bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A software tool for estimation of PCB substrate utilisation efficiency statistics from scanned images
Authors: Hyslop S.M. , Palmer P.J. , Whalley D.C. 
Published: March 2005

PurposeRouting efficiency provides an estimate of the compactness of a specific PCB layout in comparison with the theoretical minimum size for the circuit design. This work describes a methodology for estimating the routing efficiency of existing PCB layouts from scanned images of either a manufactured PCB or the relevant PCB artwork. Measuring and maximising routing efficiency offers a powerful tool in the drive to minimise the size and cost of a PCB, as it provides a quantitative measure of the need to include costly features such as multiple signal layers and blind (or partial) vias.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology was proven as a manual method, before implementation as a software tool. This work describes the image processing techniques used to recognise traces and vias and describes how this information is processed to derive substrate utilisation statistics.FindingsAn initial survey suggests that trace routing efficiency has declined through time, indicating that many layouts are larger than necessary, or use more signal layers than are required by routing constraints alone.Research limitations/implicationsThis work finds that digital logic circuits follow a more coherent trend than analogue or mixed technology circuits. The results are therefore much more applicable in the digital domain.Practical implicationsAs the methodology is implemented using images of PCB layouts, it offers the potential to investigate the performance of routing capability for current and legacy applications where CAD data are not available.Originality/valueWhere CAD drawings exist, routing efficiency can easily be calculated from the data. However, the methodology for estimating routing efficiency retrospectively from circuit images is believed to be unique, and sidesteps the problems of gaining access to this information.
SAVIA, an advanced multi‐layer parallel lamination technique for high density, high performance printed circuit boards
Authors: Kim Taehoon , Mok Jee‐Soo , Song Chang‐Kyu , Park Jun‐Heyoung , Kim Kyung‐O , Sun Ben , Min Byung‐Youl 
Published: March 2005

PurposeTo review a newly developed PCB fabrication process based on a parallel lamination technique.Design/methodology/approachThis paper has been written to introduce the SAVIA process, a new parallel lamination technique for PCB fabrication. The basic concept of the SAVIA process has been described along with the individual process steps and the reliability issues. The advantages of SAVIA process have been also discussed in both economical and technological aspects.FindingsIt was found that the parallel lamination technique, a key process for SAVIA, was not only highly flexible and reliable but also a cost‐effective fabrication method for high performance PCB. With the SAVIA process, manufacturing lead‐times can be substantially reduced due to the nature of the parallel processing. It was also confirmed that a highly reliable metal alloy interconnection was created between the core and the adhesive layers during the lamination process. The formed metal alloy contacts showed excellent electrical and physical characteristics. The between layers was precise.Originality/valueThe value of this paper is to introduce a novel PCB fabrication process based on a parallel lamination technique that is superior to conventional build‐up processes from both technological and economical viewpoints. By applying a parallel lamination technique, it is expected that fabrication costs can be lowered due to reductions in manufacturing lead‐time.
Soldering considerations for lead‐free printed circuit board assembly – an Envirowise Guide
Authors: Goosey Martin 
Published: March 2005

PurposeTo give an overview of the issues encountered, and changes that need to be made in the various types of soldering process when converting them from conventional to lead‐free assembly.Design/methodology/approachThis paper has been written to provide a review of the lead‐free reflow, wave and hand soldering processes. Problem areas highlighted and methods for adjusting and optimising each type of soldering process for compatibility with lead‐free solders are described.FindingsThe move to lead‐free soldering in electronics assembly can lead to a number of issues that affect process performance, yields and reliability. Problems that are sometimes encountered with conventional lead‐bearing solders can exacerbated when moving to lead‐free. Many of the issues are associated with the higher melting points of the recommended lead‐free solders. Fortunately, these issues are now well known and, with care and attention to process optimisation, they can largely be avoided.Originality/valueThe value of the paper lies in its ability to provide information on the types of problems and issues encountered when moving to lead‐free solders and the advice it gives on how to avoid them. It also describes how to convert the various lead‐free soldering processes used in PCB assembly using a range of measures that can minimise defects, avoid common problems and optimise yields. Sources of additional assistance are also identified.
Whither research in marketing?
Authors: Saunders John , Lee Nick 
Published: March 2005

