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Article
Publication date: 17 August 2012

Heiko Gebauer and Christian Kowalkowski

The paper aims to provide a better understanding of the interrelatedness of customer and service orientations in the organizational structures of capital goods manufacturing…

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Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to provide a better understanding of the interrelatedness of customer and service orientations in the organizational structures of capital goods manufacturing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative, multi‐case research design was employed using 36 European capital goods manufacturing companies.

Findings

This article explored four different patterns of how companies move from being product‐focused to service‐focused, and from having an organizational structure that is geographically focused to one that is customer‐focused. The four patterns are termed as follows: emphasizing service orientation, service‐focused organizational structure, emphasizing customer orientation, and customer‐focused organizational structure.

Research limitations/implications

Although the study is based on 36 case studies, the external validity (generalizability) of the findings could not be assessed accurately.

Practical implications

The description of the four organizational approaches offers guidance for managers to restructure their companies towards service and customer orientations.

Originality/value

The article links the relatively independent discussions of service and customer orientations in the context of organizational structures. The four patterns provide a better understanding of how capital goods manufacturers integrate increased customer and service focuses in their organizational structures.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 27 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 August 2021

Nadim S. Hmeidat, Bailey Brown, Xiu Jia, Natasha Vermaak and Brett Compton

Mechanical anisotropy associated with material extrusion additive manufacturing (AM) complicates the design of complex structures. This study aims to focus on investigating the…

Abstract

Purpose

Mechanical anisotropy associated with material extrusion additive manufacturing (AM) complicates the design of complex structures. This study aims to focus on investigating the effects of design choices offered by material extrusion AM – namely, the choice of infill pattern – on the structural performance and optimality of a given optimized topology. Elucidation of these effects provides evidence that using design tools that incorporate anisotropic behavior is necessary for designing truly optimal structures for manufacturing via AM.

Design/methodology/approach

A benchmark topology optimization (TO) problem was solved for compliance minimization of a thick beam in three-point bending and the resulting geometry was printed using fused filament fabrication. The optimized geometry was printed using a variety of infill patterns and the strength, stiffness and failure behavior were analyzed and compared. The bending tests were accompanied by corresponding elastic finite element analyzes (FEA) in ABAQUS. The FEA used the material properties obtained during tensile and shear testing to define orthotropic composite plies and simulate individual printed layers in the physical specimens.

Findings

Experiments showed that stiffness varied by as much as 22% and failure load varied by as much as 426% between structures printed with different infill patterns. The observed failure modes were also highly dependent on infill patterns with failure propagating along with printed interfaces for all infill patterns that were consistent between layers. Elastic FEA using orthotropic composite plies was found to accurately predict the stiffness of printed structures, but a simple maximum stress failure criterion was not sufficient to predict strength. Despite this, FE stress contours proved beneficial in identifying the locations of failure in printed structures.

Originality/value

This study quantifies the effects of infill patterns in printed structures using a classic TO geometry. The results presented to establish a benchmark that can be used to guide the development of emerging manufacturing-oriented TO protocols that incorporate directionally-dependent, process-specific material properties.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 27 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 July 2009

Yousef Norouzi, Sadegh Rahmati and Yousef Hojjat

The purpose of this paper is to present the study of octagonal lattice structure for investment casting stereolithography (SL) patterns, and compare it with the former hexagonal…

1483

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the study of octagonal lattice structure for investment casting stereolithography (SL) patterns, and compare it with the former hexagonal structure (of the QuickCast 2.0 build style). This research aims to introduce a new internal lattice structure for investment casting SL patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying 3D‐coupled thermal‐mechanical finite element analysis; magnitudes of exerted hoop stresses on ceramic shell (during burnout stage) have been computed. As an experimental observation of stress evaluation for cylindrical hexagonal and octagonal models, magnitudes of hoop and axial strains have been evaluated by installing self‐temperature compensation strain gauges. In addition, practical results have been obtained by the real‐time strain gauging of the cylindrical models during the heating process up to 100°C.

