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1 – 10 of over 1000
Article
Publication date: 1 August 2016

Anthony Samano, Yanmeng Xu, David Harrison, Chris Hunt, Martin Wickham and Owen Thomas

The resistivity of cured conductive ink films are dependent on a wide range of process parameters. An early indication of the resistivity that is likely to result following curing…

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Abstract

Purpose

The resistivity of cured conductive ink films are dependent on a wide range of process parameters. An early indication of the resistivity that is likely to result following curing can enable these parameters to be optimised and, therefore, improve product quality. This paper aims to report on the use of alternating current (AC) impedance measurement techniques on curing printed ink films as a means of assessing the resistivity likely to be attained following the curing process.

Design/methodology/approach

Impedance measurements (100 Hz-10 MHz) were performed on curing conductive carbon ink films printed on polyethylene terephthalate substrates during convective heat curing. A jig was designed to incorporate the test structure in an convection oven such that the effect of cure on the structure impedance could be investigated.

Findings

The initial impedance was found to decrease with an increase in the measurement frequency. As the ink films were cured, the impedance magnitude across the 100 Hz-10 MHz range converged with the direct current (DC) resistance value. For a given ink, the ratio of initial AC impedance at 10 MHz to final cured resistance was found to be consistent, thus giving a method where final conductivity can be estimated before cure.

Originality/value

Data from printed ink resistance measurements are required to ensure the optimal conductivity of printed devices. However, after the printed structures are fabricated and cured, it is too late to optimise process parameters, leading to significant wastage. AC impedance measurement can give an indication of the final cured resistivity whilst the structure is freshly printed and still in its curing phase, enabling the printing process parameters to be adjusted to improve the resistivity of subsequently printed devices. Measuring AC impedance of printed ink structures in a production environment can, therefore, improve output.

Details

Circuit World, vol. 42 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0305-6120

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 February 2015

Danielle Dimitrov

The purpose of this paper is to explore the way leadership influences an organization to become humane through its features and behaviors; as well as the organizational…

3966

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the way leadership influences an organization to become humane through its features and behaviors; as well as the organizational circumstances in which humane leadership can be nurtured. The first empirical case study, in the fields of Human Resource Development (HRD) and hospitality management, to explore the way employees from different national cultures (as measured by their individualistic/collectivistic values), in a US-based hotel, perceive their workplace to be a humane organization (HO), as defined by Chalofsky (2008), was the one made by Dimitrov (2009, 2010). More specifically, the example set by leadership in the studied hospitality organization is the focus of the present descriptive manuscript. The importance of HRD concepts such as the HO for the academic study and practical development of leadership in organizations is significant, through the effects leadership has on employee satisfaction and engagement at the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

The exploratory research mentioned above used a single embedded case study with 17 participants, selected via purposeful convenience sampling, who represented management, supervisory and professional line-level employees from a culturally diverse full-service hotel in a major metropolitan area. The instrument of Singelis et al. (1995) for horizontal and vertical individualism (I) and collectivism (C), as well as the instrument of Triandis and Singelis (1998) for I and C, was applied to every respondent to determine their cultural belonging. One-on-one interviews, written reflections and documentary analysis, as well as observations of the social and physical aspects of the participants’ workplace, were conducted.

Findings

Five leadership sub-themes were observed to the general theme “Setting the Example” of the study’s findings: company values for leadership styles and employee treatment; the legacy of one charismatic leader (the previous general manager); leader–follower communication; how the workplace feels intrinsically; and how the work environment becomes negative. The study led to the formation of two new characteristics of the HO (Dimitrov, 2009), of which one could be recommended as the main focus of leadership in an HO: being cognizant and understanding of individuals as human beings, not just as employees. The traits and behaviors of some modern leadership theories such as authentic leadership, transformational leadership and charismatic leadership were combined under the concept – humane leadership.

Research limitations/implications

The research of more culturally diverse organizations in different counties, brand cultures and economic sectors, under various research methodologies, and in the context of classical and recent leadership theories, was recommended to establish further weather I and C employees’ expectations of their leadership would make a difference for the sustenance of an HO.

