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Purpose: In the electronic assembly industry, low-temperature soldering holds great potential to be used in surface mounting technology. Tin–bismuth (Sn–Bi) eutectic alloys are lead-free solders applied in consumer electronics because of their low melting point, high strength and low cost. This paper aims to investigate how to address the problem of hot tear crack formation during Sn–Bi low-temperature solder (LTS) in the mass production of consumer electronics. Design/methodology/approach: This paper explored the development of hot tear cracks during Sn–Bi soldering in the fabrication of flip chip ball grid arrays. Experiments were designed to simulate various conditions encountered in Sn–Bi soldering. Quantitative analysis was conducted on the number of hot tear cracks observed in different alloy compositions and solder volumes to explore the primary cause of hot tear cracks and possible methods to suppress crack formation. Findings: Hot tear cracks existed in Sn–Bi solders with different bismuth (Bi) contents, but increasing the solder volume reduced the number of hot tear cracks. Experiments were designed to test the degree of chip transient thermal warpage with temperature change, and, according to the results, glue was dispensed in specific areas to reduce chip warpage deformation. Finally, the results of combined process experiments pointed to an effective method of low-temperature soldering to suppress hot tear cracks. Research limitations/implications: The study focuses on Sn–Bi solders only without other solder pastes such as SAC305 or Sn–Zn series. Practical implications: With the growing popularity of smart electronics, especially in intelligent terminals, new energy vehicles electronics, solar photovoltaic and other field, there will be more and more demand for low- temperature, energy-saving, lead-free solders. Therefore, this study will help the industry to roll out LTS (Sn–Bi) solutions rapidly. Social implications: In the long term, lean and green manufacturing is expected to be essential for maintaining an advanced manufacturing industry across the world. Developing new LTSs and soldering processes is the most effective, direct solution for energy conservation and emission mitigation. With the growing popularity of smart electronics, especially in intelligent terminals, new energy vehicles and solar photovoltaics, there would be an increased demand for low-temperature, energy-saving, lead-free techniques. Originality/value: Although there are many methods that can be used to suppress hot tear cracks, there is little research on how to control the hot tear cracks caused by the low-temperature soldering of Sn–Bi in laptop applications. The authors studied the hot tear cracks that developed during the world's first mass production of 50 million personal laptops based on low-temperature Sn–Bi alloy solder pastes. By controlling the Bi content, redesigning the solder paste printing process (e.g. through a printer's stencil) and adding dispensing processes, the authors obtained reliable and stable experimental data and conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Pores and shrink holes are unavoidable defects in the die-casting mass production process which may significantly influence the strength, fatigue and fracture behaviour as well as the life span of structures, especially if they are subjected to high static and dynamic loads. Such defects should be considered during the design process or after production, where the defects could be detected with the help of computed tomography (CT) measurements. However, this is usually not done in today's mass production environments. This paper deals with the stress analysis of die-cast structural parts with pores found from CT measurements or that are artificially placed within a structure. Design/methodology/approach: In this paper the authors illustrate two general methodologies to take into account the porosity of die-cast components in the stress analysis. The detailed geometry of a die-cast part including all discontinuities such as pores and shrink holes can be included via STL data provided by CT measurements. The first approach is a combination of the finite element method (FEM) and the finite cell method (FCM), which extends the FEM if the real geometry cuts finite elements. The FCM is only applied in regions with pores. This procedure has the advantage that all simulations with different pore distributions, real or artificial, can be calculated without changing the base finite element mesh. The second approach includes the pore information as STL data into the original CAD model and creates a new adapted finite element mesh for the simulation. Both methods are compared and evaluated for an industrial problem. Findings: The STL data of defects which the authors received from CT measurements could not be directly applied without repairing them. Therefore, for FEM applications an appropriate repair procedure is proposed. The first approach, which combines the FEM with the FCM, the authors have realized within the commercial software tool Abaqus. This combination performs well, which is demonstrated for test examples, and is also applied for a complex industrial project. The developed in-house code still has some limitations which restrict broader application in industry. The second pure FEM-based approach works well without limitations but requires increasing computational effort if many different pore distributions are to be investigated. Originality/value: A new simulation approach which combines the FEM with the FCM has been developed and implemented into the commercial Abaqus FEM software. This approach the authors have applied to simulate a real engineering die-cast structure with pores. This approach could become a preferred way to consider pores in practical applications, where the porosity can be derived either from CT measurements or are artificially adopted for design purposes. The authors have also shown how pores can be considered in the standard FEM analysis as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: 3D printing techniques such as material extrusion based additive manufacturing provide a promising and cost effective manufacturing technique. However, the main challenges in industrial applications remain with the quality assurance of mass produced parts. