Martin Christopher Mapley, Geoff Tansley, Jo P. Pauls, Shaun D. Gregory and Andrew Busch
Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques have been developed to rapidly produce custom designs from a multitude of materials. Bonded permanent magnets (PMs) have been produced via…
Abstract
Purpose
Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques have been developed to rapidly produce custom designs from a multitude of materials. Bonded permanent magnets (PMs) have been produced via several AM techniques to allow for rapid manufacture of complex geometries. These magnets, however, tend to suffer from lower residual induction than the industry standard of injection moulding primarily due to the lower packing density of the magnetic particles and secondly due to the feedstock consisting of neodymium-iron-boron (Nd-Fe-B) powder with isotropic magnetic properties. As there is no compaction during most AM processes, increasing the packing density is very difficult and therefore the purpose of this study was to increase the magnetic properties of the PMs without increasing the part density.
Design/methodology/approach
Accordingly, this research investigates the use of anisotropic NdFeB feedstock coupled with an in-situ alignment fixture into an AM process known as selective laser sintering (SLS) to increase the magnetic properties of AM magnets. A Helmholtz coil array was added to an SLS machine and used to expose each powder layer during part fabrication to a near-uniform magnetic field of 20.4 mT prior to consolidation by the laser.
Findings
Permeagraph measurements of the parts showed that the alignment field introduced residual induction anisotropy of up to 46.4 ± 2.2% when measured in directions parallel and perpendicular to the alignment field. X-ray diffraction measurements also demonstrated a convergence of the orientation of the crystals when the magnets were processed in the presence of the alignment field.
Originality/value
A novel active alignment fixture for SLS was introduced and was experimentally shown to induce anisotropy in bonded PMs. Thus demonstrating a new method for the enhancement in energy density of PMs produced via AM methods.
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Through a survey of 200 employees working in five of the thirty establishments analysed in previous research about the microeconomic effects of reducing the working time (Cahier…
Abstract
Through a survey of 200 employees working in five of the thirty establishments analysed in previous research about the microeconomic effects of reducing the working time (Cahier 25), the consequences on employees of such a reduction can be assessed; and relevant attitudes and aspirations better known.
Many changes in the law have occurred since the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1875, was placed on the statute book in an effort to regulate in some degree the supply of food. The…
Abstract
Many changes in the law have occurred since the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1875, was placed on the statute book in an effort to regulate in some degree the supply of food. The battle to ensure that food should be of good quality, pure, wholesome and free from disease still continues, though the weapons used have changed somewhat from those early days, and the hands that wield them have been considerably strengthened by Acts which cover the ramifications of the public food supply in a more efficient manner than their predecessors. Despite all the experience gained over these many years of trial and error, the fact remains that the administration of the Food and Drugs Act, 1938, is still beset with problems, and the adulteration of food, either wilfully or through sheer ignorance, still continues. The maintenance of good health is brought about not only by a food supply of quantity, but also one of quality. The cost of providing and maintaining an efficient service for checking the purity of the nation's food is heavy, when one takes into account the money spent in maintaining and equipping departments for this purpose. This raises the question as to whether the effort is worth while and the results have justified the means in time and money expended. The answer is of course obvious. It is rather alarming to contemplate what would happen if no control existed and the zealous watch on food were relaxed. Especially is this so to‐day, when food is in short supply and buyers are not so particular with regard to quality as long as there is quantity. Does the average man‐in‐the‐street realise the steps taken by local authorities to protect his health and his pocket? He might occasionally see a report in the Press of a prosecution for food adulteration, but his mind travels no further than the immediate case in question. The work of officials in connection with food and drugs cannot be overestimated and it is to be hoped that new legislation which undoubtedly will be introduced in the years to come to meet the changing conditions will add strength to their activities in preserving the quality and standard of the people's food.
