H.‐A. Crostack, I. Hackenbroich, R. Refflinghaus and D. Winter
Apart from the customer demands themselves, the weightings of the customer demands are one of the main input data of a QFD (Quality Function Deployment) and furthermore of the…
Abstract
Apart from the customer demands themselves, the weightings of the customer demands are one of the main input data of a QFD (Quality Function Deployment) and furthermore of the actual construction process of products. Up to now, most interviews with stakeholders have been carried out with questionnaires and then absolute weightings have been used. Now it has been analysed if the use of other interview and evaluation techniques, e.g. relative weightings and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), can improve the precision of the demands and wishes of the stakeholders. Now the task was to analyse if the use of relative weightings as input of a QFD is possible at all, how they have to be adapted and if an increase in precision compared to the use of absolute weightings is reached. When using AHP during the product development it has become clear that only up to seven demands can be rated at the same time by customers. That means that a kind of hierarchy has to be developed to correctly transfer the demands and their weightings into the QFD.
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Thermal spraying is a problem‐solving technology which contributes to almost every branch of engineering from the extraction and production of raw materials to the manufacture of…
Abstract
Thermal spraying is a problem‐solving technology which contributes to almost every branch of engineering from the extraction and production of raw materials to the manufacture of usable articles. By placing the correct surfacing material where it is best employed, thermal spraying allows engineers to improve product performance, reduce maintenance times and costs, save energy and reduce production costs. As the demands of other technologies have increased the thermal spraying industry has responded by providing surfaces which will reliably withstand higher loads, faster speeds, higher temperatures and more aggressive environments. Over the past decade, building on previous knowledge and experience, thermal spraying technology has contributed to the engineering successes in many spheres by enabling the engineer to apply the right surface to the optimum basis material at reasonable cost.
Reza Salehzadeh, Arash Shahin, Ali Kazemi and Ali Shaemi Barzoki
– The purpose of this paper is to propose a new approach for evaluating the situational leadership theory (SLT).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a new approach for evaluating the situational leadership theory (SLT).
Design/methodology/approach
Statistical population includes the undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students of the University of Isfahan. For data analysis, 727 accurate completed questionnaires have been used. Initially, questions were developed for each SLT style, followed by analysis in which the type of styles were determined and classified using the Kano evaluation table.
Findings
Based on the Kano's classifications, findings imply that, the appropriate leadership styles for undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students are directing, coaching and supporting styles, respectively.
Originality/value
The approach and findings of this research contribute to the literature of SLT and the Kano model. Findings can be used as a guideline for lecturers in leading and motivating students.
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Thommie Burström and Timothy L. Wilson
– The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze the role of requirement managers in new product development projects.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze the role of requirement managers in new product development projects.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is based on a case study of an industrial platform project. Sixty-eight persons were interviewed and project prerequisites and requirement specifications documents were studied. The roles of specific individuals and their formal role as requirement managers are reported.
Findings
The requirement manager's role fulfillment is performed through five major activities described as developing, anchoring, re-organizing, routinizing, and positioning. These activities are essential in order to manage working with a large flagship project.
Research limitations/implications
Because the research was based on a single case study, there are of course limitations. The findings in this study may therefore not be generalized, but merely suggest other areas of research.
Practical implications
This paper argues that functional roles should not be taken for granted. Even though significant efforts may have been performed in order to establish a new role within a project management setting, the process of establishing new work practices is complex. Managers should therefore investigate inter-functional integration on ongoing bases.
Originality/value
This paper provides important insights into aspects of requirement manager's ongoing project activities.
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Reza Salehzadeh, Arash Shahin, Ali Kazemi and Ali Shaemi Barzoki
Literature review indicates lack of using the Kano model in organizational behavior domain and managers’ satisfaction. The purpose of this paper is to propose a Kano-based model…
Abstract
Purpose
Literature review indicates lack of using the Kano model in organizational behavior domain and managers’ satisfaction. The purpose of this paper is to propose a Kano-based model for managers’ satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to examine one of the proposed behaviors in this model, the role of employees’ organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) as an attractive behavior, has been investigated. The statistical population includes managers of the Isfahan’s financial service industries. After distributing questionnaires, 224 accurate questionnaires have been used for data analysis. In designing the survey questionnaire, the OCB questionnaire developed by Podsakoff et al. (1990) and Bell and Menguc (2002) has been used. For each of the OCB dimensions, some questions have been initially designed; then after collecting data, by using Kano evaluation table, the behavior types have been determined.