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of compression moulding as a rapid consolidation method for 3D printed composites, with an aim to reduce voids and defects and thus improving quality assurance of printed parts. Design/methodology/approach: To develop an understanding of the inherent voids in 3D parts and the influence on mechanical properties, material extrusion additively manufactured (MEX) parts were post consolidated by using compression moulding at elevated temperature. Findings: This study comparatively investigates the influence of carbon fibre length, undergoing process induced scission during filament extrusion and IM and its impact on void content and mechanical properties. It was found that the post consolidation significantly reduced the voids and the mechanical properties were significantly improved compared to the nonconsolidated material extrusion additively manufactured parts, reaching values similar to those of the IM parts. Practical implications: Adaptation of extrusion-based additive manufacturing with hybridisation of reliable compression moulding technology transcends into series production of highly adaptive end user applications, such as drones, advanced sports prosthetics, competitive cycling and more. Originality/value: This paper adds to the current understanding of 3D printing and provides a step towards quality assurance for mass production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In intelligent scheduling, parallel batch processing can reasonably allocate production resources and reduce the production cost per unit product. Hence, the research on a parallel batch scheduling problem (PBSP) with uncertain job size is of great significance to realize the flexibility of product production and mass customization of personalized products. Design/methodology/approach: The authors propose a robust formulation in which the job size is defined by budget constrained support. For obtaining the robust solution of the robust PBSP, the authors propose an exact algorithm based on branch-and-price framework, where the pricing subproblem can be reduced to a robust shortest path problem with resource constraints. The robust subproblem is transformed into a deterministic mixed integer programming by duality. A series of deterministic shortest path problems with resource constraints is derived from the programming for which the authors design an efficient label-setting algorithm with a strong dominance rule. Findings: The authors test the performance of the proposed algorithm on the extension of benchmark instances in literature and compare the infeasible rate of robust and deterministic solutions in simulated scenarios. The authors' results show the efficiency of the authors' algorithm and importance of incorporating uncertainties in the problem. Originality/value: This work is the first to study the PBSP with uncertain size. To solve this problem, the authors design an efficient exact algorithm based on Dantzig–Wolfe decomposition. This can not only enrich the intelligent manufacturing theory related to parallel batch scheduling but also provide ideas for relevant enterprises to solve problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper reviews the synergy of Industry 4.0 and additive manufacturing (AM) and discusses the integration of data-driven manufacturing systems and product service systems as a key component of the Industry 4.0 revolution. This paper aims to highlight the potential effects of Industry 4.0 on AM via tools such as digitalisation, data transfer, tagging technology, information in Industry 4.0 and intelligent features. Design/methodology/approach: In successive phases of industrialisation, there has been a rise in the use of, and dependence on, data in manufacturing. In this review of Industry 4.0 and AM, the five pillars of success that could see the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, robotics and materials science enabling new levels of interactivity and interdependence between suppliers, producers and users are discussed. The unique effects of AM capabilities, in particular mass customisation and light-weighting, combined with the integration of data and IoT in Industry 4.0, are studied for their potential to support higher efficiencies, greater utility and more ecologically friendly production. This research also illustrates how the digitalisation of manufacturing for Industry 4.0, through the use of IoT and AM, enables new business models and production practices. Findings: The discussion illustrates the potential of combining IoT and AM to provide an escape from the constraints and limitations of conventional mass production whilst achieving economic and ecological savings. It should also be noted that this extends to the agile design and fabrication of increasingly complex parts enabled by simulations of complex production processes and operating systems. This paper also discusses the relationship between Industry 4.0 and AM with respect to improving the quality and robustness of product outcomes, based on real-time data/feedback. Originality/value: This research shows how a combined approach to research into IoT and AM can create a step change in practice that alters the production and supply paradigm, potentially reducing the ecological impact of industrial systems and product life cycle. This paper demonstrates how the integration of Industry 4.0 and AM could reshape the future of manufacturing and discusses the challenges involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Additive manufacturing (AM) offers potential solutions when conventional manufacturing reaches its technological limits. These include a high degree of design freedom, lightweight design, functional integration and rapid prototyping. In this paper, the authors show how