Christina Öberg, Christina Grundström and Petter Jönsson
The purpose of the paper is to discuss whether or not an acquisition changes the network identity of an acquired firm and, if so, how. This study aims to bring new insights to the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to discuss whether or not an acquisition changes the network identity of an acquired firm and, if so, how. This study aims to bring new insights to the corporate marketing field, as it examines corporate identity in the context of how a company is perceived because of its relationships with other firms. The focus of this research is acquired innovative firms.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper adopts a multiple case study approach. Data on four acquisitions of innovative firms were collected using 41 interviews, which were supplemented with secondary data.
Findings
Based on the case studies, it can be concluded that the network identity of the acquired firms does change following an acquisition. The acquired firms inherited the acquirers' identity, regardless of whether or not the companies were integrated. Previous, present and potential business partners regarded the innovative firms as being more solvent, but distanced themselves. In addition, some of them regarded the innovative firms as competitors.
Practical implications
Changes in the way a firm is perceived by its business partners, following an acquisition, will influence the future business operations of the firm. Expected changes to business relationships should ideally be considered part of due diligence. Acquirers need to consider how they can minimise the risks associated with business partners' changed perceptions of acquired firms.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the research on identity, through discussion of the consequences of an acquisition for the identity and relationships of a firm. It also contributes to the existing corporate marketing literature, through consideration of perceptions at a network level. Furthermore, this paper contributes to merger and acquisition literature, by highlighting the influence of ownership on relationships with external parties.
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Paul Walley, Kate Silvester and Shaun Mountford
The paper seeks to investigate decision‐making processes within hospital improvement activity, to understand how performance measurement systems influence decisions and…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper seeks to investigate decision‐making processes within hospital improvement activity, to understand how performance measurement systems influence decisions and potentially lead to unsuccessful or unsustainable process changes.
Design/methodology/approach
A longitudinal study over a 33‐month period investigates key events, decisions and outcomes at one medium‐sized hospital in the UK. Process improvement events are monitored using process control methods and by direct observation. The authors took a systems perspective of the health‐care processes, ensuring that the impacts of decisions across the health‐care supply chain were appropriately interpreted.
Findings
The research uncovers the ways in which measurement systems disguise failed decisions and encourage managers to take a low‐risk approach of “symptomatic relief” when trying to improve performance metrics. This prevents many managers from trying higher risk, sustainable process improvement changes. The behaviour of the health‐care system is not understood by many managers and this leads to poor analysis of problem situations.
Practical implications
Measurement using time‐series methodologies, such as statistical process control are vital for a better understanding of the systems impact of changes. Senior managers must also be aware of the behavioural influence of similar performance measurement systems that discourage sustainable improvement. There is a risk that such experiences will tarnish the reputation of performance management as a discipline.
Originality/value
Recommends process control measures as a way of creating an organization memory of how decisions affect performance – something that is currently lacking.
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A Crown Court hearing of a charge of applying a false A description under S.2, Trade Descriptions Act, 1968, is given in some detail under Legal Proceedings in this issue of BFJ…
Abstract
A Crown Court hearing of a charge of applying a false A description under S.2, Trade Descriptions Act, 1968, is given in some detail under Legal Proceedings in this issue of BFJ. It concerns using the word “ham”, ie., the natural leg of a single pig, to various pieces from several pigs, deboned, defatted, “tumbled, massaged and cooked” in a mould shaped to a leg of ham, from which the average purchaser would find it impossible to distinguish. As the defence rightly claimed, this process has been used for at least a couple of decades, and the product forms a sizeable section of the bacon trade. Evidence by prosecution witnesses, experienced shop managers, believed the product to be the genuine “ham”. There is nothing detrimental about the meat, save that it tends to contain an excess of added water, but this applies to many meat products today; or that the manufacturers are setting out to cheat the consumer. What offends is the description given to the product. Manufacture was described in detail—a county trading standards officer inspected the process at the defendant company's Wiltshire factory, witness to the extent of their co‐operation—and was questioned at great length by defending counsel. Specimens of the product were exhibited and the jury were treated to a tasting test—presumably designed to refute prosecution's claim that the meat was of “poor value”. The trial judge said the jury had no doubt been enlightened as to the methods of manufacturing ham. The marketing of the product was also a subject of examination.