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Article
Publication date: 1 May 2009

Yu‐Shan Chen and Bi‐Yu Chen

The purpose of this paper is to use data envelopment analysis (DEA) to evaluate the efficiency of the wafer fabrication industry in Taiwan.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use data envelopment analysis (DEA) to evaluate the efficiency of the wafer fabrication industry in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

The input variables are total assets, operation costs, and operation expenditures, and the output variable is net sales. This study uses the Pearson correlation to indicate positively correlation between input and output variables, applies DEA to analyze the efficiency scores, and utilizes Mann‐Whitney U‐test to compare the efficiency score of stock exchange market group (SEM group) with that of over‐the‐counter market group (OTC group). Moreover, this paper explores the efficiency performance over different periods by use of the Malmquist productive Index (MPI).

Findings

This study indicates that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (TSMC) has the most relative efficiency in the wafer fabrication industry of Taiwan. In addition, this study finds out the average constant returns to scale (CRS) efficiency of the Taiwanese wafer fabrication industry from 1999 to 2003 is 84.98 per cent, and the average CRS efficiencies of all nine wafer fabrication companies are over 70 per cent. This study finds out that net sales and scale efficiency of SEM group are higher than those of OTC group. Moreover, this study shows that the main inefficient causes of four companies of SEM group except TSMC and Nanya are from the inefficiency of variable returns to scale efficiency, while the main inefficient causes of all companies of OTC group are from the inefficiency of scale efficiency. Finally, according the results of the MPI in this study, the wafer fabrication industry should introduce the new technology to improve its technology change effect.

Originality/value

This study provides a valuable reference for wafer fabrication companies not only in reviewing their efficiency, but also in enhancing their operational performance.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 20 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

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Article
Publication date: 11 January 2008

Pi‐Fang Hsu and Bi‐Yu Chen

The purpose of this paper is to present a selection model that adopts several important criteria, enabling a durable goods franchiser to select franchisees that are most…

1464

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a selection model that adopts several important criteria, enabling a durable goods franchiser to select franchisees that are most appropriate.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires based on selection criteria are identified from modified Delphi Technique and then sent to experts and decision makers. Major criteria weights are analyzed using the analytic hierarchy process and entropy. Final weights are then determined using the compromised weighting method.

Findings

This study has demonstrated that the durable goods sector in Taiwan emphasizes the condition of a franchisee personal condition more than its store location, and our results further indicate that a franchiser should emphasize finance and business ability when selecting franchisees. Additionally, consumer purchasing power, individuals passing by and parking convenience are all important factors for selecting a franchisee.

Originality/value

Analysis results indicate that the proposed selection model enables a franchiser to select franchisees more reasonably by allowing them to operate effectively.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

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Article
Publication date: 27 May 2014

Ervina Efzan Mhd Noor and Amares Singh

The aim of the present study was to gather and review all the important properties of the Sn–Ag–Cu (SAC) solder alloy. The SAC solder alloy has been proposed as the alternative…

855

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to gather and review all the important properties of the Sn–Ag–Cu (SAC) solder alloy. The SAC solder alloy has been proposed as the alternative solder to overcome the environmental concern of lead (Pb) solder. Many researchers have studied the SAC solder alloy and found that the properties such as melting temperature, wettability, microstructure and interfacial, together with mechanical properties, are better for the SAC solder than the tin – lead (SnPb) solders. Meanwhile, addition of various elements and nanoparticles seems to produce enhancement on the prior bulk solder alloy as well. These benefits suggest that the SAC solder alloy could be the next alternative solder for the electronic packaging industry. Although many studies have been conducted for this particular solder alloy, a compilation of all these properties regarding the SAC solder alloy is still not available for a review to say.

Design/methodology/approach

Soldering is identified as the metallurgical joining method in electronic packaging industry which uses filler metal, or well known as the solder, with a melting point < 425°C (Yoon et al., 2009; Ervina and Marini, 2012). The SAC solder has been developed by many methods and even alloying it with some elements to enhance its properties (Law et al., 2006; Tsao et al., 2010; Wang et al., 2002; Gain et al., 2011). The development toward miniaturization, meanwhile, requires much smaller solder joints and fine-pitch interconnections for microelectronic packaging in electronic devices which demand better solder joint reliability of SAC solder Although many studies have been done based on the SAC solder, a review based on the important characteristics and the fundamental factor involving the SAC solder is still not sufficient. Henceforth, this paper resolves in stating all its important properties based on the SAC solder including its alloying of elements and nanoparticles addition for further understanding.