Findings

The performance of SL pattern depends on several factors including the void ratio, drainage ability, dimensional accuracy, and burnout ability (ability of burning out the model without ceramic shell cracking). Numerical results for new octagonal structure indicate that, there is a 62 percent reduction in maximum hoop stresses exerted on the ceramic shell. Moreover, a significant reduction of strain has been observed in both hoop and axial strains applying strain‐gauging analysis (near 50 percent reduction). Besides, the obtained void ratio of the QuickCast 2.0 hexagonal and the new offset octagon structures are 90 and 95 percent, respectively. Deductive investigation has been carried out for explaining the role of the other influencing factors. The 49 percent reduction of internal mass expresses the probability of dimensional accuracy improvement for the octagonal structure.

Research limitations/implications

Several deductive investigations indicate the probability of better performance for the influencing factors including void ratio, dimensional accuracy and drainage ability of the new octagonal structure. However, the main scope of the paper is to compare the performance of models during burnout stage (the magnitudes of exerted stresses and strains on ceramic shell). Therefore, a more analytical and practical approach will be a good future research for other mentioned factors.

Practical implications

This research aims to address the main problem, which is the shell cracking; it is essential to have more practical investigations in other concepts that are not mentioned here though. Despite of that, the new octagonal structure will be a good replacement for former hexagonal structure, ensuring the casting foundries for using the SL patterns.

Originality/value

A new generation of internal structure (or a new build style) for investment casting SL patterns is presented here. The significant reduction of critical loadings on ceramic shell will ensure investment casting foundries for using SL patterns, which are by an octagonal internal structure.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 15 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 January 2011

Stoyan Stoyanov, Tim Tilford, Farid Amalou, Scott Cargill, Chris Bailey and Marc Desmulliez

Nano‐imprint forming (NIF) is a manufacturing technology capable of achieving high resolution, low‐cost and high‐throughput fabrication of fine nano‐scale structures and patterns

Abstract

Purpose

Nano‐imprint forming (NIF) is a manufacturing technology capable of achieving high resolution, low‐cost and high‐throughput fabrication of fine nano‐scale structures and patterns. The purpose of this paper is to use modelling technologies to simulate key process steps associated with the formation of patterns with sub‐micrometer dimensions and use the results to define design rules for optimal imprint forming process.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of a number of process and pattern‐related parameters on the quality of the fabricated nano‐structures is studied using non‐linear finite element analysis. The deformation process of the formable material during the mould pressing step is modelled using contact analysis with large deformations and temperature dependent hyperelastic material behaviour. Finite element analysis with contact interfaces between the mould and the formable material is utilised to study the formation of mechanical, thermal and friction stresses in the pattern.

Findings

The imprint pressure, temperature and the aspect ratio of grooves which define the pattern have significant effect on the quality of the formed structures. The optimal imprint pressure for the studied PMMA is identified. It is found that the degree of the mould pattern fulfilment as function of the imprint pressure is non‐linear. Critical values for thermal mismatch difference in the CTE between the mould and the substrate causing thermally induced stresses during cooling stage are evaluated. Regions of high stresses in the pattern are also identified.

Originality/value

Design rules for minimising the risk of defects such as cracks and shape imperfections commonly observed in NIF‐fabricated nano‐structures are presented. The modelling approach can be used to provide insights into the optimal imprint process control. This can help to establish further the technology as a viable route for fabrication of nano‐scale structures and patterns.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2013

Helmut Nechansky

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how elementary anticipation, understood as anticipation of the repetition of one known pattern, can emerge out of sequence learning and how…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how elementary anticipation, understood as anticipation of the repetition of one known pattern, can emerge out of sequence learning and how it can contribute to the behavioral options of goal‐oriented systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A functional approach is used to develop the necessary cybernetic structures of a subsystem for sequence learning that can additionally provide standards of anticipated patterns for future pattern matching. Based on that it is analyzed, how a goal‐oriented system can use the information about the actual occurrence of an anticipated pattern.

