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The purpose of this paper is to investigate the process capability of three-dimensional printing (3DP)-based casting solutions for non-ferrous alloy (NFA) components.

After selection and design of benchmark, prototypes for six different NFA materials were prepared by using 3DP (ZCast process)-based shell moulds. Coordinate measuring machine has been used for calculating the dimensional tolerances of the NFA components. Consistency with the tolerance grades of the castings has been checked as per IT grades.

The results of process capability investigation highlight that the 3DP process as a casting solution for NFA component lies in ±5sigma (s) limit, as regards to dimensional accuracy is concerned. Further, this process ensures rapid production of pre-series industrial prototypes for NFA. Final components prepared are also acceptable as per ISO standard UNI EN 20,286-I (1995).

This research work presents capability of the 3DP process supported with experimental data on basis of various process parameters for the tolerance grade of NFA castings. These statistics can help to enhance the application of 3DP-based NFA casting process in commercial foundry industry.

The purpose of this paper is to optimize the process parameters to obtain the best dimensional accuracy, surface finish and hardness of the castings produced by using fused deposition modeling (FDM)-based patterns in investment casting (IC).

In this paper, hip implants have been prepared by using plastic patterns in IC process. Taguchi design of experiments has been used to study the effect of six different input process parameters on the dimensional deviation, surface roughness and hardness of the implants. Analysis of variance has been used to find the effect of each input factor on the output. Multi-objective optimization has been done to find the combined best values of output.

The results proved that the FDM patterns can be used successfully in IC. A wax coating on the FDM patterns improves the surface finish and dimensional accuracy. The improved dimensional accuracy, surface finish and hardness have been achieved simultaneously through multi-objective optimization.

A thin layer of wax is used on the plastic patterns. The effect of thickness of the layer has not been considered. Further research is needed to study the effect of the thickness of the wax layer.

The results obtained by the study would be helpful in making decisions regarding machining and/or coating on the parts produced by this process.

In this paper, multi-objective optimization of dimensional accuracy, surface roughness and hardness of hybrid investment cast components has been performed.

This study aims to highlights the mechanical, thermal and melting behavior compatibility of aluminum (Al)-reinforced polyamide (PA) 6/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)-based functional prototypes prepared using fused deposition modeling (FDM) from the friction welding point of view. Previous studies have highlighted the use of metallic/non-metallic fillers in polymer matrix for preparations of mechanically improved FDM feedstock filaments and functional prototypes. But hitherto, very less has been reported on fabrication of functional prototypes which fulfill the compatibility of two polymers for joining/welding-based applications. The compatibility of two dissimilar polymers enables the friction welding for maintenance applications.

The twin screw extrusion process has been used for mechanical mixing of metallic reinforcement in polymer matrix, and final blend of reinforced polymers in the form of extruded feed stock filament has been used on FDM for printing of functional prototypes (for friction welding). The methodology involves melt flow index (MFI) investigations, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) investigations for thermal properties, tensile and hardness testing for mechanical properties and photo micrographic investigations for metallurgical properties on extruded samples.

It was observed that the reinforced ABS and PA6 polymers have better compatibility in the terms of similar melt flow, thermal properties and can lead to the better joint efficiency with friction welding.

In the present work composite feed stock filament composed of ABS and PA6 with reinforcement of Al powder has been successfully developed for preparation of functional prototype in friction welding applications.

The purpose of this paper is to provide an organizing lens for viewing the distinct contributions to knowledge production from those research communities addressing the impact of competitive strategy on company performance in general, and the influence of cost leadership and differentiation strategy on organizational performance in detail.

The research methodology was based on the PRISMA review, and thematic analysis based on an iterative process of open coding was analyzed and then the sample was analyzed by illustrating the research title, objectives, method, data analysis, sample size, variables and country.

The main factor that influenced the competitive strategy is strategic growth; strategic growth has a significant influence on competitive strategy. Furthermore, competitive strategy will boost firm network, performance measurement and organization behavior. In the same way, the internal goal factor will enhance organizational effectiveness. Also, a differentiation strategy will support management practice factors, strategic positions, product price, product characteristics and company performance.

This study contributes to the literature by identifying a framework of competitive strategy factors, company performance factors, cost leadership strategy factors, differentiation strategy factors and competitive strategy with global market factors. This study provides a complete picture and description of the resulting body knowledge in competitive strategy and organizational performance.

Past research has examined the extent to which users disclose personal information on social media, but the influence of fear of missing out (FOMO) or other factors on self-disclosure has received little attention. To fill this gap in the social media literature, this paper aims to examine the interrelationships among FOMO, social media addiction and self-disclosure among young users in Kuwait. In addition, the moderating effect of tie strength on the examined relationships is explored.

A conceptual framework is developed and tested by applying two-stage structural equation modeling using AMOS to examine the results of an online survey distributed to 1,347 social media users in Kuwait, 25 years of age and younger.