Findings

Various Pb-free solders have been studied and investigated to overcome the health and environmental concern of the SnPb solder. In terms of the melting temperature, the SAC solder seems to possess a high melting temperature of 227°C than the Pb solder SnPb. Here, the melting temperature of this solder falls within the range of the average reflow temperature in the electronic packaging industry and would not really affect the process of connection. A good amendment here is, this melting temperature can actually be reduced by adding some element such as titanium and zinc. The addition of these elements tends to decrease the melting temperature of the SAC solder alloy to about 3°C. Adding nanoparticles, meanwhile, tend to increase the melting temperature slightly; nonetheless, this increment was not seemed to damage other devices due to the very slight increment and no drastic changes in the solidification temperature. Henceforth, this paper reviews all the properties of the Pb-free SAC solder system by how it is developed from overcoming environmental problem to achieving and sustaining as the viable candidate in the electronic packaging industry. The Pb-free SAC solder can be the alternative to all drawbacks that the traditional SnPb solder possesses and also an upcoming new invention for the future needs. Although many studies have been done in this particular solder, not much information is gathered in a review to give better understanding for SAC solder alloy. In that, this paper reviews and gathers the importance of this SAC solder in the electronic packaging industry and provides information for better knowledge.

Originality/value

This paper resolves in stating of all its important properties based on the SAC solder including its alloying of elements and nanoparticles addition for further understanding.

Details

Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, vol. 26 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-0911

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Article
Publication date: 16 May 2019

Santanu Sarkar and Meichun Liu

The purpose of this paper is to find how the changing relationship between labour and political parties influenced the growth of reasonably independent labour unions in Taiwan.

523

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find how the changing relationship between labour and political parties influenced the growth of reasonably independent labour unions in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have drawn on data collected through in-depth interviews of union officials, labour activists and members of legislature from two major political parties in Taiwan.

Findings

The authors found that the breach between labour and political parties was affected by the eventualities contemplated in democratisation. Though the DPP (Minchin-tang/Democratic Progressive Party) provided the initial “shot in arm”, autonomous unions have not necessarily grown underneath DPP’s dominion. Political liberalisation of Taiwan’s industrial relations systems has gained more momentum when the DPP was in opposition than in power. Anti-incumbency pushed independent unions to sway the opposition’s backing when Kuomintang (KMT/the Chinese Nationalists) was in power and not to that extent when the KMT stepped down. The autonomous labour movement in Taiwan was initially influenced by the changing relationship between labour and ruling parties. However, the movement was subsequently shaped by the ethnic and political characteristics based on the historical divide between the mainlanders and Taiwanese and Taiwan’s changing economic landscape.

Research limitations/implications

Specific limitations include the subjectivity of the inference and lack of generalisability of the findings that are based on interviews with two out of three players of industrial relations system.

Practical implications

Because of globalisation and global financial crisis that brought together a new generation of workforce who hold individualistic values, have lesser faith in collectivism and perform new forms of work where unionisation is no more relevant, the autonomous labour movement in Taiwan was hugely impacted.

Originality/value

Growth of independent unions is not being shaped by democratisation alone. If we refocus the debate about democracy’s implied relationship with the rhetoric of national identity, one can see the crucial role played by the changing economic landscape and ethnic divisions ingrained in political origins.

Details

Employee Relations: The International Journal, vol. 41 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 26 January 2021

Anna Akhmedova, Neus Vila-Brunet and Marta Mas-Machuca

The sharing economy is the internet-enabled business model that has changed the way people travel, work and interact. Similar to other internet-enabled settings, trust is of…

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Abstract

Purpose

The sharing economy is the internet-enabled business model that has changed the way people travel, work and interact. Similar to other internet-enabled settings, trust is of paramount importance for the sharing economy as it leads to continued use and positive word-of-mouth. The main objectives of this research are twofold: (1) to identify the most relevant antecedents of trust in the sharing economy; and (2) to identify which combination of these antecedents allows repurchase intention and positive word-of-mouth to be achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

Through revision of trust theories and complementary frameworks, and an analysis of the sharing economy, the authors develop a model of trust for the sharing economy. The authors propose a model assuming that different types of trust will form a limited number of pathways valid for the creation of positive behavioural intentions. The authors use qualitative comparative analysis to empirically assess the proposed model on a sample of 235 sharing economy users.

Findings

The authors find two configurations that jointly suggest the key role of website quality and usability in generating consumer trust. The authors propose that, on the one hand, platforms might focus on creating value-added services and increasing the reliability of the platform brand. On the other hand, platforms can focus on creating good signalling mechanisms and educate their service providers towards reliable behaviour.

Originality/value

The authors build a conceptual model of trust in the sharing economy setting, that considers the feedback loops among the combination of several dimensions. The authors define specific strategies for platforms in the sharing economy that lead to repurchase intention and positive word-of-mouth.

Details

Internet Research, vol. 31 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

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