AM can be implemented not only for prototyping but also production using different optimization approaches in design including topology optimization, support optimization and selection of part orientation and part consolidation. This paper aims to present how AM can reduce the production cost of complex components such as jet engine air manifold by optimizing the design. This case study also identifies a detailed feasibility analysis of the cost model for an air manifold of an Airbus jet engine using various strategies, such as computer numerical control machining, printing with standard support structures and support optimization. Design/methodology/approach: Parameters that affect the production price of the air manifold such as machining, printing (process), feedstock, labor and post-processing costs were calculated and compared to find the best manufacturing strategy. Findings: Results showed that AM can solve a range of problems and improve production by customization, rapid prototyping and geometrical freedom. This case study showed that 49%–58% of the cost is related to pre- and post-processing when using laser-based powder bed fusion to produce the air manifold. However, the cost of pre- and post-processing when using machining is 32%–35% of the total production costs. The results of this research can assist successful enterprises, such as aerospace, automotive and medical, in successfully turning toward AM technology. Originality/value: Important factors such as validity, feasibility and limitations, pre-processing and monitoring, are discussed to show how a process chain can be controlled and run efficiently. Reproducibility of the process chain is debated to ensure the quality of mass production lines. Post-processing and qualification of the AM parts are also discussed to show how to satisfy the demands on standards (for surface quality and dimensional accuracy), safety, quality and certification. The original contribution of this paper is identifying the main production costs of complex components using both conventional and AM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to monitor and guide the assembly process. The operators need to change the assembly process according to the products' specifications during manual assembly of mass customized production. Traditional information inquiry and display methods, such as manual lookup of assembly drawings or electronic manuals, are inefficient and error-prone. Design/methodology/approach: This paper proposes a projection-based augmented reality system (PBARS) for assembly guidance and monitoring. The system includes a projection method based on viewpoint tracking, in which the position of the operator's head is tracked and the projection images are changed correspondingly. The assembly monitoring phase applies a method for parts recognition. First, the pixel local binary pattern (PX-LBP) operator is achieved by merging the classical LBP operator with the pixel classification process. Afterward, the PX-LBP features of the depth images are extracted and the randomized decision forests classifier is used to get the pixel classification prediction image (PCPI). Parts recognition and assembly monitoring is performed by PCPI analysis. Findings: The projection image changes with the viewpoint of the human body, hence the operators always perceive the three-dimensional guiding scene from different viewpoints, improving the human-computer interaction. Part recognition and assembly monitoring were achieved by comparing the PCPIs, in which missing and erroneous assembly can be detected online. Originality/value: This paper designed the PBARS to monitor and guide the assembly process simultaneously, with potential applications in mass customized production. The parts recognition and assembly monitoring based on pixels classification provides a novel method for assembly monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The general objective of this research was to identify the practices of the mass production industries, on the decisions related to the detection of defective products and to identify relevant criteria, actions, effects and variables to be used in a decision-making model. Design/methodology/approach: A survey questionnaire was developed and structured in 20 questions, with 18 closed questions and 2 open questions. The questions were constructed based on the literature review, with the identification of 15 theoretical and practical concepts of quality. Seven other information requests were included, concerning the initial characterization of the defective items and industry. The company, the product, the processes and the defects were contextualized, and then the decision-making process was framed, to understand the factors that influenced it. Findings: The industries of the Industrial Pole of Manaus discard or rework their defective products influenced by promoting the lowest cost and the required quality. The factors with the biggest influence on decisions are rework and disposal costs, and time available for rework and replacement. The main requirements defined for the decision-making model were: 1) compare the rework and discard options, only if the rework reaches the required quality level; and 2) identify and account the effects of defective items on quality, productivity and costs. Research limitations/implications: Overall, 109 questionnaires were sent, representing 21.3% (109/512) of the companies at the Industrial Pole of Manaus. The respondents represent 14.6% (75/512) of the population. Originality/value: Defects can occur, requiring a decision that promotes the lowest cost and the required quality. Quality cost models do not show a systematic analysis for identification, accounting, evaluation of effects and criteria associated with the destination of manufactured defective items. Therefore this research was done to fill this gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate voiding phenomena in solder joints under thermal pads of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) assembled in mass production environment by