G. Sundaramali, C. Vishal Reddy, Revanth Vinay Kumar Kodali, Sherin Thomas Sipri, K. Santhosh Raj, S. Anirudh and Senthil Kumaran Selvaraj
This research work focuses on implementing this methodology in reducing the rejection rate of the turbocharger component problem that occurs during the manufacturing process…
Abstract
Purpose
This research work focuses on implementing this methodology in reducing the rejection rate of the turbocharger component problem that occurs during the manufacturing process. Using design, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) processes, it has been identified that clamping pressure on the component is one factor that affects quality. The impact of clamping pressure is studied to arrive at the ideal clamping pressure in which the rejection rate is the least.
Design/methodology/approach
Quality is the keyword in manufacturing where the production of a defect-free component is the most sought out objective. The definition of quality keeps getting refined throughout the years, from making products with no defects to minimizing rejection and scrap in the manufacturing process. Production facilities, to achieve this purpose, have adopted various methods and use of the DMAIC of Six Sigma methodology is one among them.
Findings
The study identified the fault causing the defect and suggested the methods to correct the fault. The suggestions would result in reducing the losses arising due to this and similar rejection causes.
Originality/value
With the adoption of DMAIC, it is found that misalignment of top and side clamp pressure is zero. When the side clamp pressure is at 75 PSI, and top clamp pressure is changed from 90 PSI to 95 PSI, the mean of responses is greater than the side clamp pressure of 80 PSI. Therefore, from the three-combination top clamp pressure of 100 PSI and the side clamp pressure of 75 PSI is the optimal condition.
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The purpose of this study is to discuss the complexities and challenges involved in retailing luxury motorcycle brands in India.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to discuss the complexities and challenges involved in retailing luxury motorcycle brands in India.
Research methodology
This study has been developed by carrying out in-depth interviews of company officials of Triumph Motorcycles. The researchers also reached out to various distributors of luxury motorcycles in Tiers I and II cities, and through the interview process, tried to understand the problems/issues faced while selling luxury motorcycles.
Case overview/synopsis
There has been a marked increase in the branding and marketing of luxury products in the recent years. Although the two wheelers account for 80 per cent of the domestic demand, the luxury motorbike market in India is still in its introductory stages. This study discusses the challenges faced at Triumph Motorcycles and raises questions on what should be done to increase the market share of Triumph Motorcycles in India. Readers would get insights into the activities carried out to build customer connect and would be able to suggest marketing strategies and customer relationship programmes for luxury motorcycle brands.
Complexity academic level
This study can be used for the core course on marketing management or for elective courses on customer relationship management, brand management or consumer behaviour course in MBA programme.
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Alan Adiel Velasco-Aquino, Jose Adan Espuna-Mujica, Josue Francisco Perez-Sanchez, Carlos Zuñiga-Leal, Arturo Palacio-Perez and Edgardo Jonathan Suarez-Dominguez
In recent years, the use of earth as a material applied to construction has been adapted as an attractive alternative to modern concepts. The earth construction technique takes…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent years, the use of earth as a material applied to construction has been adapted as an attractive alternative to modern concepts. The earth construction technique takes advantage of regional natural resources, among which are earth bricks. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of the addition of coconut fibers and aloe vera on the mechanical properties of compressed earth blocks (CEB).
Design/methodology/approach
CEBs were manufactured from silty and clay soil (Altamira, Tamaulipas, Mexico) with biodegradable stabilizers of aloe vera and short coconut mesocarp fibers, which were compared with the conventional mixture with lime as stabilizer. The samples were subjected to compression tests (Mexican Standard NMX-C-404-ONNCC3-205), flexion (NMX-C083-ONNCCE.), abrasion (NTC-5324 3.4.3), water absorption (NMX-C-37-ONNCE-205), surface morphology and thermal properties (ASTM D5334-14).
Findings
It was found that the addition of coconut fibers has a 12% difference in flexural strength. The addition of 0.5% of coconut fibers decreases swelling by 2% with water and reduces the thermal conductivity of the material by 12%. Likewise, this mixture increases the abrasion resistance of CEB by 30%. When there is a pressure greater than 1,700 psi in the CEB, the addition of coconut fibers does increase the compressive strength of the material, showing a 34% improvement over the CEB without adding coconut fibers.
Originality/value
The authors show a new sustainable CEB production with aloe vera and coconut fiber that is possible for self-production with better mechanical properties than others, commonly produced in Mexico.
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Jitendra Kumar and Sushant Negi
This study aims to deal with developing composite filaments and investigating the tribological behavior of additively manufactured syntactic foam composites. The primary objective…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to deal with developing composite filaments and investigating the tribological behavior of additively manufactured syntactic foam composites. The primary objective is to examine the suitability of the cenosphere (CS; 0–30 Wt.%) to develop a high-quality lightweight composite structure with improved abrasion strength.