Practical implications

Furthermore, organizations and HRD practitioners are encouraged to invest more time, efforts and resources into leadership development programs that create such humane leadership skills and prepare quality leaders who are well-perceived and trusted by their culturally diverse workforce.

Originality/value

The importance of HRD concepts such as the HO for the academic study and practical development of leadership in organizations is significant, through the effects leadership has on employee satisfaction and engagement at the workplace. Humane leaders can be nurtured in a humane organizational culture.

Details

European Journal of Training and Development, vol. 39 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-9012

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1993

Geoff Thomas

Suggests the use of a pre‐conditioning phase to allow the concept of quality to be accepted and understood by everyone, in an effort to prevent the failure of even more TQM…

Abstract

Suggests the use of a pre‐conditioning phase to allow the concept of quality to be accepted and understood by everyone, in an effort to prevent the failure of even more TQM programmes. Considers many of the most serious problems can be laid at the door of management. Looks at the route to quality. Stresses the need for understanding and commitment among managers. Describes the pre‐conditioning steps to ensure that expensive quality initiatives sustain themselves long enough to give a bottom‐line pay‐off to the companies that invest in them. Emphasizes the need for behavioural changes to take place. Contends that without pre‐conditioning of senior management, success in total quality is virtually impossible and may lead to an expensive and demoralising failure.

Details

The TQM Magazine, vol. 5 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-478X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 1906

IT is fitting that a new series of this magazine should be introduced by some reflections on the whole question of book selection, both for the general public and libraries.

Abstract

IT is fitting that a new series of this magazine should be introduced by some reflections on the whole question of book selection, both for the general public and libraries.

Details

New Library World, vol. 9 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

Article
Publication date: 11 May 2012

Owen Thomas, Martin Wickham and Chris Hunt

The purpose of this paper is to present work on the incorporation of capacitors into printed circuit boards (PCB) as a method to measure moisture content and follow moisture…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present work on the incorporation of capacitors into printed circuit boards (PCB) as a method to measure moisture content and follow moisture diffusion under ground planes.

Design/methodology/approach

PCBs were manufactured of FR‐4 incorporating different arrangements and sizes of capacitors formed between the tracks on adjacent layers of the PCB. The boards were placed in an 85°C and 85 per cent relative humidity (RH) environment to absorb moisture before baking at temperatures of 80, 110 or 125°C with the capacitance periodically measured. The effect of ground planes with different densities of plated and non‐plated through holes (PTH) has been studied by placing capacitors between ground planes.

Findings

Parallel plate capacitors embedded within a PCB showed a 10 per cent capacitance increase going from a dry state to being saturated with moisture in an 85°C and 85 per cent RH environment. The slow ingression of moisture under the capacitance planes meant that the measured capacitance change did not reflect the moisture content of the remainder of the board well. Capacitor plates with slots for the moisture to penetrate were also investigated, with the increase in capacitance found to show good correlation with the increase in board mass. In investigating moisture under ground planes, either by decreasing the hole density or by plating the holes, the time for moisture to diffuse out of the board was found to increase due to the lower exposed area on the PCB.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates a method that can be applied to PCB manufacturing to assess the moisture content of a board prior to reflow.

Details

Circuit World, vol. 38 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0305-6120

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1971

We are growing accustomed to shock tactics of the US Administration in dealing with toxic residues in food or additives which are a hazard to man, as well as the daily press…

Abstract

We are growing accustomed to shock tactics of the US Administration in dealing with toxic residues in food or additives which are a hazard to man, as well as the daily press infusing sensation, even melodrama, into them, but the recent action of the FDA in calling in from the food market several million cans of tuna and other deep sea fish because of the presence of mercury has had the worthwhile effect of drawing world attention to the growing menace of environmental pollution. The level of mercury in the fish is immaterial; it should never have been there at all, but it stresses the importance of the food chain in the danger to man and animal life generally, including fish beneath the sea. Without underestimating risks of pollution in the atmosphere from nuclear fission products, from particulate matter carried in the air by inhalation or even skin absorption, food and drink, which includes aqua naturale would seem to be the greatest danger to life. What these recent events illustrate in a dramatic manner, however, is the extent of pollution.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 73 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Article
Publication date: 2 February 2010

Thomas Owen Jacobs

The purpose of this paper is to examine an individual's capability to manage complex or “wicked” problems, and to suggest a logic for the design of interventions designed to

516

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine an individual's capability to manage complex or “wicked” problems, and to suggest a logic for the design of interventions designed to improve personal complexipacity.

