bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of ambiguity in the case study research typology: what is a unit of analysis?
Authors: Grünbaum Niels N. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeAt the moment central concepts relating to the case study strategy are insufficiently understood. This is unfortunate in that the truth value of results inferred from case studies may be questioned. Given the fact that case studies are widely employed in many fields the identified ambiguities represent an imperative dilemma of great consequences to the research community in general. Hence, the objectives are to identify ambiguities, explore further consequences of ambiguities and to propose a rival understanding that will remedy the present inconsistencies.Design/methodology/approachAn analysis of literature was undertaken. Based on a critical assessment of existing theoretical concepts, modifications and novel conceptual ideas are proposed. The proposed framework is, moreover, thoroughly exemplified by a business‐to‐business research example, thereby enhancing applicability when future case studies are undertaken.FindingsThe outcome was a string of generic case study characteristics, an elaboration of ambiguity and consequences of the identified ambiguity, a modification of Yins' case study design typology, and finally an integrative theoretical framework that illustrates an alternative conception of the unit of analysis and the case. Accepting the criticisms and ideas presented makes it easier to identify and demarcate units of analysis that are comparable with the original analyzed unit of analysis. This will enhance the probability of authenticity and fittingness of inferred case results.Originality/valueThe contributions of this paper will facilitate a higher level of awareness about the assumptions of the paradigmatic posture researchers hold. This will cause researchers to craft more logical coherent designs and conduct better case studies across fields of theories. Moreover, they will to a higher extent be able to understand rival points of view, enabling them to construct more nuanced and astute discussions and novel insights.
Making virtual teams more effective: improving relational links
Authors: Beranek Peggy M. , Martz Ben 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo report on a study testing training methods to improve communications among virtual team members.Design/methodology/approachTraining methods for improving virtual team communications were developed and administered to 12 virtual teams. Surveys tracking cohesiveness, perceptions of the process and satisfaction with the outcomes were administered before, during and after teams working on a series of projects. These results were compared with similar teams working on the same projects who did not receive training.FindingsResults indicated that teams receiving training showed more cohesiveness, perceptions of the process and satisfaction. These factors have been shown to increase team members' ability to exchange information and to positively affect the group's performance.Practical implicationsRelational link training seems beneficial for virtual teams as the teams in this study that had relational link training showed higher levels of group cohesiveness, satisfaction with their group's outcome, and had a better impression of the group's virtual meeting process. Relational link training may have a benefit of establishing and managing expectations for how groups work together. This is especially true in its mitigating negative impacts on group cohesiveness. It is important to measure the impact of any training program, relational link or otherwise, over multiple periods, as the true impact may not become evident except over longer periods of time.Originality/valueProvides information on improving communication among virtual team members.
Concurrent engineering teams I: organizational determinants of usage
Authors: Boyle Todd A. , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Uma 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis article is the first in a two‐part discussion of the determinants and performance consequences of concurrent engineering (CE) team usage in organizations. The purpose of this first article is to develop a model of the organizational factors that influence the extent that CE teams are used when developing new products.Design/methodology/approachTo test the model, 2,500 questionnaires were mailed to new product development (NPD) managers from the machinery, computer product, electrical equipment, and transportation equipment manufacturing industries, of which 189 usable questionnaires were returned, for a usable response rate of 7.5 percent. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with partial least squares.FindingsResults indicate that an innovative organizational climate and complex NPD activities both influence the extent that organizations support functional integration on NPD teams, and this support, in turn, influences the extent that organizations use CE teams. Analyzing the qualitative data using content analysis indicates additional factors influencing CE team usage.Research limitations/implicationsTo researchers, this study examines in detail the extent of CE team usage, thus addressing a major gap in the research literature. This study also addresses the concerns of researchers by examining organizational contextual factors.Practical implicationsTo NPD managers, this study highlights organizational precursor conditions needed in order for CE teams to be supported in the organizations, specifically complex NPD activities and an innovative organizational climate. By examining these two variables, NPD managers can gauge the likelihood that CE teams will be supported even before they are actually implemented.