Design/methodology/approach
CS/polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) composite feedstock filaments under optimized extrusion conditions were developed, and a fused filament fabrication process was used to prepare CS-filled PETG composite structures under optimal printing conditions. Significant parameters such as CS (0–30 Wt.%), sliding speed (200–800 rpm) and typical load (10–40 N) were used to minimize the dry sliding wear rate and coefficient of friction for developed composites.
Findings
The friction coefficient and specific wear rate (SWR) are most affected by the CS weight percentage and applied load, respectively. However, nozzle temperature has the least effect on the friction coefficient and SWR. A mathematical model predicts the composite material’s SWR and coefficient of friction with 87.5% and 95.2% accuracy, respectively.
Practical implications
Because of their tailorable physical and mechanical properties, CS/PETG lightweight composite structures can be used in low-density and damage-tolerance applications.
Social implications
CS, an industrial waste material, is used to develop lightweight syntactic foam composites for advanced engineering applications.
Originality/value
CS-reinforced PETG composite filaments were developed to fabricate ultra-light composite structures through a 3D printing routine.
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S.P. Sreenivas Padala and Anshul Goyal
This paper aims to enhance early-stage cost estimation in construction projects, a critical factor in project feasibility, funding, resource allocation and scheduling. Traditional…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to enhance early-stage cost estimation in construction projects, a critical factor in project feasibility, funding, resource allocation and scheduling. Traditional cost estimation approaches suffer from limitations such as the absence of structured methodologies, assumptions of linear cost relationships, prolonged processes and expert judgment variations. To address these challenges, this study proposes a reliable cost prediction model based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) for building construction projects in India.
Design/methodology/approach
To develop cost prediction model, this study collected data from 377 building construction projects in India, encompassing 17 essential cost parameters. The methodology involves data preprocessing, constructing features and fine-tuning ANN hyperparameters meticulously to achieve optimal performance.
Findings
The research showcases effectiveness of cost prediction model, evident in significantly reduced mean square error values. ANN-based prediction model excels in handling nonlinear cost dependencies and diverse project complexities, making it a valuable tool for early-stage cost estimation.
Research limitations/implications
ANN-based cost prediction model is primarily designed for predicting costs associated with structural works of building projects.
Practical implications
The proposed solution offers stakeholders a robust data-driven decision-making tool during initial phases of construction projects. This can lead to more successful and economically viable outcomes.
Originality/value
This research examines the drawbacks of traditional cost estimation methods by presenting a data-driven approach leveraging machine learning. It significantly improves precision of early cost forecasts in construction projects while offering practical value to industry.
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Dileep Bonthu, Bharath H.S., Siddappa I. Bekinal, P. Jeyaraj and Mrityunjay Doddamani
The purpose of this study was to introduce three-dimensional printing (3DP) of functionally graded sandwich foams (FGSFs). This work was continued by predicting the mechanical…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to introduce three-dimensional printing (3DP) of functionally graded sandwich foams (FGSFs). This work was continued by predicting the mechanical buckling and free vibration behavior of 3DP FGSFs using experimental and numerical analyses.
Design/methodology/approach
Initially, hollow glass microballoon-reinforced high-density polyethylene-based polymer composite foams were developed, and these materials were extruded into their respective filaments. These filaments are used as feedstock materials in fused filament fabrication based 3DP for the development of FGSFs. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was performed on the freeze-dried samples to observe filler sustainability. Furthermore, the density, critical buckling load (Pcr), natural frequency (fn) and damping factor of FGSFs were evaluated. The critical buckling load (Pcr) of the FGSFs was estimated using the double-tangent method and modified Budiansky criteria.
Findings
The density of FGSFs decreased with increasing filler percentage. The mechanical buckling load increased with the filler percentage. The natural frequency corresponding to the first mode of the FGSFs exhibited a decreasing trend with an increasing load in the pre-buckling regime and an increase in post-buckled zone, whereas the damping factor exhibited the opposite trend.
Originality/value
The current research work is valuable for the area of 3D printing by developing the functionally graded foam based sandwich beams. Furthermore, it intended to present the buckling behavior of 3D printed FGSFs, variation of frequency and damping factor corresponding to first three modes with increase in load.
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Fan Yang, Jihui Wang, Changzeng Wang, Junlei Chen and Anxin Ding
In order to find an appropriate method to synthesize a new high-efficiency flame retardant for epoxy resin.
Abstract
Purpose
In order to find an appropriate method to synthesize a new high-efficiency flame retardant for epoxy resin.
Design/methodology/approach
In this work, a flame retardant with heterocyclic groups, HOMP, was acquired after removing the obstacle from triazines which was not readily soluble. The molecular structure, thermal and flame retardant properties were fully characterized and analyzed. Also, the mechanism was researched through multi-methodologies. As well, the authors evaluated the effects of HOMP on mechanical properties.
