Arthur Bens, Hermann Seitz, Günter Bermes, Moritz Emons, Andreas Pansky, Barbara Roitzheim, Edda Tobiasch and Carsten Tille
To describe the development of a novel polyether(meth)acrylate‐based resin material class for stereolithography with alterable material characteristics.
Abstract
Purpose
To describe the development of a novel polyether(meth)acrylate‐based resin material class for stereolithography with alterable material characteristics.
Design/methodology/approach
A complete overview of details to composition parameters, the optimization and bandwidth of mechanical and processing parameters is given. Initial biological characterization experiments and future application fields are depicted. Process parameters are studied in a commercial 3D systems Viper stereolithography system, and a new method to determine these parameters is described herein.
Findings
Initial biological characterizations show the non‐toxic behavior in a biological environment, caused mainly by the (meth)acrylate‐based core components. These photolithographic resins combine an adjustable low Young's modulus with the advantages of a non‐toxic (meth)acrylate‐based process material. In contrast to the mostly rigid process materials used today in the rapid prototyping industry, these polymeric formulations are able to fulfill the extended need for a soft engineering material. A short overview of sample applications is given.
Practical implications
These polymeric formulations are able to meet the growing demand for a resin class for rapid manufacturing that covers a bandwidth from softer to stiffer materials.
Originality/value
This paper gives an overview about the novel developed material class for stereolithography and should be therefore of high interest to people with interest in novel rapid manufacturing materials and technology.
Details
Keywords
Andrea Sestino, Emanuele Leoni and Luca Gastaldi
This paper sheds light on the factors facilitating the digital transformation (DT) of companies, examining the empirical evidence according to a new and original dual lens: the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper sheds light on the factors facilitating the digital transformation (DT) of companies, examining the empirical evidence according to a new and original dual lens: the internal and external marketing management perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
Through an explorative research design based on semi-structured interviews, we investigate the perceptions of some managers involved in managing the DT of their own companies.
Findings
The findings, organized from an internal and external marketing perspective, show how DT requires efforts in nurturing: (1) its organizational and cultural nature; (2) new managerial skills and e-leadership. These factors activate DT as an accelerator of (3) production processes and service provision and (4) competitive strategies.
Practical implications
Our findings underscore critical practical implications for organizations embarking on a DT journey. Firstly, managers should prioritize creating a culture that encourages employees to embrace change and technology. Secondly, recognizing the importance of new managerial skills and e-leadership, managers need to invest in developing the expertise to effectively lead DT efforts. The related skills encompass digital literacy, change management and the ability to inspire and guide teams through the complexities of a DT.
Originality/value
This paper suggests that organizations should holistically approach DT, focusing on culture, leadership and strategic deployment of digital tools. The proposed dual lens offers a valuable and simple answer for academics and practitioners to effectively frame the internal dynamics and external factors shaping DT.
Details
Keywords
Luca Gastaldi, Francesco Paolo Appio, Mariano Corso and Andrea Pistorio
The purpose of this paper is to understand how digital technologies can help healthcare organisations and improve the exploration-exploitation paradox over time. The authors…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand how digital technologies can help healthcare organisations and improve the exploration-exploitation paradox over time. The authors explore inputs, processes and outcomes of implementing digital transformation programs and advance four testable propositions.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted multiple case studies with embedded units of analysis: digital transformation processes; hospitals; and regional healthcare systems. Primary sources come from 107 semi-structured interviews with key informants within 14 Italian hospitals between 2009 through 2011.
Findings
Three complementary paths emerge as fundamental to balance exploratory and exploitatory efforts in healthcare: assets digitalisation within hospitals; digitally based process integration; and disruptive decision-making through analytics. Intra- and inter-path characteristics are discussed to show how digital transformation can both move hospital within the exploration-exploitation space.
Research limitations/implications
By its very nature, this study is exploratory. Notwithstanding the number of cases and interviews, its generalisability is limited.
Practical implications
Digital transformation programs are fundamental to resolve the tensions raised by the exploration-exploitation paradox. Their implementation leads to better performance (cost reductions, quality improvements). A framework is provided for practitioners to make better decisions.
Originality/value
This study sheds new light on how digital technologies are actually adopted and adapted in healthcare contexts. It does it by entailing a longitudinal perspective.