Findings

A subsystem for elementary anticipation of single patterns builds on sequence learning and requires additionally a structure: first, to unequivocally identify the beginning of known sequences just from their first patterns; and second, to decide to use a latter pattern of such a sequence as standard for an anticipated pattern. Deciding to actually use such a pattern for anticipation requires an additional subsystem to switch between the feedback pattern recognition mode and feedforward. Then the occurrence of such an anticipated pattern allows immediate recognition and action.

Practical implications

The paper shows a necessary evolution of cybernetic structures from pattern recognition via sequence learning to anticipation; and it shows, too, a necessary evolution in the cognitive development of individual systems. In the simple anticipatory structures analyzed here, only known patterns, that are part of a known sequence, can become anticipated patterns.

Originality/value

The paper places elementary anticipation of single patterns in an evolutionary development based on pattern recognition and sequence learning. It provides the base to analyze more complex forms of anticipation.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 42 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 24 August 2011

Morten H. Abrahamsen

The study here examines how business actors adapt to changes in networks by analyzing their perceptions or their network pictures. The study is exploratory or iterative in the…

Abstract

The study here examines how business actors adapt to changes in networks by analyzing their perceptions or their network pictures. The study is exploratory or iterative in the sense that revisions occur to the research question, method, theory, and context as an integral part of the research process.

Changes within networks receive less research attention, although considerable research exists on explaining business network structures in different research traditions. This study analyzes changes in networks in terms of the industrial network approach. This approach sees networks as connected relationships between actors, where interdependent companies interact based on their sensemaking of their relevant network environment. The study develops a concept of network change as well as an operationalization for comparing perceptions of change, where the study introduces a template model of dottograms to systematically analyze differences in perceptions. The study then applies the model to analyze findings from a case study of Norwegian/Japanese seafood distribution, and the chapter provides a rich description of a complex system facing considerable pressure to change. In-depth personal interviews and cognitive mapping techniques are the main research tools applied, in addition to tracer studies and personal observation.

The dottogram method represents a valuable contribution to case study research as it enables systematic within-case and across-case analyses. A further theoretical contribution of the study is the suggestion that network change is about actors seeking to change their network position to gain access to resources. Thereby, the study also implies a close relationship between the concepts network position and the network change that has not been discussed within the network approach in great detail.

Another major contribution of the study is the analysis of the role that network pictures play in actors' efforts to change their network position. The study develops seven propositions in an attempt to describe the role of network pictures in network change. So far, the relevant literature discusses network pictures mainly as a theoretical concept. Finally, the chapter concludes with important implications for management practice.

Details

Interfirm Networks: Theory, Strategy, and Behavior
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78052-024-7

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 15 December 2016

Chris Rowell, Robin Gustafsson and Marco Clemente

We argue that our understanding of how institutions matter has been undermined by a piecemeal approach to temporality in institutional analyses. This paper addresses this…

Abstract

We argue that our understanding of how institutions matter has been undermined by a piecemeal approach to temporality in institutional analyses. This paper addresses this shortcoming in the literature. We bring temporality to the fore by conceptualizing practices, which constitute institutions, as understood, situated, and coordinated in time by temporal structures. We elaborate an integrated framework of temporal structures that consist of three types: temporal patterns, temporal conceptions, and temporal orientations – and outline how each type contributes to the reproduction of practices. We discuss the implications of this framework for sustainability initiatives and conclude by suggesting future avenues of research on the temporal foundations of institutions.

Article
Publication date: 27 April 2012

Helmut Nechansky

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how pattern recognition can contribute to the behavioral options of a goal‐oriented system.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how pattern recognition can contribute to the behavioral options of a goal‐oriented system.

Design/methodology/approach

A functional approach is used to develop the necessary cybernetic structures of a pattern recognition unit that can store observations as new standards for pattern matching by itself and can later apply them to recognize patterns in incoming sensor data.