Findings
The results suggested that HOMP helped extinguish the combustion of specimens and could reach an LOI value of 29.2% and the V0 level in the UL-94 test with a phosphorus content of only 0.6wt%. With respect to the mechanism, HOMP was a gas-phase flame retardant and helped generate a thicker carbon protective coating. However, for the mechanical properties, the addition of HOMP enhanced the compressibility, while the tensile strength decreased significantly.
Originality/value
The approach not only simplified the operations but also obtained HOMP with excellent flame retardant properties.
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Diantha D’Costa, Virginia Bodolica and Martin Spraggon
Upon completion of this case study analysis, the course audience is expected to achieve four learning outcomes. In particular, students should be able to conduct a comprehensive…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this case study analysis, the course audience is expected to achieve four learning outcomes. In particular, students should be able to conduct a comprehensive organizational diagnosis to uncover the peculiarities of managing a family business; analyze the specific challenges faced by family-owned enterprises in the context of emerging markets; evaluate the succession management practices in family organizations and design a profile of a successful successor; assess the effectiveness of managerial decision-making and provide recommendations for securing the sustainability of a family firm.
Case overview/synopsis
This case study unveils the tumultuous story of Vishwanath Shetty, an ambitious entrepreneur who transformed his small venture into a profitable family business with operations in Middle East, Asia and Africa. Since the early establishment of Qontrac International in 1989, he relied on the ownership and management participation of several members of his and his wife’s families. Over the years, Vishwanath was successful in pursuing a strategy of continuous growth and geographic diversification by taking advantage of the business opportunities in several regions and opening up branches in Oman, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ghana and India. Yet, almost three decades after its launch, the company was confronted with a number of family, growth and succession management challenges that endangered its survival in the long run. The Shetty family experienced a serious rift due to financial reasons, the performance of the two branches managed by siblings declined, and the old firm structure and management style did not fit well with the newly enlarged and geographically dispersed Qontrac International. To deal with these organizational issues, Vishwanath was faced with an additional dilemma of securing the support of a suitable intra-family candidate who could join the family business and become his successor. By describing the strategic events and family dynamics that shaped the evolution of Qontrac International over time, the case provides an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of managerial decision-making in the context of family firms and provide viable recommendations for ensuring firm survival and longevity.
Complexity academic level
Upper-level undergraduate audience Graduate audience (in Master of Global Entrepreneurial Management program).
Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Subject code
Strategy.
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Agnieszka Chmielewska, Bartlomiej Adam Wysocki, Elżbieta Gadalińska, Eric MacDonald, Bogusława Adamczyk-Cieślak, David Dean and Wojciech Świeszkowski
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of remelting each layer on the homogeneity of nickel-titanium (NiTi) parts fabricated from elemental nickel and titanium…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of remelting each layer on the homogeneity of nickel-titanium (NiTi) parts fabricated from elemental nickel and titanium powders using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). In addition, the influence of manufacturing parameters and different melting strategies, including multiple cycles of remelting, on printability and macro defects, such as pore and crack formation, have been investigated.
Design/methodology/approach
An LPBF process was used to manufacture NiTi alloy from elementally blended powders and was evaluated with the use of a remelting scanning strategy to improve the homogeneity of fabricated specimens. Furthermore, both single melt and up to two remeltings were used.
Findings
The results indicate that remelting can be beneficial for density improvement as well as chemical and phase composition homogenization. Backscattered electron mode in scanning electron microscope showed a reduction in the presence of unmixed Ni and Ti elemental powders in response to increasing the number of remelts. The microhardness values of NiTi parts for the different numbers of melts studied were similar and ranged from 487 to 495 HV. Nevertheless, it was observed that measurement error decreases as the number of remelts increases, suggesting an increase in chemical and phase composition homogeneity. However, X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of multiple phases regardless of the number of melt runs.
Originality/value
For the first time, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, elementally blended NiTi powders were fabricated via LPBF using remelting scanning strategies.
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Deepak B B V L and Pritpal Singh
In the previous decade, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have turned into a subject of enthusiasm for some exploration associations. UAVs are discovering applications in different…
Abstract
Purpose
In the previous decade, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have turned into a subject of enthusiasm for some exploration associations. UAVs are discovering applications in different regions going from military applications to activity reconnaissance. The purpose of this paper is to overview a particular sort of UAV called quadrotor or quadcopter.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper includes the dynamic models of a quadrotor and the distinctive model-reliant and model-autonomous control systems and their correlation.
Findings
In the present time, focus has moved to outlining autonomous quadrotors. Ultimately, the paper examines the potential applications of quadrotors and their part in multi-operators frameworks.
Originality/value
This investigation deals with the review on various quadrotors, their applications and motion control strategies.