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1 – 10 of 224Adil Baykasog¯lu, Nabil N.Z. Gindy and Richard C. Cobb
An integer multiple objective non‐linear mathematical programming formulation is developed for simultaneously forming part/machine cells. In the proposed model, generic capability…
Abstract
An integer multiple objective non‐linear mathematical programming formulation is developed for simultaneously forming part/machine cells. In the proposed model, generic capability units which are termed as resource elements are used to define the processing requirements of parts and processing capabilities of machine tools. Machine capabilities are not generally taken into account in the previous cell formation procedures. Explicit consideration of unique and overlapping machine capabilities can result in better manufacturing cell designs with higher utilisation levels and less machine duplication. The proposed cell formation model has distinguishing features. Several important cell formation objectives, such as minimisation of part dissimilarity (based on production requirements and processing sequences of parts) in formed cells, minimisation of cell load imbalance, and minimisation of extra capacity requirements for cell formation, are considered. In order to solve the mathematical programming model, a simulated annealing algorithm is developed. Cooperative game theoretic approach is applied for evaluating multiple objectives.
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Philip E. Reeves and Richard C. Cobb
Builds on previous research by the authors to establish a mathematical representation of the surface roughness of stereolithography (SL) parts. It is the intention of the research…
Abstract
Builds on previous research by the authors to establish a mathematical representation of the surface roughness of stereolithography (SL) parts. It is the intention of the research to use this modelling technique as a design tool for defining optimum build orientation and planning post‐process finishing operations. During the development of this model, a number of in‐process attributes inherent in SL were seen to affect surface deviation. Most notably the phenomenon known as “print‐through” on down‐facing planes produces a build orientation envelope of very smooth surfaces. Although capable of providing low roughness over some 50°, print‐through smoothing cannot easily be extended to other angles, hence complementary processes for surface smoothing must be developed. Discusses a number of possible solutions, showing how the generation of a meniscus between layers can prove beneficial in reducing SL surface roughness, hence reducing the need for lengthy manual finishing operations.
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C. Richard Yarbrough, Glen T. Cameron, Lynne M. Sallot and Allison McWilliams
This paper offers a quick overview of Cameron's contingency theory of conflict management in public relations. It then applies the theory to three cases that occurred during the…
Abstract
This paper offers a quick overview of Cameron's contingency theory of conflict management in public relations. It then applies the theory to three cases that occurred during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games that were taken from the policy position papers, notes, diaries and tape recordings of C. Richard Yarbrough, Managing Director‐Communications of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG). The areas analysed include: the moving of preliminary volleyball matches from one venue to another which was forced by conflict between gay activists and local politicians who passed an anti‐gay resolution — a sustained effort at accommodation that shifted to advocacy; conflict between the ACOG board of directors and the media resulting from the disclosure of ACOG executive salaries — a strong advocacy stance that led to compromise; and conflict threatened between ACOG and a minority minister who was disgruntled about an Olympic sponsor — a case of marginality too insignificant to bother with. The cases not only illustrate and support factors in the contingency theory, but highlight the impracticality and inflexibility of two‐way symmetrical or mixed‐motive public relations as models of choice.
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Albert Vasso, Richard Cobb, John Colombi, Bryan Little and David Meyer
The US Government is challenged to maintain pace as the world’s de facto provider of space object cataloging data. Augmenting capabilities with nontraditional sensors present an…
Abstract
Purpose
The US Government is challenged to maintain pace as the world’s de facto provider of space object cataloging data. Augmenting capabilities with nontraditional sensors present an expeditious and low-cost improvement. However, the large tradespace and unexplored system of systems performance requirements pose a challenge to successful capitalization. This paper aims to better define and assess the utility of augmentation via a multi-disiplinary study.
Design/methodology/approach
Hypothetical telescope architectures are modeled and simulated on two separate days, then evaluated against performance measures and constraints using multi-objective optimization in a heuristic algorithm. Decision analysis and Pareto optimality identifies a set of high-performing architectures while preserving decision-maker design flexibility.
Findings
Capacity, coverage and maximum time unobserved are recommended as key performance measures. A total of 187 out of 1017 architectures were identified as top performers. A total of 29% of the sensors considered are found in over 80% of the top architectures. Additional considerations further reduce the tradespace to 19 best choices which collect an average of 49–51 observations per space object with a 595–630 min average maximum time unobserved, providing redundant coverage of the Geosynchronous Orbit belt. This represents a three-fold increase in capacity and coverage and a 2 h (16%) decrease in the maximum time unobserved compared to the baseline government-only architecture as-modeled.
Originality/value
This study validates the utility of an augmented network concept using a physics-based model and modern analytical techniques. It objectively responds to policy mandating cataloging improvements without relying solely on expert-derived point solutions.
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Travis Edward Shelton, Dylan Joseph Stelzer, Carl R. Hartsfield, Gregory Richard Cobb, Ryan P. O'Hara and Christopher D. Tommila
For many applications, including space applications, the usability and performance of a component is dependent on the surface topology of the additively manufactured part. The…
Abstract
Purpose
For many applications, including space applications, the usability and performance of a component is dependent on the surface topology of the additively manufactured part. The purpose of this paper is to present an investigation into minimizing the residual surface roughness of direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) samples by manipulating the input process parameters.
