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Article
Publication date: 1 December 2004

James Sommerville, Nigel Craig and Sarah Bowden

Construction projects have become larger and more complex and yet still maintain a high drive for quality. As a result of this increase in size and complexity, the quantities of…

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Abstract

Construction projects have become larger and more complex and yet still maintain a high drive for quality. As a result of this increase in size and complexity, the quantities of documentation and information required to control the overall project process have themselves become more complex. Underpinning the goal of construction quality is real time information flow to and from the construction site along with communications between all the parties involved. Project information integration and collaboration is the key to achievement of coherent quality management and this can be attained through electronically sharing of information during the construction process. The residential sector of the construction industry continually experiences significant numbers of “snags”. Many site issues including snagging need to be resolved quickly and efficiently to avoid dispute and more importantly cost overrun. However, the distinct professions and artisans within the industry rarely acknowledge the needs of others. Indeed the snagging information they produce is often so incompatible that the next stage in many processes is to reconstruct the information into a workable format. Analysis of a range of organisations' approaches to snagging shows that they have their own distinct snagging process. What is required is a coherent approach to the use and implementation of an IT based, industry wide, snagging format which would revolutionise and streamline the recording and approval process of construction snagging.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 22 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 April 2013

Judy Orme, Matthew Jones, Debra Salmon, Emma Weitkamp and Richard Kimberlee

Health promotion programmes are widely held to be more effective when the subjects of them actively participate in the process of change. The purpose of this paper is to report on…

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Abstract

Purpose

Health promotion programmes are widely held to be more effective when the subjects of them actively participate in the process of change. The purpose of this paper is to report on an evaluation of the Food for Life Partnership programme, a multi‐level initiative in England promoting healthier nutrition and food sustainability awareness for students and their families through involvement in cooking, growing, farm visits and School Nutrition Action Groups (SNAGs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a mixed methods approach, drawing upon quantitative and qualitative data sources. The data sources included quantitative data on school level programme related activities, qualitative data collected through focus groups with children and reports from teachers and other staff involved in the delivery of the programme.

Findings

The paper concludes that the pivotal role of SNAGs in catalysing and embracing a whole school approach must be seen as an important mechanism for any health promotion in complex school environments.

Originality/value

This was a national evaluation of a unique school food project aiming to transform food culture in primary and secondary schools. The findings highlight the importance of a whole school approach to public health initiatives and the centrality of pupil participation in the success and sustainability of such interventions.

Details

Health Education, vol. 113 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2006

James Sommerville and Julie McCosh

The clamour from UK house buyers over “snags” in new homes seems likely to continue unabated even though house builders are striving to resolve what may be perceived as a quality…

5337

Abstract

Purpose

The clamour from UK house buyers over “snags” in new homes seems likely to continue unabated even though house builders are striving to resolve what may be perceived as a quality issue. This paper aims to discuss how the requirements, and hence the quality of new homes in the UK, are defined and the role the house buyer actually plays in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the composite quality attainment process “snagging” is defined and discussed in detail along with the resulting quality cognitive dissonance likely to be encountered by the buyer. The results of detailed quantitative analysis of data on snagging from nearly 1,700 new homes are presented.

Findings

The snagging process shows how heavily the house buying process is geared towards the builder and that within this snagging process there are areas where the builder is absorbing costs, which reduce the potential profit on each house i.e. the absorbed snagging (snags remedied as the work progresses). The visible snagging at hand‐over stage is a further depletion of profit and completely avoidable. The snags are damaging to the image of house builders, they detract from customer satisfaction and they reduce the potential profit available on each new house. The analysis provided in the paper shows that there is a direct relationship between the size of the property and the number of snags identified. Also, there are differences in the number of snags identified for each of the builders and within the company each site has variance on the number of snags discovered: the scale of snags peaks at 389 for a single property – significant in anyone's terms.

Research limitations/implications

Analysing the data was not a simple task due to the structure and variation within the data. It would be ideal to identify the exact factors that affect the number of snags in newly built properties. Collecting identical data with only one differencing factor would complete this. However, as the inspections were carried out randomly on request this was not possible with the present data.

