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The purpose of this paper is to report on research into the impact of two sequential dimensions of strategic purchasing – purchasing recognition and purchasing involvement – on the development and deployment of dynamic capabilities. The authors also examine how such dynamic capabilities impact on both cost and innovation performance, and how their effects differ for service as opposed to manufacturing firms.

The authors test hypotheses using structural equation modeling of survey data from 309 manufacturing and service firms.

From a dynamic capability perspective, the analysis supports the positive relationships between purchasing recognition, purchasing involvement, and dynamic capability in the form of knowledge scanning. The authors also find support for the positive impact of knowledge scanning on both cost and innovation performance. From a contingency perspective, data supports hypothesized differences caused by industry, whereby service-based firms experience stronger positive linkages in our model than manufacturing-based firms. Finally, emerging from the data, the authors explore a re-enforcing effect from cost performance to purchasing involvement, something that is in line with the dynamic capabilities perspective but not typically addressed in operations management (OM) research.

The research offers a number of theoretical and managerial contributions, including being one of a relative few examples of empirical assessment of dynamic capability development and deployment; examining the enablers of dynamic capability in addition to the more commonly addressed performance effect; assessing the contingency effect of firm type for dynamic capabilities; and uncovering a return (re-enforcing) effect between performance and enablers of dynamic capabilities.

Accurate build‐time prediction for making stereolithography parts not only benefits the service industry with information necessary for correct pricing and effective job scheduling, it also provides researchers with valuable information for various build parameter studies. Instead of the conventional methods of predicting build time based on the part’s volume and surface, the present predictor uses the detailed scan and recoat information from the actual build files by incorporating the algorithms derived from a detailed study of the laser scan mechanism of the stereolithography machine. Finds that the scan velocity generated from the stereolithography machine depends primarily on the system’s laser power, beam diameter, materials properties and the user’s specification of cure depth. Proves that this velocity is independent of the direction the laser travels, and does not depend on the total number of segments of the scan path. In addition, the time required for the laser to jump from one spot to another without scan is linearly proportional to the total jump distance, and can be calculated by a proposed constant velocity. Most profoundly, the present investigation concludes that the machine uses a velocity factor which is only 68.5 per cent of the theoretical calculation. This much slower velocity results in an undesired amount of additional cure and proves to be the main cause of the Z dimensional inaccuracy. The present build‐time predictor was developed by taking into account all the factors stated above, and its accuracy was further verified by comparing the actual build‐time observed for many jobs over a six month period.

The purpose of this study is to analyse the problem of high binder content in sand mould and to solve it. Meanwhile, to increase build speed, especially for heavy casting’s sand mould with a high value in layer height, such as 2 mm in construction instead of the industry standard of 0.3 mm, line forming for three-dimensional (3D) sand mould printing is researched.

Brief introduction of 3D sand mould printing and key issues are given first. Then, this paper quantitatively analyses binder content in sand mould. Finally, to acquire sand mould with appropriate binder content and high build speed, line forming combining traditional furan no-bake sand manufacture technique is researched, as well as relevant feasible schemes and current progress.

The study shows that compared with traditional technique, binder content in sand mould produced by available 3D printing technique is too high, bad for sand mould’s properties and quality of castings, while line forming brings guaranteed binder content and improved build speed.

More experiments are needed to demonstrate quantitative analysis of binder content and to obtain flowability of moist sand, detailed structure design of nozzle and practical build speed, as well as methods of circulation of materials considering solidification time.

Line forming with higher build speed and suitable binder content means excellent properties of sand mould and castings as well, bringing obvious implication for moulds industries and manufacturing industry.

This new method could increase build speed and meanwhile guarantee binder content. Thus, its application prospect is promising.

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the application of THz spectroscopy for the inspection and evaluation of the internal structure of complex samples with honeycomb fillers.

Three complex samples with honeycomb fillers are investigated using THz spectrometer in order to determine the applicability of chosen non-destructive method for the analysis of internal structure of structural components. The first analysed sample has aluminium honeycomb filler with some cells filled with water. The aim of the analysis is to distinguish empty and full cells. The other two sandwich samples are made of different non-metallic components and for them the possibility of THz spectroscopy application is analysed.

The empty and full cells in metal honeycomb filler were easily distinguished due to different absorption coefficients of electromagnetic waves in THz range for air and water. It was especially visible for frequency domain. The THz spectroscopy was able to inspect the non-metallic samples internal structures and distinguish skins (with layers), honeycomb fillers and adhesive layers between them. It was also possible to detect, localise and determine the size of a local damage of honeycomb walls due to impact influence.

The present study is an original research work. There are very limited literature papers which present analyses of internal structures of sandwich elements using THz spectroscopy and investigate utility of the method for mechanical damage and contamination (water) detection and localisation.

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the level of knowledge management (KM) activity underway in the transportation sector. The environmental scan highlighted common business drivers for KM across transportation agencies.

The project team used outreach methods, environmental scanning techniques, targeted interviews constructed around amplifying questions to identify stakeholders. A two-day workshop was sponsored, where stakeholders could discuss common business interests and exchange KM practices.