Design/methodology/approach

The suggested logic is based on review of cognitive skill and neuro‐imaging research.

Findings

Fischer's model of successive cognitive stages, based on the operation of successively more demanding cognitive processes, serves as a foundation for intervention suggestions to strengthen executive cognitive processes and thus the ability to create complex mental models. Critical cognitive processes include response inhibition, reflection, and integrative association of differentiated perceptual elements. Intervention design must take into account both basic processes and epistemic cognition (for Tier Three problems).

Practical implications

Global complexity results in large part from intelligent but often covert competition by organizations and governments for scarce resources. Gaining and maintaining competitive advantage is essential for continued organizational and national well‐being. Interventions designed according to the suggested principles should increase personal complexipacity.

Originality/value

Application of these principles should materially enhance the value of interventions designed to strengthen personal capability to manage complex problem solving and decision making.

Details

On the Horizon, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1074-8121

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2006

Amos Owen Thomas

Produced by a local subsidiary of a global media conglomerate, a licensed clone of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? achieved the highest‐ever ratings in India in the early 2000s…

3942

Abstract

Purpose

Produced by a local subsidiary of a global media conglomerate, a licensed clone of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? achieved the highest‐ever ratings in India in the early 2000s, spawning unlicensed clones among its rival channels. This paper seeks to analyse the cultural and economic factors behind this most widely acknowledged example of television format adaptation in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Through interviews with media‐owners, programme producers, and advertising agencies, an insider perspective was sought on why some clones had succeeded and others had not in India's competitive television market.

Findings

As with other forms of franchising in developing and transitional economies, the industry rationales for adapting television programmes, global and local, prove to be a paradoxical mix of economic pragmatism and cultural hybridity.

Practical implications

The strategy of cloning television raises complex issues of imitation versus inspiration within the increasingly globalised media industries of emerging markets.

Originality/value

The paper examines the impetus for cloning across a variety of programme genre in India.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 January 2009

Thomas H. Owen, Stefan Kestermann, Russel Torah and Stephen P. Beeby

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the feasibility of using kinetic energy harvesting to power wireless condition monitoring sensors.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the feasibility of using kinetic energy harvesting to power wireless condition monitoring sensors.

Design/methodology/approach

The system presented duty cycles its operation depending upon the energy being harvested. The harvested energy is stored on a supercapacitor and the system samples sufficient vibration data to enable an FFT to be performed at the receiver.

Findings

The results of this study show it is perfectly feasible to power practical wireless condition monitoring sensors entirely from the vibrations of the machines being monitored.

Originality/value

Energy harvesting techniques can be used to power wireless sensors in a range of applications. Removing the need for a battery power supply presents obvious environmental benefits and avoids the need to periodically replace batteries.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 20 January 2017

Melissa Thomas-Hunt, Meredith Gethin-Jones and Susan Fleming

Marissa Mayer has been asked to think about factors that were impacting Google's ability to innovate and adjust its strategy so that the organization could remain one of the…

Abstract

Marissa Mayer has been asked to think about factors that were impacting Google's ability to innovate and adjust its strategy so that the organization could remain one of the world's foremost leaders in technology. In an industry (and at a company) that was changing and growing exponentially, it would be difficult to pinpoint specific variables and trends. But Mayer knew that one element crucial to Google's ongoing success would be its ability to recruit the best talent available and foster an environment that would encourage that talent to generate the best ideas. As Mayer contemplated how to ensure this, she considered that women currently represented only a small fraction of Google's engineers, suggesting a missed opportunity.

Details

Darden Business Publishing Cases, vol. no.
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2474-7890
Published by: University of Virginia Darden School Foundation

Keywords

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