PurposeTo introduce the contents of this special issue on research in marketing and comment on the development of the discipline in UK universities.Design/methodology/approachRelates each paper to a taxonomy of academic research and comments on their content. Examines major trends in higher education and relates them to the fortunes of marketing educators.FindingsThere are reasons to be cheerful about academic marketing in the UK: there are clearly opportunities to publish in the world's leading academic journals, increased funding for the discipline, the acceptability of a wide range of methodologies and the increasing influence of marketing. Less encouraging is the naïve and destructive competition between universities and the consequent destruction of academic development.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a UK perspective that depends on limited knowledge of other than a few other countries.Practical implicationsThere are good reasons to be positive about an academic career in marketing, but also a desperate need to tackle the naïve strategies of universities and to intervene to mend the gaps in the development of academic marketers.Originality/valueGives an insight in to the range of research in marketing, and an insight into the opportunities and pitfalls of a career in academic marketing research.
Beyond incommensurability? Empirical expansion on diversity in research
Authors: Davies Andrea , Fitchett James A. 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThis paper is a practical attempt to contribute to the ongoing reappraisal of the dichotomies and categories that have become prevalent throughout marketing research.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews current literature on incommensurability and undertakes a comparative re‐examination of two studies.FindingsHow the authors view their research is constituted in retrospective terms through a marketing and consumption logic based on the principles of division, distinction and difference. Re‐examination of some empirical case material suggests that in practice the perceived duality separating research traditions is unsound. A misplaced reading of paradigm incommensurability has resulted in research practices appearing oppositional and static when they are essentially undifferentiated and dynamic. An over‐socialised research epistemology has raised the tangible outcomes of research activities to be dominant in directing research practice.Research limitations/implicationsThe comparative analysis is illustrative rather than representative.Originality/valueThe paper offers an applied exposition of theoretical debates in marketing research concerning paradigm incommensurability.
Grounded theory, ethnography and phenomenology
Authors: Goulding Christina 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThe paper aims to look at some of the problems commonly associated with qualitative methodologies, suggesting that there is a need for a more rigorous application in order to develop theory and aid effective decision making.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines three qualitative methodologies: grounded theory, ethnography, and phenomenology. It compares and contrasts their approaches to data collection and interpretation and highlights some of the strengths and weaknesses associated with each one.FindingsThe paper suggests that, while qualitative methodologies, as opposed to qualitative methods, are now an accepted feature of consumer research, their application in the truest sense is still in its infancy within the broader field of marketing. It proposes a number of possible contexts that may benefit from in‐depth qualitative enquiry.Originality/valueThe paper should be of interest to marketers considering adopting a qualitative perspective, possibly for the first time, as it offers a snap‐shot of three widely‐used methodologies, their associated procedures and potential pitfalls.
Qualitative research in marketing
Authors: Gummesson Evert 
Published: March 2005