The environmental scan methodology was successful and will be carried over to two other economic sectors in the coming year. The identification and elaboration of business drivers through the amplification process was a valuable contribution. Sharing of KM practices was highly effective because the participants were working from a common set of business drivers.

This activity has implications for other sectors. Well-designed environmental scans of KM programs and initiatives can identify stakeholders for intra-sector communities of practice. These communities of practice provide a support network for knowledge professionals working within organizations, provide the input for intra-sector KM research agendas, and a collaborative action plan for moving that agenda forward.

The workshop participants identified six action items to advance the practice of KM within their institutions.

The environmental scan and the workshop resulted in the creation of a community of practice of knowledge professionals for the transportation sector. The community of practice will work to advance KM within the transportation sector.

The authors believe the scan approach provides a new and valuable approach to encouraging the practice of KM in the field of transportation. The authors also suggest that this approach may be used effectively in other sectors to promote the discipline.

In this study, a modeling method for a clamped deformable cable simulation based on Kirchhoff theory is proposed. This methodology can be used to describe the physical deformation configuration of any constrained flexible cable in a computer-aided design/manufacturing system. The modeling method, solution algorithm, simulation and experimental results are presented to prove the feasibility of the proposed methodology. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

First, Kirchhoff equations for deformable cables are proposed based on the nonlinear mechanics of thin elastic rods, and the general solution of the equations described by the Euler angles is given in the arc coordinate system. The parametric form solution of the Kirchhoff equations, which is easy to use, is then obtained in a cylindrical coordinate form based on Saint Venant’s theory. Finally, mathematical expressions that reflect the clamped cable configuration are given, and the deformable process is simulated based on an open source geometry kernel and is then tested by a 3D laser scanning technology.

The method presented in this paper can be adapted to any boundary condition for constrained cables as long as the external force and torque are known. The experimental results indicate that both the model and algorithm are efficient and accurate.

A more comprehensive study must be executed for the physical simulation of more complicated constrained cables, such as the helical spring and asymmetric constraint. The influence of the material properties of the cable on the calculation efficiency must be considered in future analysis.

The semi-analytical algorithm of the cable simulation in cylindrical coordinates is a novel topic and is more accurate and efficient than the common numerical solution.

The purpose of this paper is to generate additional insight into how the Triple Helix approach can be practiced in a regional context.

This paper describes an attempt to develop innovation in a Swedish region, using the Triple Helix approach. The case study is based on a variety of data sources, including a number of semi‐structured interviews.

In implementing the Triple Helix approach, a key role was that of boundary spanners who scanned and pooled ideas for, and interest in, specific projects, building relevant networks and bridging the various involved cultures by semantically translating domain‐specific knowledge. The case also illustrates institutional entrepreneurship as the actors changed the system in which they acted.

The data come from one country and one region only. The use of other data and other research methods would shed more light on the studied issues.

The driving and integrating role of boundary spanners in the case highlights the importance of this role in Triple Helix approaches.

The Triple Helix approach does not offer detailed advice on how to support development and innovation. This study fills a gap by analyzing how theory can be transformed into practice.

A procedure presented for displaying variables in colour on an isoparametric surface. It utilizes isoparametric interpolation functions to produce continuous colour variations on the surface. It can also be employed on standard printers for non‐colour displays.

Reports that measurable amounts of polymer degradation occur during the fabrication of objects from polymer coated ceramic powders by selective laser sintering (SLS). Argues that because the binder is important in achieving strong green parts that can be handled with minimal breakage during post‐processing operations, it is essential to minimize the extent of binder losses. As the first step towards understanding the mechanisms of binder degradation, this paper presents a thermal model of the physical system, noting that the agreement between theory and experiment are good. The model is used to help determine the most influential parameters affecting binder losses during fabrication from polymer coated powders. Predicts that adjustments to laser beam diameter, laser scanning distance and gaseous environment will strongly affect polymer binder degradation during processing. Further predicts correctly that polymer degradation during SLS processing is not sensitive to the inherent degradation kinetics of the polymer.

In this review, the aim is first to define horizon scanning and then outline the general approach currently employed by many organisations using web‐based resources. It then aims to discuss the benefits and drivers of horizon scanning, to identify some organisations currently undertaking activities in the field, and explain in detail how the web‐based horizon scanning approach is implemented. The aim is then to conclude with a discussion of good practice and areas for further research.

The basis for this review is a symposium held at the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory in March 2010, where groups undertaking horizon scanning activities shared practices and reviewed the state of the art. Practitioners from both public sector and private organisations attending this symposium, as well as others, were invited to contribute to the manuscript, developing this as an iterative exercise over the last year.

Structured processes of web‐based horizon scanning, underpinned by strong technical understanding and principles of good practice described in the review, can add significant value to organisational decision making.

While a growing number of private and public sector organisations have already embarked on the use of the web as a key information resource, no detailed explanation of the web‐based horizon scanning approach has been published. The review therefore makes an original contribution to this field, with collaborations by horizon scanning practitioners, discussing what constitutes good practice and highlighting areas where future research is needed.