Path analysis confirmed an indirect effect of FOMO on self-disclosure mediated by social media addiction. Moreover, the path between FOMO and social media addiction and the path between social media addiction and self-disclosure are moderated by users’ tie strength. That is, higher levels of FOMO are more likely to increase social media addiction and, in turn, self-disclosure activities on social media among young users with weaker ties (compared to stronger ties). Overall, the findings provide support for a moderated mediation model.

Ethicists and consumer protection agencies should increase public awareness of the danger to young users with weaker ties of over disclosing personal data on social media and developing FOMO and social media addiction. Mitigation programs are needed to assist these addicted users in gaining control over their social media behaviors, leveraging social media as a powerful social change tool and preventing further damage to their psychological well-being.

Although previous research has demonstrated that FOMO, in general, is positively correlated with self-disclosure and social media addiction, the current research provides empirical evidence that these relationships are dependent on users’ tie strength. Additionally, this paper is the first to show a paradoxical effect of tie strength on self-disclosure: tie strength enforces the positive relationship between FOMO and self-disclosure in the absence of social media addiction but weakens this relationship when social media addiction is introduced as a mediator.

The purpose of this paper is to propose an e-business assessment framework for organizations that aim to enhance the effectiveness of their online presence and maximize the benefits that result from it. The framework is based on three main pillars derived from the academic literature research: e-marketing strategies, customer relationship management (CRM) strategies and business model strategies.

This paper reviews the literature from e-Marketing, CRM and business model strategies, leading to the generation of an e-Business assessment framework. Second, it takes 19 case studies and analyzes them using ATLAS.ti, through qualitative content analysis, to validate that framework.

Pragmatic advice for practitioners derives from research results considering that this framework enables managers to characterize the company in terms of its e-business approach, making it possible to determine the level of depth of competitive online strategies. Lessons for an improved e-business approach can be derived from this paper.

This study proposes a novel e-business framework to assist organizations that want to have an online presence. This framework is comprised of the factors identified in the literature review that contribute to define and scope that online presence. The framework is then validated through the collection of 19 case studies of companies that have this online presence, validating the theoretical findings.

This research aims to study the effect of R&D (research and development) enablers and barriers as well as industrial property on exploration, their influence on exploitation and finally the possible impact on innovative outcome (IO) as a result variable. The IO can be defined as the orientation towards new or improved products, services and processes, as well as towards penetration and greater market share, which the company has obtained as a result of innovative processes.

For this purpose, a new relationship model is defined, which is empirically contrasted in a quantitative study. We use a sample of large firms from different economic sectors with a high level of investment in R&D.

The results indicate a close relationship between exploration and exploitation processes, as well as a positive impact on the innovative outcome. Moreover, the type of relationship that R&D enablers and barriers have with exploration is demonstrated and the lack of a positive effect of industrial property on exploration.

These results may lead to new markets opening up and the creation or improvement of new products, services or processes in diverse sectors of highly innovative firms.

This research aims to study the effect of R&D enablers and barriers and industrial property on learning flows and, finally, the possible impact on the innovative outcome. A new theoretical model of relationships is defined, and it is the first time that it is empirically tested.

本研究旨在探討研究與開發的推動者、研發的障礙和工業產權對探索與開發的影響，並最終探究出其可能對作為結果變項的創新成果帶來的影響。創新成果可解釋為邁向新的或改良的產品，服務和流程的定向，以及邁向滲透和更大的市場份額的定向，而這更大的市場份額是企業的創新流程所帶來的。

為達研究目的，我們解說了一個新的關聯模型, 並使用於一項量化研究，進行以實驗為依據的對比。我們使用的樣本，包括來自不同經濟領域，並於研發投放高水平投資的大企業。

研究結果顯示，探索與開發是兩個關係密切的流程；研究結果亦顯示對創新成果的影響是正面的。而且，結果展示了研發推動者、研發障礙兩者與探索的關聯，以及工業產權對探索是欠缺正面作用的。

研究結果或會帶來新市場的開拓，以及在不同領域、高度創新的企業內，帶來新的產品，服務與流程的創造和改良。

本研究旨在探討研發推動者，研發障礙和工業產權對學習心流的影響，並最終探究出其對創新成果可能帶來的影響。研究解說了一個新的、純理論的關聯模型，而這個模型於此是首次憑實驗而被測試的。

Existing conceptual, empirical and case studies evidence suggests that manufacturing industries find the joint implementation of Kaizen philosophy initiatives. However, the existing practices rarely demonstrated in a single framework and implementation procedure in a structure nature. This paper, therefore, aims to develop, validate and practically test a framework and implementation procedure for the implementation of integrated Kaizen in manufacturing industries to attain long-term improvement of operational, innovation, business (financial and marketing) processes, performance and competitiveness.