Findings
Findings imply that by using the Kano model, five types of behaviors, i.e. must-be, one-dimensional, attractive, indifferent, and reverse can be identified. The findings related to case study also indicate that out of five dimensions of OCB, three dimensions of altruism, sportsmanship, and civic virtue are located in Attractive category; the courtesy dimension is located in must-be category; the conscientiousness dimension is located in one-dimensional category; and in reverse category, no dimension is located. In general, OCB is located in attractive category.
Research limitations/implications
By using the results of this survey, a new classification of employees’ behaviors types can be suggested. The results of this study can help employees in understanding what kind of their behaviors causes managers’ satisfaction.
Originality/value
The results of this study have an important contribution in the literature of the Kano model and OCB.
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Sandra Klute-Wenig and Robert Refflinghaus
The purpose of this paper is the further development of an Excel-based integrated management system for the tool and cutlery industry regarding sustainability. The tool’s actual…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is the further development of an Excel-based integrated management system for the tool and cutlery industry regarding sustainability. The tool’s actual status allows integrating and implementing requirements considering work safety, environmental and quality management and a self-assessment for checking the level of requirements’ fulfilment. However, the topic of sustainability and requirements and risks going along with it are of great importance for the mostly small and medium companies of this industry. Therefore, the Excel-tool is being enhanced by integrating the requirements of risk, energy and sustainability management. The paper presents the advanced Excel-tool.
Design/methodology/approach
The base for advancing the Excel-tool has been analysing the status quo of sustainability management in the companies. Moreover, a matrix for comparing the requirements has been enlarged regarding the standards for sustainability, risk and energy management and builds the base for further developing of the Excel-tool.
Findings
This analysis has shown the need for action, regarding the topic of sustainability. Hence, the Excel-tool has been enlarged regarding the assessment of fulfilling the requirements of different management systems. It allows small- and medium-sized enterprises a detection of need for action to comply with the requirements of different management systems with minimal afford. By this, an easily evaluation and improvement of the companies’ management systems is enabled.
Originality/value
The tool enables companies to easily evaluate the state of their integrated management system by themselves and assists when implementing additional management systems.
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Stephanie Heitel, Annette Kämpf-Dern and Andreas Pfnür
In addition to financial returns, German housing companies are expected to achieve social and ecological outcomes. This achievement is challenging for management, as expectations…
Abstract
Purpose
In addition to financial returns, German housing companies are expected to achieve social and ecological outcomes. This achievement is challenging for management, as expectations from different stakeholders are only partly apparent and often conflicting. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a process model that supports the management of housing companies to systematically explore, evaluate, and integrate stakeholders’ interests into the company’s strategic targets.
Findings
The integrated process model improves sustainable value creation, as stakeholders’ interests are transparent and can thus be better satisfied.
Research limitations/implications
Due to the action research design, further research cycles and empirical testing with other companies are needed before findings can be generalised.
Practical implications
The process enables housing companies to focus on value-generating activities, to react timely to changing needs, and to improve their relationships with stakeholders. Management benefits from increased clarity and legitimacy for strategic decisions as stakeholder demands are made transparent and integrated into the strategic targets.
Originality/value
Compared to common participation approaches, all stakeholder groups are consulted, and their expectations are documented transparently within the suggested process model. This results in a better foundation for sustainable management planning and decisions.
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Meghdad Yazdani, Abdollah Afshar, Namdar Mohammadi and Behrooz Paranj
This paper aims to investigate the corrosion behavior of AZ31 alloy as a prospective biomedical implant in two different simulated biological solutions and various immersion times.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the corrosion behavior of AZ31 alloy as a prospective biomedical implant in two different simulated biological solutions and various immersion times.
