weaker than those of entirely lead‐free assemblies. Neither package nor surface finish was found to have any effects on the board level reliability of test vehicles with lead‐free balled/plated BGAs, CSPs, QFPs and TSOPs. Metallographic examinations were conducted to investigate the effect of thermal cycling on the failure modes of solder joints.Originality/valueThe paper is of value by contributing to research in the use of lead‐free solder paste with lead‐containing packages in the industry. Currently, there is a deficiency of knowledge in this area.
Silver thick film pastes for low temperature co‐fired ceramics: impact of glass frit variation
Authors: Bangali Jayashri , Rane Sunit , Phatak Girish , Gangal Shashikala 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate and report the impact of glass frit variation in silver thick film pastes used as surface conductors in low temperature co‐fired ceramics technology (LTCC), especially on the properties such as warpage of LTCC associated with conductors, microstructure of the fired thick films, sheet resistance and adhesion on LTCC.Design/methodology/approachSilver thick film paste compositions were formulated by changing the silver glass frit ratio. The compatibility of these formulated paste compositions with LTCC (DP 951AX) substrate were evaluated. The properties such as microstructure developments, the change in sheet resistance, warpage of LTCC substrate with respect to glass frit ratio of the developed silver films on LTCC were evaluated.FindingsThe results reveal that the glass frit percentage used in paste formulation is equally responsible for the disturbance in the properties such as microstructure, warping and electrical properties of the fired thick films on LTCC. It was observed that the paste composition, in particular sample SP10B containing the highest glass frit percentage, is compatible with the LTCC tape under processing conditions. The sheet resistance value in the range of 5 mΩ/□ and the fired films showed very good adhesion (3.95 N), irrespective of the glass frit composition.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful evaluations of properties such as microstructure developments, changes in sheet resistance and warpage of LTCC substrate with respect to glass frit ratio of the developed silver pastes on LTCC.
The service recovery paradox: true but overrated?
Authors: Michel Stefan , Meuter Matthew L. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe paper's aim is to test the existence of the service recovery paradox.Design/methodology/approachTo date, much of the literature exploring the service recovery paradox has generated mixed results. The paper argues that a service recovery paradox is a rare event, which makes its measurement difficult, since the “treatment group” sample size is usually too small to produce significant results. For that reason, the existence of the service recovery paradox in a banking context with more than 11,000 customer interviews based on actual customer encounters is tested.FindingsOverall, the survey findings support the argument that a service recovery paradox is a rare event, and the hypothesized mean differences are, albeit significant, not very large, which diminishes their managerial relevance to some degree.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the required extremely large sample size, no multi‐item measures were collected. Furthermore, privacy concerns restricted us from a longitudinal study and from linking the survey results to behavioural data. Both limitations are inherent in the chosen setting.Practical implicationsWhile a service failure offers an opportunity to create an excellent recovery, the likelihood of a service paradox is very low. The implications of verifying a service recovery paradox do not suggest that ineffective service followed by an outstanding service recovery is a viable strategy.Originality/valueTo the authors' knowledge, this is the first empirical study testing not only the existence of the service recovery paradox, but also exploring its magnitude and frequency. This is crucial because the paradox is a very rare event, which, in turn, limits its managerial relevance.
Key strategies for the successful involvement of customers in the co‐creation of new technology‐based services
Authors: Kristensson Per , Matthing Jonas , Johansson Niklas 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe aim is to propose a conceptual framework consisting of research propositions concerning the key strategies required for the successful involvement of customers in the co‐creation of new technology‐based services.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology involves a single case study from which data are derived and analyzed using the grounded theory methodology of “constant comparative analysis.” User‐generated ideas for future mobile phone services are collected from four user involvement projects and analyzed at several workshops attended by senior managers from telecommunications firms.FindingsSeven key strategies are identified as being essential for successful user involvement in new product development. Each strategy is described and illustrated in relation to existing theory and presented as a research proposition.Research limitations/implicationsThe exploratory nature of the research means that the findings are tentative and need to be confirmed in other settings by other researchers, including quantitative large‐scale studies.Practical implicationsThe results of the study provide management with guidelines for organizing successful user involvement projects with a market‐oriented approach.Originality/valueDespite the increasing popularity of user involvement, little research has examined the conditions required for successful user involvement in new product development. This study makes an original contribution by proposing strategies critical for a successful outcome.
The role of post‐training self‐efficacy in customers' use of self service technologies
Authors: Zhao Xinyuan , Mattila Anna S. , Eva Tao Li‐Shan 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe current study aims to investigate the role of post‐training self‐efficacy in influencing customer perceptions and usage of self‐service technologies (SSTs). Specifically, the aim is to propose that high post‐training self‐efficacy will reduce technology anxiety and hence increase perceptions of ease of use associated with SSTs.Design/methodology/approachA self‐checkout machine in a library setting served as the study context. A total of 131 subjects were randomly assigned to two training groups (written instructions and a demonstration).FindingsThe results partially support the research hypotheses and suggest that post‐training self‐efficacy has a positive impact on customer satisfaction and ease of use. Ease of use, in turn, increased customer intention to reuse SSTs while decreasing technology anxiety.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has a relatively small sample size and only two training methods were tested. A control group should be included in future research.Originality/valueAs the first trial, the study investigated customers' post‐training self‐efficacy in SSTs by integrating training theories and SSTs studies. The results suggest service organizations use effective training programs to customers' participation in the service delivery process via SSTs. The study also explored customers' ease of use and technology anxiety in a single research. Different from previous SSTs studies, the current study suggest that ease of use and technology anxiety play various roles in customers' participation at SSTs encounters.