The study primarily described the problem, extensively reviewed the current state-of-the-art literature and then identified a gap. Based on it, generic and comprehensive integrated framework and implementation procedure is developed. Besides, the study used managers, consultants and academics from various fields to validate a framework and implementation procedure for addressing business concerns. In this case, the primary data was collected through self-administered questionnaire, and 244 valid questionnaires were received and were analyzed. Furthermore, the research verified the practicability of the framework by empirically exploring the current scenario of selected manufacturing companies.

The research discovered innovative framework and six-phase implementation procedure to fill the existing conceptual gap. Furthermore, the survey-based and exploratory empirical analysis of the research demonstrated that the practice of the proposed framework based on structured procedure is valued and companies attain the middling improvements of productivity, delivery time, quality, 5S practice, waste and accident rate by 61.03, 44, 52.53, 95.19, 80.12, and 70.55% respectively. Additionally, the companies saved a total of 14933446 ETH Birr and 5,658 M² free spaces. Even though, the practices and improvements vary from company to company, and even companies unable to practice some of the unique techniques of the identified CI initiatives considered in the proposed framework.

All data collected in the survey came from professionals working for Ethiopian manufacturing companies, universities and government. It is important to highlight that n = 244 is high sample size, which is adequate for a preliminary survey but reinforcing still needs further survey in terms of generalization of the results since there are hundreds of manufacturing companies, consultants and academicians implementing and consulting Kaizen. Therefore, a further study on a wider Ethiopian manufacturing companies, consultants and academic scale would be informative.

This work is very important for Kaizen professionals in the manufacturing industry, academic and government but in particular for senior management and leadership teams. Aside from the main findings on framework development, there is some strong evidence that practice of Kaizen resulted in achieving quantitative (monetary and non-monetary) and qualitative results. Thus, senior management teams should use this research out to practice and analyze the effect of Kaizen on their own organizations. Within the academic community, this study is one of the first focusing on development, validating and practically testing and should aid further study, research and understanding of Kaizen in manufacturing industries.

So far, it is rare to find preceding studies proposed, validated and practically test an integrated Kaizen framework with the context of manufacturing industries. Thus, authors understand that this is the very first research focused on the development of the framework for manufacturing industries continuously to be competitive and could help managers, institutions, practitioners and academicians in Kaizen practice.

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether repeated alliances between two members of a patent pool boost enterprise innovation. Furthermore, this paper intends to determine whether the innovation performance becomes higher or lower based on the partnership characteristics.

In this empirical study, hierarchical regression is used to analyze the longitudinal data obtained from 12 patent pools managed by MPEG LA during a time period ranging from 2006 to 2018. The members of patent pools comprise research institutions, firms and universities. Research analyses are performed based on a sample of 68,400 member pairs who had established repeated alliances. The information regarding such pairs is gathered from public databases.

Repeated alliances positively correlate with enterprise innovation performance in patent pools; this performance is higher when the two enterprises have exploratory collaborations. Conversely, the performance is lower when the partners have a similar technology base and are engaged in a technological competition (competitive learning and patent litigation). Moreover, the performance is lower when one partner demonstrates higher network centrality and richer structural holes than the other partner.

Patent pools play an instrumental role in eliminating patent-licensing barriers, thereby allowing mutual acquisition of complementary technologies, and cooperatively strengthening technology development. From the perspective of theories of coopetition, knowledge management and social network, this study explores the impact of patent pools on enterprise innovation performance and ascertains the moderating roles of technology coopetition, technology similarity and network position, thereby expanding the scope of innovation effect in the context of patent pools.

The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of disaggregate official development aid (ODA) on economic growth, and ascertain whether bilateral and multilateral aid played complementary role with private sector, government sector and external sector in driving growth of sub-Saharan African economies.

The role of bilateral and multilateral aid in economic growth of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is investigated in this study. The vector error correction model (VECM) and generalized method of moments (GMM) techniques are employed in estimating the short-run and long-run impacts, over the period 1980–2020.

The estimation results reveal that the effect of bilateral aid is positive, and more significant than multilateral aid. Their effect on economic growth is, however, less significant than the effects of domestic private investment and government spending. Nonetheless, aid complemented private and government sectors in facilitating growth. External trade is the only exogenous variable in estimation that is insignificant. The results further reveal that economic growth is unable to significantly respond to its own lag. Generally, the estimation results conform to theoretical expectations.

One major implication of the findings is that SSA countries have benefited substantially from development aid. It is, therefore, important for these countries to develop stronger institutions that would attract more inflows of development aid.

The study was motivated by the fact that less attention has been given to the role of disaggregate ODA in economic growth of African countries. Previous research works have tended to focus more on aggregate ODA. Furthermore, adequate research has yet to be done on how ODA complements the private sector, government sector and external sector in facilitating growth of African countries. These issues are investigated in the study.