reflow soldering by using seven low-voiding lead-free solder pastes. Design/methodology/approach: The solder pastes investigated are of SAC305 type, Innolot type or they are especially formulated by the manufacturers on the base of (SnAgCu) alloys with addition of some alloying elements such as Bi, In, Sb and Ti to provide low-void contents. The SnPb solder paste – OM5100 – was used as a benchmark. The solder paste coverage of LED solder pads was chosen as a measure of void contents in solder joints because of common usage of this parameter in industry practice. Findings: It was found that the highest coverage and, related to it, the least void contents are in solder joints formed with the pastes LMPA-Q and REL61, which are characterized by the coverage of mean value 93.13% [standard deviation (SD) = 2.72%] and 92.93% (SD = 2.77%), respectively. The void diameters reach the mean value equal to 0.061 mm (SD = 0.044 mm) for LMPA-Q and 0.074 mm (SD = 0.052 mm) for REL61. The results are presented in the form of histograms, plot boxes and X-ray images. Some selected solder joints were observed with 3D computer tomography. Originality/value: The statistical analyses are carried out on the basis of 2D X-ray images with using Origin software. They enable to compare features of various solder pastes recommended by manufacturers as low voiding. The results might be useful for solder paste manufacturers or electronic manufacturing services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop a modular garment assembly line simulator that can be used for various production methods such as traditional mass production or modern small quantity batch production. Design/methodology/approach: For realistic simulation, the actual shape and sewing information of the garment patterns were used. The assembly line consists of process units including the cutter, preprocessor, module assembly, final assembly, finish, and stack units. Any number of units can be arranged and connected to form various layouts. The simulation can be run at an arbitrary speed. Findings: This system can be used to estimate the time required to process the given order for a specific layout. Therefore, it can be utilized as the basis for optimum production line design. Originality/value: This system is expected to be utilized by garment manufacturers for obtaining the productivity improvement, production cost reduction, and increased competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the current state, technological challenges, economic opportunities and future directions in the growing "indirect" hybrid manufacturing ecosystem, which integrates traditional metal casting with the production of tooling via additive manufacturing (AM) process including three-dimensional sand printing (3DSP) and printed wax patterns. Design/methodology/approach: A survey was conducted among 100 participants from foundries and AM service providers across the USA to understand the current adoption of AM in metal casting as a function of engineering specifications, production demand, volume and cost metrics. In addition, current technological and logistical challenges that are encountered by the foundries are identified to gather insight into the future direction of this evolving supply chain. Findings: One of the major findings from this study is that hard tooling costs (i.e. patterns/core boxes) are the greatest challenge in low volume production for foundries. Hence, AM and 3DSP offer the greatest cost-benefit for these low volume production runs as it does not require the need for hard tooling to produce much higher profit premium castings. It is evident that there are major opportunities for the casting supply chain to benefit from an advanced digital ecosystem that seamlessly integrates AM and 3DSP into foundry operations. The critical challenges for adoption of 3DSP in current foundry operations are categorized into as follows: capital cost of the equipment, which cannot be justified due to limited demand for 3DSP molds/cores by casting buyers, transportation of 3DSP molds and cores, access to 3DSP, limited knowledge of 3DSP, limitations in current design tools to integrate 3DSP design principles and long lead times to acquire 3DSP molds/cores. Practical implications: Based on the findings of this study, indirect hybrid metal AM supply chains, i.e. 3DSP metal casting supply chains is proposed, as 3DSP replaces traditional mold-making in the sand casting process flow, no/limited additional costs and resources would be required for qualification and certification of the cast parts made from three-dimensional printed sand molds. Access to 3DSP resources can be addressed by establishing a robust 3DSP metal casting supply chain, which will also enable existing foundries to rapidly acquire new 3DSP-related knowledge. Originality/value: This original survey from 100 small and medium enterprises including foundries and AM service providers suggests that establishing 3DSP hubs around original equipment manufacturers as a shared resource to produce molds and cores would be beneficial. This provides traditional foundries means to continue mass production of castings using existing hard tooling while integrating 3DSP for new complex low volume parts, replacement parts, legacy parts and prototyping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to develop a software can generate helmet mold from three-dimensional (3D) human body scan data. Design/methodology/approach: An algorithm has been developed to divide data into arbitrary number of groups considering the width, length and height of head using the standard normal distribution theory. A basic helmet mold is generated automatically based on the shape of representative convex hull for each group. Findings: It is possible to analyze the 3D human body scan data of groups with various characteristics and apply them to mass customized production of helmet. Practical implications: This methodology can be applied for designing other products related to the head shape such as goggles and masks by varying the measurement items of the head. Social