PurposeTo discuss and analyse three themes in qualitative research in marketing which are objects of both frustration and confusion: analysis and interpretation; theory generation; and a quest for scientific pluralism and individual researcher lifestyles.Design/methodology/approachUnderpinning the discussion is that complexity, ambiguity, fuzziness, chaos, change, uncertainty and unpredictability are characteristics of a market economy; that qualitative and subjective interpretation is necessary to add the spark of life to marketing data; and that general marketing theory needs more attention from researchers.Practical implicationsThe proper use of methodology and the generation of better marketing theory will make it easier for practitioners to reach the right decisions.FindingsQuantitative and qualitative research processes are not by nature antagonistic, although their advocates may be; quantitative methodology carries qualitative “bugs”, necessary for its sustenance.Originality/valueThe article ends with a recommendation that every researcher in marketing should design his or her individual research approach, one that suits the personality of the researcher. As an example, the author presents his own current methodology‐in‐use, interactive research.
The evolution of “classical mythology” within marketing measure development
Authors: Lee Nick , Hooley Graham 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThis paper provides a deeper examination of the fundamentals of commonly‐used techniques – such as coefficient alpha and factor analysis – in order to more strongly link the techniques used by marketing and social researchers to their underlying psychometric and statistical rationale.Design/methodology approachA wide‐ranging review and synthesis of psychometric and other measurement literature both within and outside the marketing field is used to illuminate and reconsider a number of misconceptions which seem to have evolved in marketing research.FindingsThe research finds that marketing scholars have generally concentrated on reporting what are essentially arbitrary figures such as coefficient alpha, without fully understanding what these figures imply. It is argued that, if the link between theory and technique is not clearly understood, use of psychometric measure development tools actually runs the risk of detracting from the validity of the measures rather than enhancing it.Research limitations/implicationsThe focus on one stage of a particular form of measure development could be seen as rather specialised. The paper also runs the risk of increasing the amount of dogma surrounding measurement, which runs contrary to the spirit of this paper.Practical implicationsThis paper shows that researchers may need to spend more time interpreting measurement results. Rather than simply referring to precedence, one needs to understand the link between measurement theory and actual technique.Originality/valueThis paper presents psychometric measurement and item analysis theory in easily understandable format, and offers an important set of conceptual tools for researchers in many fields.
Long life to marketing research: a postmodern view
Authors: Addis Michela , Podestà Stefano 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThis paper aims at interpreting the epistemology of marketing. The paper investigates several research questions, proposing some initial reflections concerning their impact on marketing.Design/methodology/approachThe paper addresses the research questions by conducting an analysis of the marketing literature. An analysis of philosophical postmodern literature is also carried out. The paper's attempt constantly to create links between the level of philosophical elaboration and that of marketing research leads to a proposal of new approach to marketing research: experiential research.FindingsIn the paper's review of the marketing literature the traditional pragmatic approach of marketing as a discipline is highlighted. Its strong managerial perspective has partly diverted researchers’ attention from the theory, and focused it mainly on the method. This has created an increasingly marked distinction between the marketing literature aimed at management, and that aimed at the academic community. The postmodern perspective on marketing calls for a rethinking of the “scientific nature” of marketing as an investigative field.Research limitations/implicationsThe main point is that marketing cannot be a scientific discipline only by adopting a scientific method. Marketing research is by definition different in nature: it cannot generate better but only different knowledge. This perspective shift has an impact on all research components. First, the field of research widens enormously, because researchers can deal with everything arousing their interest and to which their accumulated knowledge can be applied. Since the discipline does not become scientific, the researcher can use any method. All methods can originate scientific theories, and therefore incremental knowledge. Hence science is neither objective nor absolute.Originality/valueThis paper analyses the philosophical roots of postmodernism, in order to understand its impact on postmodern marketing better. It also focuses on the impact of postmodernism on marketing research, and proposes a new approach. This paper then explores the features of the experiential research in marketing, and its effect on the processes of generating knowledge.
No idea? Evaluating the effectiveness of creativity training
Authors: Birdi Kamal S. 
Published: March 2005