Practical implications

The legal rights of new homebuyers are severely limited under UK law and this research highlights the need for both an improvement in quality and for buyers to ensure that they take steps to protect what is often the largest investment of their lifetime.

Originality/value

The volume of research into quality of new homes in the UK is remarkably scant given the size of the extent of the industry. The size of the data set for this paper is significant and allows fresh insights to be obtained.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 24 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 October 2007

Nigel Craig and James Sommerville

This paper aims to present findings from research that evaluate the defects/snagging management process at construction project level and review the potential for the operation of

3398

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present findings from research that evaluate the defects/snagging management process at construction project level and review the potential for the operation of a novel, paper‐based, records management mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

The design and use of a hybrid electronic/paper‐based snagging management system are discussed. The design and practicalities of the system are considered as a means towards demonstrating that a link currently exists between modern IT systems and traditional, paper‐based methods of document transfer.

Findings

The paper finds that the snagging aspect of construction projects is often overlooked and under‐estimated. Construction projects require systems that facilitate data input and records management processing, thus removing the reliance upon traditional methods of working. A highly advanced digital pen and paper technology is discussed which has the potential to totally revolutionise the collection of information on paper (for all organisations). The IT system can be adapted for a range of processes/needs which aids not only management but also the individuals on the frontline responsible for collecting site‐based records.

Practical implications

The system highlighted has the potential to be adopted within every construction‐based organisation and indeed wider industrial sectors due to its unique adaptability and ease with which features can be incorporated. There are a number of business benefits to be accrued from the adoption of digital pen and paper‐based IT systems.

Originality/value

Extremely novel technology is discussed. The value to the construction industry and wider industrial sectors is the opportunity to continue working using existing processes, whilst at the same time becoming wholly electronic.

Details

Records Management Journal, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-5698

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 September 2012

Tsung‐Fu Yang, Kuo‐Shu Kao, Ren‐Chin Cheng, Jing‐Yao Chang and Chau‐Jie Zhan

3D chip stacking is a key technology for 3D integration in which two or more chips are stacked with vertical interconnections. In the case of multi chip stacking with fine pitch…

Abstract

Purpose

3D chip stacking is a key technology for 3D integration in which two or more chips are stacked with vertical interconnections. In the case of multi chip stacking with fine pitch microbump connections, capillary dispensing presents big limitations in terms of cost and processability. The purpose of this paper is to describe the way in which wafer‐level underfill (WLUF) process development was carried out with particular emphasis on microbump height coplanarity, bonding pressure distribution and the alignment of the microbumps. A three factorial design of experiment (DOE) was also conducted to enhance the understanding of the factors impacting the WLUF process such as bonding pressure, temperature and time on reliability test.

Design/methodology/approach

B‐staged WLUF was laminated on an 8″ wafer with a 30 μm pitch bump structure of 8 μm Cu/5 μm Sn2.5Ag Pb‐free solder. After wafer dicing, the chip with the WLUF was assembled on a substrate chip with the same bump structure using a high accuracy bonder. The substrate chip had metalisation (wiring) to enable evaluation of the electrical characteristics of the bonded daisy chain chips as they varied with material bonding process conditions and reliability testing.

Findings

The WLUF bonding process development pertaining to the processability and reliability for the flip chip assembly using Cu/SnAg microbumps was successful in this work.

Originality/value

The development of a WLUF bonding process that offers reliability for flip chip assembly using Cu/SnAg microbumps has been presented in this work. The critical steps, such as alignment of the WLUF coated chip with the substrate chip and void elimination, which enable this technology to work were optimised.

Details

Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, vol. 24 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-0911

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 5 November 2018

Wei Wei Liu, Berdy Weng and Scott Chen

The Kirkendall void had been a well-known issue for long-term reliability of semiconductor interconnects; while even the KVs exist at the interfaces of Cu and Sn, it may still be…

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Abstract

Purpose

The Kirkendall void had been a well-known issue for long-term reliability of semiconductor interconnects; while even the KVs exist at the interfaces of Cu and Sn, it may still be able to pass the condition of unbias long-term reliability testing, especially for 2,000 cycles of temperature cycling test and 2,000 h of high temperature storage. A large number of KVs were observed after 200 cycles of temperature cycling test at the intermetallic Cu3Sn layer which locate between the intermetallic Cu6Sn5 and Cu layers. These kinds of voids will grow proportional with the aging time at the initial stage. This paper aims to compare various IMC thickness as a function of stress test, the Cu3Sn and Cu6Sn5 do affected seriously by heat, but Ni3Sn4 is not affected by heat or moisture.