Design/methodology/approach
First, the ability to manipulate surface roughness by modifying processing parameters was explored. Next, the surface topography was characterized to quantify roughness. Finally, microthruster nozzles were created both additively and conventionally for flow testing and comparison.
Findings
Surface roughness of DMLS samples was found to be highly dependent on the laser power and scan speed. Because of unintended partially sintered particles adhering to the surface, a localized laser fluence mechanism was explored. Experimental results show that surface roughness is influenced by the varied parameters but is not a completely fluence driven process; therefore, a relationship between laser fluence and surface roughness can be incorporated but not completely assumed.
Originality/value
This paper serves as an aid in understanding the importance of surface roughness and the mechanisms associated with DMLS. Rather than exploring a more common global energy density, a localized laser fluence was initiated. Moreover, the methodology and conclusions can be used when optimizing parts via metal additive manufacturing.
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In his apocalyptic book on the environment and public policy, Timothy C. Weiskel warned of the consequences of humanity's intrusion into the biological and geo‐chemical processes…
Abstract
In his apocalyptic book on the environment and public policy, Timothy C. Weiskel warned of the consequences of humanity's intrusion into the biological and geo‐chemical processes of the natural world. He said that our intrusions have been massive and thorough; that they now threaten to transform ecosystemic parameters; and that unless responsible public policy directs itself toward moderating our current destructive impact on the environment, we will face ecosystemic collapse and human catastrophe “on a vastly greater scale than has ever been recorded in human history.”
RICHARD E. BERNSTIEN and ROBERT H. DEANS
In the land reform literature an important issue has been the effect land redistribution has on the allocation of resources and agricultural productivity. Generally, monopolistic…
Abstract
In the land reform literature an important issue has been the effect land redistribution has on the allocation of resources and agricultural productivity. Generally, monopolistic behaviour of plantation owners with respect to land has prevailed since control of the land has generated monopsonistic power with respect to labour. This behaviour would result in a lesser degree of land utilization by large land owners and a lower value of marginal product for labour on small farms than on large farms. The rural labour force is effectively left with no options for employment other than the plantation sector. The monopolization of land causes a higher land/labour ratio for large operations than for small farmers. In a competitive market with tillable land held constant, the value of marginal product for labour for the two farm classes would be equal. Further, monopsony theory reveals that output and employment would be lower than in a competitive market.
Steven L. Cobb and Thomas Barker
As more organizations expand into the international marketplace, cultural barriers become a major threat to the ability of a firm to compete in the global marketplace. Culture…
Abstract
As more organizations expand into the international marketplace, cultural barriers become a major threat to the ability of a firm to compete in the global marketplace. Culture varies radically among different ethnic groups and societies. It influences and is influenced by beliefs, customs, language, institutions, standards, and religion. Richard Lamm, former governor of Colorado, stressed in one of his syndicated columns that the culture of a country is a main determinate of whether new technology will be accepted in a country. The acceptance of the new technology is especially critical to competitiveness when a firm establishes operations and employs workers in a foreign country.
Jan Dutkiewicz and Linda Duxbury
The purpose of this paper is to test the validity of a set of best practice principles for managing transformational organizational change by applying them to a specific change…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to test the validity of a set of best practice principles for managing transformational organizational change by applying them to a specific change initiative in the media. It also aims to examine whether prescriptions for effective change leadership (traditionally confined to single leaders) apply to a situation and organization where there are three distinct leader roles.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper takes the form of a case study of a major change initiative undertaken at a leading Canadian newspaper.
Findings
The paper shows that multiple, relatively autonomous leaders can lead a successful and unified change given specific organizational and environmental conditions. It also concludes that the generally accepted best practice of change leadership does not necessarily apply to a newspaper environment and posits that, in certain circumstances, a major change initiative can succeed despite running counter to the prevalent prescriptions in the literature.
Research limitations/implications
The conclusions drawn may be limited to organizations in the news media or those with similar organizational structures.
Practical implications
The paper suggests shortcoming of existing normative leadership theories, seeks to explain why this is the case, and makes numerous suggestions for further study.
Originality/value
The paper challenges orthodox assumptions and theories about leader roles and necessary qualities in leaders in successful organizational change. It extends understanding of change processes in the news media, which is under‐studied. It also suggests the applicability, but also relative insufficiency, of existing change theory as pertains to the media industry.
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In the last four years, since Volume I of this Bibliography first appeared, there has been an explosion of literature in all the main functional areas of business. This wealth of…
Abstract
In the last four years, since Volume I of this Bibliography first appeared, there has been an explosion of literature in all the main functional areas of business. This wealth of material poses problems for the researcher in management studies — and, of course, for the librarian: uncovering what has been written in any one area is not an easy task. This volume aims to help the librarian and the researcher overcome some of the immediate problems of identification of material. It is an annotated bibliography of management, drawing on the wide variety of literature produced by MCB University Press. Over the last four years, MCB University Press has produced an extensive range of books and serial publications covering most of the established and many of the developing areas of management. This volume, in conjunction with Volume I, provides a guide to all the material published so far.
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