PurposeTo evaluate the long‐term impact of three types of creativity training workshops conducted within an organization and contrast the influence of training compared with work environment factors in influencing employee innovation.Design/methodology/approachA follow‐up questionnaire was returned by 71 employees who had taken part in the creativity training programmes offered by a Civil Service organisation. Based on employee innovation theory, respondents were asked about changes in their knowledge, attitudes and use of creativity at work as a result of the training and about work environment factors.FindingsRespondents reported moderate but significant improvements in their levels of creativity knowledge, attitudes, workplace idea generation and idea implementation as a result of attending the training. Analyses also indicated that poor managerial support or an unfavourable departmental climate for innovation could limit the impact of creativity training with regard to influencing idea implementation.Research limitations/implicationsSince the study was a cross‐sectional survey it is recommended future research should test the present findings by using a longitudinal approach. Implications for research into the content and design of creativity training are made.Practical implicationsGuidelines are presented for designing, implementing and evaluating creativity training initiatives and improving work environmental support.Originality/valueThe paper offers a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of creativity training interventions and demonstrates how effectiveness can be limited if the work environment is not favourable.
The challenges of human resource management towards organizational effectiveness
Authors: Stavrou‐Costea Eleni 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThe study aims to examine the human resource management challenges in Southern EU and their effect on organizational performance.Design/methodology/approachFirst, key challenges were identified in the existing literature. Then, these challenges were matched with those reported most often in the CRANET questionnaire. These challenges were operationalized into current organizational practices, also reported in the questionnaire. Last, t‐tests were used to explore the relationships between organizational effectiveness and the selected human resource management practices representing the challenges.FindingsKey challenges involved training and development, efficiency and flexibility, and employee relations in all nations explored. Furthermore, practices of the training and development challenge, the employee relations challenge and the efficiency and flexibility challenge are significantly related to organizational productivity in most of Southern EU.Research limitations/implicationsThe study used single‐respondent, self‐administered questionnaires. Nevertheless, this study offers fertile ground for further, more in‐depth investigation of challenges and their relation to organizational effectiveness not only in Southern EU but also in other parts of Europe or the world.Practical implicationsSouthern EU organizations should employ requisite training, development, flexibility and employee relations practices to achieve excellent organizational performance. Furthermore, governments may create policies to promote the above practices, since, in the long term, achieving organizational excellence will reflect positively on national economies. All these may be facilitated through proactive organizational, national and cross‐national HRD initiatives.Originality/valueThe significance of the present study stems from the fact that none of the existing literature explores the impact of human resource challenges on organizational performance.
Factors influencing knowledge creation and innovation in an organisation
Authors: Merx‐Chermin Mireille , Nijhof Wim J. 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the factors that influence the innovative power of organisations. The concept of innovation and innovative power was examined by analysing the relationship between the construct of the learning organisation, knowledge organisation and innovative organisation, and has resulted in an innovation process model. This model consists of three processes: knowledge creation, innovation and learning to learn. The factors that might influence this cycle are: added value for stakeholders, leadership, climate, structure and strategic alignment.Design/methodology/approachThis is an exploratory study that was conducted at Océ Technologies in The Netherlands.The case study consisted of a qualitative and a quantitative stage and comprised a selection of two innovation projects separated in time. The purpose of the first phase was to collect information about the innovation spiral, through interviews with members of three divisions in each innovation process. After this, a survey was designed and sent to all employees and managers of the three divisions involved in the two innovation cases.FindingsOn the basis of a data analysis, factors explaining variance in terms of innovation, learning and knowledge creation were identified. If innovation is discontinuous, the innovation spiral is not valid; if innovation has a strength in critical reflection on cases from the past to mould the future, the model has some explanatory power.Research limitations/implicationsUsing a survey technique to retrieve data from a current innovation experiment has a set of possible risks like maturation, forgetting, selection and a different context. Reflection and reconstruction, however, are the only possible means to achieve this. A case study does not guarantee generalisation of results.Originality/valueBy studying the model and the factors that can influence them, organisations understand that it is necessary to integrate their initiatives in organisational learning, knowledge creation and innovation for the benefit of the organisation, to find a better way to adjust to discontinuous change and finally gain innovative power.
Outplacement and re‐employment measures during organizational restructuring in Belgium
Authors: De Witte Hans , Vandoorne Jan , Verlinden Roel , De Cuyper Nele 
Published: March 2005

PurposeAims to review the research literature and legislation on outplacement and re‐employment interventions in Belgium and present results of qualitative research and case studies of companies, regarding interventions during organizational restructuring.Design/methodology/approachComprises a literature review, qualitative (semi‐structured and in‐depth) interviews with workers and experts, and case studies of companies.FindingsThe literature on interventions suggests the importance of “traject‐counselling” for affected workers as a most valuable intervention during organizational restructuring. In‐depth interviews with job‐insecure workers highlight the importance of fair treatment, and especially of interactional justice. Case studies and interviews delineate the components that make re‐employment initiatives successful: outplacement interventions include emotional support, training of skills and individual coaching or guidance. Belgian legislation regarding outplacement and re‐employment initiatives is unique and extensive. Possible weaknesses, however, are the complexity of procedures, the unfamiliarity of the public with the legislation and the lack of legislation at an international level.Research limitations/implicationsThe reported results are based on qualitative research only. In the future, quantitative evaluation studies need to be performed, in order to evaluate the outcomes of re‐employment initiatives and of the implemented legislation.Practical implicationsThe results highlight the need for training of all partners involved in organizational restructuring: workers, managers and outplacement consultants.Originality/valueThis study offers the first integrated account of research results on measures needed to re‐employ workers during (and after) organizational restructuring in Belgium. Various methods (literature review, qualitative interviews and case studies) are used. The results include valuable suggestions for other European countries.
Act always so as to increase the number of scientific perspectives
Authors: Riegler Alexander 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThe paper serves as an introduction to the special issue on Heinz von Foerster. Major episodes of his life are sketched and related to his scientific convictions regarding transdisciplinary research and radical constructivist. In the second part the contributions to the issue are summarized. Finally, the relevance of Foerster's work is discussed.Design/methodology/approachThe arguments are based on the scientific literature.FindingsFoerster argued against reductionist science and in favor of transdisciplinary research in order to trigger further scientific developments.Practical implicationsBy using transdiciplinary and choosing the constructivist perspective, science will increase its productivity. This should be reflected in science policy.Originality/valueBy pointing at the variety of his scientific output and his influence on many colleagues and students, the paper is in support of Foerster's non‐reductionist worldview.