Design/methodology/approach

The package is the design in the flip chip-chip scale package with bumping process and assembly. The package was put in reliability stress test that followed AEC-Q100 automotive criteria and recorded the IMC growing morphology.

Findings

The Cu6Sn5 intermetallic compound is the most sensitive to continuous heat which grows from 3 to 10 µm at high temperature storage 2,000 h testing, and the second is Cu3Sn IMC. Cu6Sn5 IMC will convert to Cu3Sn IMC at initial stage, and then Kirkendall void will be found at the interface of Cu and Cu3Sn IMC, which has quality concerning issue if the void’s density grows up. The first phase to form and grow into observable thickness for Ni and lead-free interface is Ni3Sn4 IMC, and the thickness has little relationship to the environmental stress, as no IMC thickness variation between TCT, uHAST and HTSL stress test. The more the Sn exists, the thicker Ni3Sn4 IMC will be derived from this experimental finding compare the Cu/Ni/SnAg cell and Ni/SnAg cell.

Research limitations/implications

The research found that FCCSP can pass automotive criteria that follow AEC-Q100, which give the confidence for upgrading the package type with higher efficiency and complexities of the pin design.

Practical implications

This result will impact to the future automotive package, how to choose the best package methodology and what is the way to do the package. The authors can understand the tolerance for the kind of flip chip package, and the bump structure is then applied for high-end technology.

Originality/value

The overall three kinds of bump structures, Cu/Ni/SnAg, Cu/SnAg and Ni/SnAg, were taken into consideration, and the IMC growing morphology had been recorded. Also, the IMC had changed during the environmental stress, and KV formation was reserved.

Details

PSU Research Review, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2399-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2000

Qinong Zhu, Mei Sheng and Le Luo

The effects of Pb contamination on the microstructure and shear strength of lead‐free solder joints with non‐lead containing finishes on both the PCB and terminals of 1,206 chip…

Abstract

The effects of Pb contamination on the microstructure and shear strength of lead‐free solder joints with non‐lead containing finishes on both the PCB and terminals of 1,206 chip capacitors at different temperatures were investigated. Two kinds of lead‐free solders (Sn96.5Ag3.5 and Sn95Sb5) were selected, and different amounts of eutectic Sn‐Pb were added to these lead‐free solders according to the potential Pb contamination in a 1,206 chip capacitor solder joint. It was found that there was no difference in shear strength of solder joint at room temperature for those with or without Pb contamination, but the shear strength at 1258C for the solder joint without Pb contamination was about 15 percent higher than for those with Pb contamination.

Details

Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-0911

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1953

H.W. WORRALL

Certain snags arise when trying to stack periodicals in a library so that the volume and number are visible and a particular issue is easily located. Where possible the following…

Abstract

Certain snags arise when trying to stack periodicals in a library so that the volume and number are visible and a particular issue is easily located. Where possible the following should be made standard on the spine, reading from right to left: month, year, title, volume number and/or part number. Where this is not possible the date should be printed on both front and back covers to assist in location.

Details

Aslib Proceedings, vol. 5 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0001-253X

Executive summary
Publication date: 29 April 2019

MEXICO: AMLO airport snags will prompt criticism

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1994

Joe Harvey and Sandra Passmore

Describes a campaign to help schools set up school‐based nutritionaction groups (SNAGs) to galvanize change towards provision of healthierfood on school premises. Highlights the…

556

Abstract

Describes a campaign to help schools set up school‐based nutrition action groups (SNAGs) to galvanize change towards provision of healthier food on school premises. Highlights the current lack of coherence present in many schools between what is taught about nutrition in the classroom and the type of food available at school meals. Explains how local authorities, education authorities, schools, parents, caterers, children and other relevant parties can work together to form and implement a common policy. Describes how schools now have the powers to influence contracts with caterers, and how caterers can expect to increase the range and volume of their business by working more closely with schools and pupils.

Details

Health Education, vol. 94 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

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