The relationships between operations strategies and operations activities in service context
Authors: Prajogo Daniel I. , McDermott Christopher M. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe present study aims to empirically explore the relationships between selected operations strategies and the associated operations activities. Specifically, for service firms targeting specific competitive priorities, it examines the extent to which there are significant differences in the relationships between these priorities and the operations activities among high‐ versus low‐performing firms.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical data for this study were drawn from 190 managers of the Australian service organisations whose primary responsibilities were related to the daily operations of the firms. The targeted service organisations encompassed various sectors including transportation, communication, banking, insurance, health care, education, wholesale, retail, and professional services.FindingsThe results show that high‐performing firms have stronger relationships between their operations strategies and operations activities than low‐performing firms. The results also reveal how different operations strategies need to be deployed into different operations activities.Research limitations/implicationsThe design of this study was exploratory in nature, and therefore, can be improved in terms of the robustness of the scales and observations. Also, the cross‐sectional design of the study could not capture potential unique characteristics of some service sectors that affect the examined relationships.Practical implicationsThese findings suggest the importance of implementing operations activities in the firm's strategic directions. As firms decide how they choose to strategically position their operating systems, they in turn need to decide how to best focus their resources on operational elements that support these goals.Originality/valueFrom the authors' best knowledge, this is the first study which examines the link between operations strategies and operations activities in service firms.
The impact of other‐customer failure on service satisfaction
Authors: Huang Wen‐Hsien 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how and why other‐customer misbehavior has a negative influence on customer satisfaction with the service firm.Design/methodology/approachData for this study were gathered by retrospective experience sampling.FindingsThere are several important findings that can be obtained from the results. First, people consider another customer's failure to be the firm's responsibility when they perceive that the failure is under the firm's volitional control (i.e. controllability attribution). This controllability attribution leads to customer expectations of compensation for recovery from dissatisfaction. Second, stability attributions about other‐customer failures were not found to be significantly related to the firm's responsibility. Third, the severity of the other‐customer failure experience bears no relation to the customer's service recovery expectation, but it is negatively related to satisfaction. Finally, the customer's evaluation of service is not only affected by the other‐customer misbehavior, but also by how employees react to situations when other customers are unruly or potentially disruptive.Practical implicationsProviding employees with the appropriate coping and problem‐solving skills for working with problem customers is a key issue for service providers. More importantly, employees should be trained to help the affected customers, to alleviate any bad feelings caused by the other‐customer's misbehavior.Originality/valueThe paper suggests that employees in a service‐providing firm may need to act as “police officers” to ensure that all their customers behave appropriately.
Leading by learning: new directions in the twenty‐first century
Authors: Collinson Vivienne 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to provide a theoretically‐based set of skills and practices that develop organizational members and leaders while building organizational capacity.Design/methodology/approachThe paper advances four arguments about learning and leading, drawing on classical and contemporary scholarship of organizational learning theory to elaborate the intellectual, ethical, social, and political environment of school systems and to deduce skills that leaders and members of school systems engaged in organizational learning need to develop in order to support collective learning and continuous organizational improvement.FindingsThe paper provides core assumptions of organizational learning, along with a figure detailing components of organizational capacity and a figure summarizing intellectual, ethical, social, and political skills and values that allow members and leaders of school systems to build the organization's capacity, develop leadership, and influence an environment hospitable to collective learning.Practical implicationsThe four sets of skills and values can be used in school systems to structure continuous, differentiated development for all members, especially leaders.Originality/valueThe paper offers an original, coherent, theoretically‐based framework of skills and practices that can develop members and create a broad leadership pool in school systems.
Successful principalship of high‐performance schools in high‐poverty communities
Authors: Mulford Bill , Kendall Diana , Ewington John , Edmunds Bill , Kendall Lawrie , Silins Halia 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to review literature in certain areas and report on related results from a study of successful school principalship in the Australian state of Tasmania.Design/methodology/approachSurveys on successful school principalship were distributed to a population of 195 government schools (excluding colleges and special schools) in Tasmania with a return rate of 67 per cent. Surveys sought responses in areas such as demographic characteristics (including a measure of school poverty), leadership characteristics, values and beliefs, tensions and dilemmas, learning and development, school capacity building, decision making, evaluation and accountability, and perceptions of school success. In addition, details of actual student performance on literacy and numeracy tests were supplied by the Department of Education.FindingsThe literature reviewed in this article indicated that world‐wide poverty is a major issue and that there is a nexus between poverty and education. While questions may be raised about the effectiveness of schools as institutions in serving those in high‐poverty communities, as well as problems in labelling a school as high‐poverty, evidence has emerged of high‐performing schools in high‐poverty communities. A common characteristic of these schools is successful, high‐performing leadership.Practical implicationsEvidence is provided on the nature of successful principalship of high‐performance schools in high‐poverty communities.Originality/valueWorld‐wide poverty is a major and growing social and economic issue. Yet, material available in the area, including research reported here, leads one to conclude that the research on successful principalship in high‐performance schools in high‐poverty communities needs to be given greater priority.