Do you know your STUFF? Training collaborative modelers
Authors: Mikel Millward Scott 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis research in the paper seeks to extend the findings of Jeffery et al. by describing and testing two communication processes for improving collaborative modeling and team performance.Design/methodology/approachThis paper frames the process of collaborative modeling in terms of developing task independent communication skills that help group members determine how to communicate and what to communicate about. Two training devices, the STUFF architecture and SCRIP reports, are tested using a prisoner rescue simulation.FindingsIn the paper a significant relationship is found between implementation of the training devices and improved shared mental models, including spatial awareness of other team members and homogeneity of perceived time demands. A significant relationship was also found between high degree of mental model overlap and improved performance on the rescue task. Overall, groups who implemented the communication training also felt better about themselves and their performance.Research limitations/implicationsIn this paper, the impact of the proposed training has only been tested using the experimental scenario. More training and testing must be completed before generalizations about this method are supportable.Practical implicationsThe findings in the paper warrant a shift in focus toward targeted training of communication skills that are most likely to support collaborative modeling across tasks.Originality/valueThis paper provides empirical validation to the claims of Jeffery et al. (2005) and provides a step toward a research agenda for improving team performance through the use of task independent communication skills that specifically support the collaborative modeling process in many contexts.
Using intranets to make virtual teams effective
Authors: Denton D. Keith 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to improve the chances of success of a virtual team.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a review of the formation, problems, and opportunities in setting up a virtual team.FindingsThe paper finds that the biggest problem concerns that of getting people to work together using a common language and having common goals. There are also issues with keeping a team on track. Key to solving many of these problems is the appropriate use of the new information and communication technologies.Practical implicationsIn this paper, it is shown that installing groupware supplies some of the answers. Alongside this, there is a need for benchmarks, measures, and clear visions of what is expected. Continuous feedback is required, to update and keep all members within the loop.Originality/valueThe paper shows a fresh roundup of making the most of the intranet for successful teams who are in different locations
A process for identifying the skills needed for operating in a self‐directed work team in a manufacturing setting
Authors: Kent Thomas W. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper sets out to show that more and more firms are employing employee involvement systems to enhance motivation, employee performance and organizational productivity. Managers often attempt to install teams into a traditional manufacturing process by finding elements that they believe will “work” in that setting. While they typically do a very good job at this cut and paste approach, they often suboptimize the potential of the team structure. They do not take advantage of a “full scale” Self‐Directed Work Team (SDWT) system.Design/methodology/approachIn the paper it is revealed that this often results from two conditions that exist in organizations that already exist in which managers attempt to insert teams or from one of these two conditions that apply to start‐up situations as well.FindingsThe paper finds that one of these conditions that exists for traditional, existing organizations is the problem of existing systems – accounting, personnel, operating, etc. systems. Managers have to work within or around the existing systems that tend to operate counter to the principles of SDWT formation. The second condition is that managers often cannot see, in their mind's eye, the path or transition from where they are to the full SDWT structure. These give them a sense of loss of control. So, they go only as far as they can control.Originality/valueThis paper describes a process to enable managers to both: describe, from a competency standpoint, the end state SDWT picture; and plan and track the progress of each team toward that end state. Practical examples that come from US and UK manufacturing sites are provided.
Critical thinking in organizations
Authors: Natale Sam , Ricci Frederick 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to review the history of critical thinking as a seminal and foundational skill for small groups. The paper shows that much of the team research focuses on the elementary functions of decision‐making processes, task fulfilment, and project management. Virtual teaming research adds some of the complexities introduced by working in and between cultures, across time zones and related difficulties in coordination and meaning‐making activities for the virtual team.Design/methodology/approachThe paper seeks to review the definitions of critical thinking, and review the literature relative to small group activities and the impacts and requirements of critical thinking for effective team functioning. The notion of reflective journaling is introduced as a way in which to introduce improved critical thinking into the organization at the level of the individual for performance organizational performance.FindingsThe paper finds that critical thinking within teams will improve organizational performance. It will also enhance any training and development initiatives. The topic is introduced as an information analysis of the field of critical thinking, and its impact on individuals working in teams. Authorial content is presented which can become the elements of a critical thinking checklist for team practitioners in the organization to enhance critical thinking at the individual, organization and societal levels.Originality/valueIn this paper useful ideas for established or “to be established” teams and improving performance are shown.