Findings

Combining such a structure for pattern recognition with a feedback system shows that the resulting system can only deal with known patterns. To deal with novel patterns this structure has to be added to an adaptive system that can develop system‐specific behavior. Such a system has to able to initiate a trial and error process to test new behavior towards new patterns and to evaluate its effect on the highest, existential goal‐values of the system.

Practical implications

A system with a pattern recognition unit that can set new standards for pattern matching by itself is identified as the point of departure where not‐programmable and unpredictable individual behavior starts. Dealing with newly‐recognized pattern requires individual behavioral solutions and a system‐specific evaluation of the achieved results in relation to the highest goal‐values of the system. Here internal “emotional” criteria to select behavior emerge as a cybernetic necessity.

Originality/value

The paper is the third in a series of three on a cybernetic theory distinguishing system capable of pre‐programmed adaptation, system‐specific adaptation and learning. It determines the cybernetic starting point of individual psychology.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 41 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 November 2018

Michael Fellmann, Agnes Koschmider, Ralf Laue, Andreas Schoknecht and Arthur Vetter

Patterns have proven to be useful for documenting general reusable solutions to a commonly occurring problem. In recent years, several different business process management…

1177

Abstract

Purpose

Patterns have proven to be useful for documenting general reusable solutions to a commonly occurring problem. In recent years, several different business process management (BPM)-related patterns have been published. Despite the large number of publications on this subject, there is no work that provides a comprehensive overview and categorization of the published business process model patterns. The purpose of this paper is to close this gap by providing a taxonomy of patterns as well as a classification of 89 research works.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed 280 research articles following a structured iterative procedure inspired by the method for taxonomy development from Nickerson et al. (2013). Using deductive and inductive reasoning processes embedded in concurrent as well as joint research activities, the authors created a taxonomy of patterns as well as a classification of 89 research works.

Findings

In general, the findings extend the current understanding of BPM patterns. The authors identify pattern categories that are highly populated with research works as well as categories that have received far less attention such as risk and security, the ecological perspective and process architecture. Further, the analysis shows that there is not yet an overarching pattern language for business process model patterns. The insights can be used as starting point for developing such a pattern language.

Originality/value

Up to now, no comprehensive pattern taxonomy and research classification exists. The taxonomy and classification are useful for searching pattern works which is also supported by an accompanying website complementing the work. In regard to future research and publications on patterns, the authors derive recommendations regarding the content and structure of pattern publications.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 25 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 February 2023

Wen Lou, Jiangen He, Qianqian Xu, Zhijie Zhu, Qiwen Lu and Yongjun Zhu

The effectiveness of rhetorical structure is essential to communicate key messages in research articles (RAs). The interdisciplinary nature of library and information science…

Abstract

Purpose

The effectiveness of rhetorical structure is essential to communicate key messages in research articles (RAs). The interdisciplinary nature of library and information science (LIS) has led to unclear patterns and practice of using rhetorical structures. Understanding how RAs are constructed in LIS to facilitate effective scholarly communication is important. Numerous studies investigated the rhetorical structure of RAs in a range of disciplines, but LIS articles have not been well studied.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors encoded rhetorical structures to 2,216 articles in the Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology covering a period from 2001 to 2018 with the approaches of co-word analysis and visualization. The results show that the predominant rhetorical structures used by LIS researchers follow the sequence of Introduction-Literature Review-Methodology-Result-Discussion-Conclusion (ILMRDC).

Findings

The authors' temporal examination reveals the shifts of evolutionary pattern of rhetorical structure in 2008 and 2014. More importantly, the authors' study demonstrates that rhetorical structures have varied greatly across research areas in LIS community. For example, scholarly communication and scientometrics studies tend to exclude literature review in articles.

Originality/value

The present paper offers a first systematic examination of how rhetorical structures are used in a representative sample of a LIS journal, especially from a temporal perspective.

Details

Aslib Journal of Information Management, vol. 76 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-3806

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 134000