Design/methodology/approach
Results of electrochemical experiments indicated that corrosion resistance of specimens immersed for 24 h was superior, suggesting that the surface layer is capable of protecting alloy.
Findings
Scanning electron micrographs revealed that this layer abounds with cracks, exhibiting optimum quality in 24 h immersion time, after which it begins to develop corrosion pits. Energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis suggested that the layer is mainly composed of magnesium hydroxide with precipitates of P and Ca containing species present on its surface, which is an indication of biocompatibility.
Originality/value
Finally, corrosion performance of Mg alloy was found to be slightly better in Lac-simulated biological solution (SBF) solution, which is more representative of actual physiological environment as compared to conventional SBF solutions.
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Juliána Drábiková, Stanislava Fintová, Jakub Tkacz, Pavel Doležal and Jaromír Wasserbauer
The purpose of this paper is to compare electrochemical corrosion characteristics of conventional and unconventional fluoride conversion coating prepared on magnesium alloy.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to compare electrochemical corrosion characteristics of conventional and unconventional fluoride conversion coating prepared on magnesium alloy.
Design/methodology/approach
The chemical reaction of AZ61 with 38 wt.% hydrofluoric acid (HF) for 24 h was used as a conventional way of fluoride conversion coating preparation. The unconventionally prepared coating was created in Na[BF4] salt melt at 450°C for 2 h. Morphology and chemical composition of prepared fluoride conversion coatings were studied with scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Electrochemical corrosion characteristics of the coatings were analyzed in Hank’s solution using potentiodynamic tests.
Findings
Both the coating preparation ways resulted in the creation of uniform conversion coatings with the same thickness (1.3 ± 0.1 μm). Some defects were observed on the coatings surface; however, the defects did not reach the AZ61 surface. Electrochemical tests performed in Hank’s solution at 37°C showed an improvement of corrosion resistance of AZ61 treated with fluoride conversion coatings when compared to the untreated material. Unconventionally prepared coating reached better electrochemical corrosion characteristics when compared to the conventionally prepared coating.
Originality/value
Electrochemical corrosion characteristics of AZ61 magnesium alloy can be improved with fluoride conversion coatings. Two methods are used in the literature for the coatings preparation. The conventional method is based on dipping of the coated material to the HF, and the unconventional method lies in dipping of the sample to the Na[BF4] salt melt. The main purpose of the present study is to analyze the conventionally and unconventionally prepared coatings in terms of chemical analysis, morphology and material corrosion protection (electrochemical corrosion characteristics), while the data are not provided in the literature, according to the authors’ knowledge. Very similar coatings were prepared using both the methods from the morphological and chemical composition point of view. However, unconventionally prepared coating created in Na[BF4] salt melt reached better electrochemical corrosion characteristics compared to the coating prepared in HF.
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Guido Grunwald, Ali Kara and John E. Spillan
This study’s objective is to offer a process to adapt the Kano model as a quality management (QM) tool for prioritizing students’ sustainability transformation requirements of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study’s objective is to offer a process to adapt the Kano model as a quality management (QM) tool for prioritizing students’ sustainability transformation requirements of higher education institutions (HEIs).
Design/methodology/approach
Data for this study were gathered from business students enrolled in bachelor’s programs at two state universities in the USA and one public university in Germany. In total, 239 students participated in the survey. For the Kano analysis, instead of selectively applying various evaluation rules and quality criteria, an integrative-sequential analysis process involving three steps is employed to enhance classification quality.
Findings
Results show that sustainability transformation expectations and their priority orders differ across the countries studied. Although the Kano model as a QM tool has not been extensively used by HEIs to gauge students’ sustainability expectations, it offers significant potential as part of a comprehensive process to translate stakeholder sustainability needs into HEIs’ actions.
Originality/value
As the first study adapting the Kano model as a QM tool for use in HEIs’ sustainability transformations, our study contributes to the growing body of research on incorporating QM tools and customer and stakeholder orientation into the sustainability context at HEIs.