The impact of ad hoc teams in the automobile industry
Authors: Marín García Juan A. , Pardo del Val Manuela , Bonavia Martin Tomás 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the effect of training on ad hoc teams in an industrial setting.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, data were collected from 11 Spanish automobile manufacturer suppliers and included the assessment of the current situation, the creation and holding of different workshops followed by the collection of the results.FindingsThe paper finds that ad hoc teams are really effective especially in lean companies.Originality/valueThis paper breaks new ground in analysing the effect of training ad hoc teams in an industrial setting.
Cultivating technological innovations in Middle Eastern countries
Authors: Bagherinejad Jafar 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to present the results of a research on technological innovation process with the feature of industries in developing countries including Iran.Design/methodology/approachTechnological innovation characteristics were re‐conceptualised in the context of developing countries and the extent to which a firm's internal factors, its networking and its environmental factors, including national innovation system, can influence its technology innovation behaviour were examined empirically.FindingsThe results address several policy implications, which, although Iran‐specific, may nevertheless be transferable to other developing countries.Originality/valueTo some extent fills the current gap in the determinants of technological innovation and the essential factors for successful industrial innovation in developing countries in general and Middle Eastern countries in particular.
Optimal preventive maintenance policies for a shock model with given damage level
Authors: Hua Qian Cun , Ito Kodo , Nakagawa Toshio 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper considers and discusses analytically the optimal preventive maintenance (PM) policies of aged plants such as fossil‐fired power plants.Design/methodology/approachShocks are assumed to occur at a nonhomogeneous Poisson process and the total damage due to each shock is additive. The system undergoes the PM at a certain time or the total damage exceeds a managerial level. The expected cost rate until PM is derived and optimal policies which minimizes it are discussed.FindingsThere exists a unique optimal time (T*) or managerial level (k*) which minimizes the expected cost rate. But there does not exist a positive pair (T*, k*), simultaneously.Research limitations/implicationsThe damage occurrence distribution is assumed to be nonhomogeneous Poisson one.Practical implicationsUseful methods to consider the optimal PM policies for power plant engineers.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to users of aged power plants economically and practically.
SNEM: a new approach to evaluate terminal pair reliability of communication networks
Authors: Goyal Neeraj Kumar , Babu Misra Ravindra , Chaturvedi Sanjay Kumar 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper proposes a new approach source node exclusion method (SNEM) to evaluate terminal pair reliability of complex communication networks.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed approach breaks a non‐series‐parallel network to obtain its sub‐networks by excluding the source node from rest of the network. The reliabilities of these sub‐networks are thereafter computed by first applying the series‐parallel‐reductions to it and if any sub‐network results into another non‐series‐parallel network then it is solved by the recursive application of SNEM.FindingsThe proposed method has been applied on a variety of network and found to be quite simple, robust, and fast for terminal pair reliability evaluation of large and complex networks.Practical implicationsThe proposed approach is quite simple in application and applicable to any general networks, i.e. directed and undirected. The method does not require any prior information such as path (or cut) sets of the network and their pre‐processing thereafter or perform complex tests on networks to match a predefined criterion.Originality/valueThe proposed approach provides an easy to develop and easy to use tool to determine terminal pair reliability of a communication network. The approach is particularly useful for communication network designer and analysts.
Modeling critical failures maintenance: a case study for mining
Authors: Crespo Marquez Adolfo 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to present a case study where computer simulation is used to evaluate maintenance strategies targeted to cope with a critical failure of a repairable system.Design/methodology/approachThe problem is characterized, modeled and simulated under different conditions and for finite time periods. The different states of the system and the possible transitions among these states are characterized. Transitions are conditioned by the failure dynamics and by the maintenance decision maker. The model is then formalized and the data requirements fulfilled.FindingsThe performance of several maintenance policies based on educated estimations about the equipment behavior, manufacturer recommendations, well‐known previous maintenance practices, etc. benchmarked against the results of certain modeling and optimization tools.Practical implicationsPractical implications of this work have to do with following the entire modeling process and maintenance policy assessment with an engineering team, exploring options and opportunities to support the maintenance managers.Originality/valueMaintenance policy design exploration using semi‐Markovian process simulation modeling.
