Ron Jamieson and Herbert Hacker
The 3D Systems stereolithography file format is a good workhorse for the rapid prototyping (RP) industry. It is supported by all major computer‐aided design (CAD) and RP…
Abstract
The 3D Systems stereolithography file format is a good workhorse for the rapid prototyping (RP) industry. It is supported by all major computer‐aided design (CAD) and RP manufacturers and there now exists a selection of third‐party software which supports this de facto standard and helps to make it work better. However, input to RP systems is sometimes best suited to the format of sliced contours. These may be produced from a three‐dimensional CAD model or via reverse engineering techniques such as laser scans and co‐ordinate measuring machines. Other sources include computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans. Takes a brief look at both of the above methods, listing their advantages and disadvantages. Identifies several ways in which sliced data can be used to drive RP processes. Finally, presents in detail a methodology used to develop a direct and adaptive slicer from a commercial CAD system.
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Davar Rezania, Ron Baker and Andrew Nixon
Despite the importance of accountability for the oversight of projects, few studies have directly examined accountability mechanisms at the project level. While the literature…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the importance of accountability for the oversight of projects, few studies have directly examined accountability mechanisms at the project level. While the literature already provides descriptions of governance and mechanisms of accountability, the purpose of this paper is to examine how project managers view their accountability relationships within their organizational context.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is guided by critical realism as a philosophy of science. The authors interviewed 15 project managers from 12 organizations and analyzed the transcripts in the light of existing project management accountability literature.
Findings
The authors observe the practice of socializing accountability through face-to-face negotiation and symmetries of power due to interdependencies happen to some extent in management of projects. This suggests ambidexterity in accountability in project-based organizations. Therefore, the current models of project accountability and governance that are solely based on the agency theory are not sufficient to explain the accountability relationships in such organizations.
Practical implications
Accountability arrangements happen within a system for steering projects. Managers should be aware of how project managers view their accountability and how socializing practices of accountability can help the project’s management and the organization’s management interact in order to transform organizational systems by regulating issues of project concern and defining the process and direction of how project deliverables are produced, introduced, absorbed and used within the organization.
Originality/value
“Theory driven” interviews and analysis are used to confirm or refine conceptualization of accountability in management of projects. Most models of project governance are based on the agency theory or governability theory. The authors have demonstrated that socializing practices of accountability should be included in investigating project governance. The authors observe that project managers are often concerned with the interdependence with their principals and the socializing processes of accountability that arise from this interdependence.
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– The purpose of this paper is to offer some insight into how an individual enters a career as a gerontologist.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to offer some insight into how an individual enters a career as a gerontologist.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is an invited opinion piece and comment based on the author's experience and career choices. It is a brief autobiographical account focused on occupational opportunities and the influence of family commitments.
Findings
Career choice can often be a mix of opportunity and chance. Having good colleagues and a supportive research community is the secret to success. Retirement for an active professional brings further opportunities to learn new skills and knowledge.
Originality/value
Personal insights from professionals at the height of their career can help young researchers understand what it means to take opportunities when they arise.
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Reflections on gender and OD over a 50-year career as a scholar, an OD practitioner, and a woman managing a complex life and career.My journey in OD has spanned 50 years which is…
Abstract
Reflections on gender and OD over a 50-year career as a scholar, an OD practitioner, and a woman managing a complex life and career.
My journey in OD has spanned 50 years which is also about as long organization development has been around. In this essay, I will reflect on my experiences with special attention to issues of gender. I will also mention some issues of concern that confront us as OD scholars and practitioners, especially the balance between thinking and doing. As I describe my experiences, I hope they will lead to an appreciation of all that has happened in just 50 years! My experience is not everyone’s experience. I make no claim to that. I hope that some of the issues I raise resonate with you, or fill in some blanks, or lend a different perspective.