Rapid manufacturing of patient‐specific shielding masks, using RP in parallel with metal spraying
Authors: de Beer Deon J. , Truscott Michéle , Booysen Gerrie J. , Barnard Ludrick J. , van der Walt Jakobus G. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the present work is to develop a methodology to manufacture patient‐specific models (lead masks) to be used as protective shields during cancer treatment, using 3D photography, rapid prototyping (RP) and metal spraying. It is also intended to reduce the trauma experienced by the patient, by removing any physical contact as with conventional methods, and also to reduce the manufacturing lead time.Design/methodology/approachPatient‐specific data are collected using 3D photography. The data are converted to.STL files, and then prepared for building with an LS 380 in nylon polyamide. Next, the sculpted model is used as the mould in a newly patented metal‐spraying device, spraying liquid metal on to the sculpted surface.FindingsIntricate body geometries can be reproduced to effectively create metal shields, to be used in radiography applications. The models created fit the patients more accurately than through conventional methods, reducing the trauma experienced by the patient, and in a reduced time‐frame, at similar costs to conventional methods. The new process and its materials management are less of a an environmental risk than conventional methods.Research limitations/implicationsAccess to 3D photography apparatus will be necessary, as well as to RP or CNC equipment. Using this approach, files can be transferred to a central manufacturing facility, i.e. hospitals or treatment units do not need their own facilities. Added implications are the design of jigs and fixtures, which will ensure accuracy in reuse.Practical implicationsMetal shields can be created with ease and great accuracy using RP machines. It takes less time without inflated costs. Models are more accurately and easy to use, with less trauma experienced by the patient during the manufacturing phase.Originality/valueNovel applications, combined with a new process. The research expands the fast‐growing field of medical applications of RP technologies. Its practical application will benefit patients on a daily basis.
Modelling and optimal design of sheet metal RP&M processes
Authors: Pohlak Meelis , Küttner Rein , Majak Jüri 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo study the influence of process and product parameters on the properties of products in incremental sheet metal‐forming; to create models for process optimisation and to introduce an approach to incremental forming process optimisation.Design/methodology/approachA new flexible sheet metal‐forming technique, incremental forming, has been studied. The technique can be viewed as a rapid prototyping/manufacturing technique for sheet metal parts. To analyse the process, an experimental study and finite element analysis were performed. For the optimal design of incremental forming process non‐linear mathematical programming was used. To estimate the limitations and main parameters of the process, a complex model was developed.FindingsIntroducing optimisation procedures for the incremental forming process allows users to increase productivity and to assure quality.Research limitations/implicationsAs finite element analysis of the process is time‐consuming in real life situations, a future study should include creating analytical models for process modelling.Practical implicationsThe described approach can be used in practice to improve competitiveness of companies producing sheet metal prototypes.Originality/valueThis paper offers guidelines for shortening processing time of sheet metal prototypes for engineers and researchers. The optimisation that is based on experimental/theoretical/numerical models of incremental forming process has not been covered before in the scientific literature.
Design and fabrication of CAP scaffolds by indirect solid free form fabrication
Authors: Li Xiang , Li Dichen , Lu Bingheng , Tang Yiping , Wang Lin , Wang Zhen 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo fabricate the self‐hardening calcium phosphate composite scaffolds with controlled internal pore architectures using rapid prototyping (RP) techniques and investigate their in vitro bone tissue engineering responses.Design/methodology/approachThe three‐dimensionally interconnected pores in scaffolds can facilitate sufficient supply of blood, oxygen and nutrients for the ingrowth of bone cells, tissue regeneration, and vascularization. It is essential for bone tissue engineering to provide an accurate control over the scaffolds material, porosity, and internal pore architectures. Negative image of scaffold was designed and epoxy resin molds were fabricated on sterolithography apparatus. Calcium phosphate cement slurry was cast in these molds. After self‐hardening, the molds were removed by pyrolysis and the resulting scaffolds were obtained.FindingsEight scaffolds with 54.45 percent porosity were tested on an Instron machine. The average compressive strength measured was 5.8±0.8 Mpa. Cytotoxicity and cell proliferation studies were conducted with rabbit osteoblast. Results showed that these scaffolds were non‐toxic and displayed excellent cell growth during the 2 weeks of in vitro culture.Research limitations/implicationsThe resulting scaffolds inherited errors and defects from the molds, such as cracks and dimensional changes.Originality/valueThe present method enhances the versatility of scaffold fabrication by RP. It is capable of reproducibly fabricating scaffolds from a variety of biomaterials.