implications: This methodology will enable mass customized production centered on consumers in the production and design of various equipment and goods to be worn on the head. Originality/value: An algorithm has been developed to define the vertex point, which is the limit of scan data, for the analysis of 3D human body scan data scan data. In addition, a system was developed that can mass-produce customized products by effectively dividing groups while taking into account the physical characteristics of consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the microfactory model, the elements that enable it and its implications. The authors argue that microfactories reduce the risks and costs of innovation and that they can move various industries toward more local, adaptive and sustainable business ecosystems. Design/methodology/approach: This conceptual paper explores several processes and practices that are relatively new; hence, it uses online secondary sources (e.g. interviews with CEOs, videos, blogs and trade magazine articles) extensively. Findings: Given its versatility and high automation levels, the microfactory model can fill the gap between artisanal and mass production processes, boost the rate of innovation, and enable the local on-demand fabrication of customized products. Practical implications: Currently, manufacturers generally need to make large investments when launching a new product, despite high uncertainty about customer acceptance, thus risking considerable losses. The microfactory model offers a safer alternative by allowing a firm to develop and fabricate new products and test their acceptance in a local market before mass producing them. Microfactories also enable the local on-demand fabrication of highly customized products. Originality/value: This paper contributes to the discussion on the economic advantages and disadvantages of scale and scope, which have been insufficiently explored in the digital domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- This paper aims to highlight the relevance of second-hand clothing (SHC) in the Ethiopian textile and apparel value chain by investigating its potential and establishing a connect to sustainability from a consumption point of view. Design/methodology/approach -- Primary and secondary methods of research were used in this research. Structured observational technique was used to identify the retailers in the city. In total, 70 retailers of SHC were identified and 15 big size retailers were interviewed with open end questions through judgment sampling method. Findings -- From the analysis of the field research and scientific literature, the authors strongly believe that SHC has an important space in the consumer retail segment of the country. This trade remains in the shadow but is sustaining livelihoods of citizens. The SHC trade provides an automatic balance to the future excessive consumption which is a result of mass production and hence should be encouraged further on various dimensions. Originality/value -- Existing literature exhibits statistics of the trade and impact in East African Community (EAC) missing out on Ethiopia as it is not a member of the EAC. Moreover a connection of SHC to sustainability established has never been established in the past for under-developing countries, and it is one of the critical factors in the success of used clothing and future of textile and apparel business. This research also provides channelized solutions to the business for smooth implementation of SHC in Ethiopia and other under-developing countries [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: High-pressure die casting is one of the manufacturing techniques used for the rational mass production of metal parts. Due to the high velocity of the molten metal during the injection phase, the die casting of aluminum is so complex and it is almost impossible to calculate these exact performances. Numerical simulation is an effective way to optimize the injection phase and minimize air entrapment that causes porosity defects in the metal. Generally, the filling phase of the molten metal in the shot sleeve is neglected in most scientific work. This phase is followed by a rest period to allow the escape of the resident air bubbles (gravity effect). The paper aims to discuss these issue. Design/methodology/approach: It is relatively clear that the model described poses a great challenge for numerical implementation, especially for 3D geometries. The governing transport equations are solved numerically using the commercial CFD solver Fluent and the equations are discretized using a pressure-based finite volume method. The coupling pressure–velocity was solved by the PISO algorithm. The PISO algorithm takes relatively more CPU time per solver iteration, but it significantly decreases the number of iterations required for the convergence of the transient flow problems. Laminar flow inside air and molten metal was assumed. In order to describe the behavior of the molten metal, a VOF model has been activated. The model makes it possible to account for the moving boundary due to the variation of the shot sleeve volume caused by the plunger displacement. The scheme used in the discretization of momentum equation was the first-order upwind scheme, and the scheme used for the pressure was the PRESTO. The profile of the plunger velocity, boundary conditions change with time and the physical properties change with liquid fraction were used by implementation of a user-defined function. For the discretization of the domain, an unstructured mesh with triangular elements is used. After conducting mesh sensitivity study, a mesh having 53,813 triangular elements has been chosen for the present study. The convergence criterion was set equal to 10–4 for all parameters. Findings: The results show that the rest and global filling times increase by 2.5 and 8.57 percent with decreasing the pouring velocity by 10 percent. In addition, the rest and global filling times decrease by 5.77 and 8.12 percent with increasing the pouring velocity by 10 percent. Originality/value: After the filling phase, it is necessary to offer a rest period before the injection phase. However, the rest and global filling times increase by 2.5 and 8.57 percent with decreasing the pouring velocity by 10 percent. In addition, the rest and global filling times decrease by 5.77 and 8.12 percent with increasing the pouring velocity by 10 percent. Increasing the pouring velocity by 10 percent leads increasing of the molten metal velocity in the shot sleeve and requires a delay of time of the beginning of the faster plunger movement by 7–10.5 percent. On the other hand, Figure 12 shows that increasing the pouring velocity requires increasing of the plunger velocity during the injection phase, thus increasing the pouring velocity. In order to overcome this problem, it is necessary to reduce the injection velocity and prolong the period of the slower plunger movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to present a combination modeling method using multi-source information in the process to improve the accuracy of the dimension propagation relationship for assembly variation reduction. Design/methodology/approach: Based on a variable weight combination prediction method, the combination model that takes the mechanism model and data-driven model based on inspection data into consideration is established. Furthermore, the combination model is applied to qualification rate prediction for process alarming based on the Monte Carlo simulation and also used in engineering tolerance confirmation in mass production stage. Findings: The combination model of variable weights considers both the static theoretical mechanic variation propagation model and the dynamic variation relationships from the regression model based on data collections, and provides more accurate assembly deviation predictions for process alarming. Originality/value: A combination modeling method could be used to provide more accurate variation predictions and new engineering tolerance design procedures for the assembly process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to propose and optimize plastic optical fiber (POF) probe with macro-bending biconical tapered structure for the relative humidity (RH) sensing. Design/methodology/approach: In this study, the principle is the evanescent wave power modulated by the ambient humidity. The probe is fabricated by using fused biconical taper and heat-setting method and then coated with a fluorescent moisture-sensitive film. Findings: The probe's sensing performance can be optimized by changing the probe's curvature radius, biconical tapered transition length and taper waist diameter. The result shows that the sensitivity of the probe is up to 1.60 and 3.40 mV/ per cent, respectively, at low humidity (10-45 per cent) and high humidity (45-90 per cent). Also, this probe has good linearity, repeatability, photostability and long-term stability. Practical implications: The proposed probe can improve the sensitivity and linearity of RH sensing without complex devices, which is necessary for mass production, remote measurement and convenient operation. Originality/value: POF probe with macro-bending biconical tapered structure is investigated in this paper, which is proved to be effective in improving the sensitivity and linearity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Fast-changing customer demands and rising requirements in product performance constantly challenge sports equipment manufacturers to come up with new and improved products to stay competitive. Additive manufacturing (AM), also referred to as 3D printing, can enhance the development of new products by providing an efficient approach of rapid prototyping. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the current adoption of AM technologies in the innovation process of the sports industry, i.e. level of awareness; how it is implemented; and it impact on the innovation process. Design/methodology/approach: This work followed a qualitative research approach. After conducting a research of the current literature, this paper presents findings that include case studies from different companies, as well as a semi-structured interview with an outdoor sports equipment manufacturer. Companies from all over the world and of different sizes from under 100 employees to over 70,000 employees were considered in this research. Findings: Literature research shows that AM brings many possibilities to enhance the innovation process, and case studies indicated several obstacles that hinder the technology from fully unfolding. AM is still at the early stage of entering the sports equipment industry and its potential benefits have not been fully exploited yet. The findings generated from the research of real-life practices show that AM provides several benefits when it comes to the innovation process, such as a faster development process, an optimised output, as well as the possibility to create new designs. However, companies are not yet able to enhance the innovation process in a way that leads to new products and new markets with AM. Limitations, including a small range of process able material and an inefficient mass production, still restrain the technology and lead to unused capability. Nevertheless, future prospects indicate the growing importance of AM in the innovation process and show that its advancement paves the way to new and innovative products. Research limitations/implications: Limitations exist in the qualitative approach of this study, which does not include the quantitative verification of the results. Originality/value: Very few studies have been conducted to investigate how firms can harvest AM to increase their innovation capabilities. How firms can use AM to shorten product development time is an emerging topic in business and operations but has not been studied widely. This paper aims to address this gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The whole garment technology offers a solution for the production efficiency by directly knitting a seamless tubular garment. Due to its complexity, high requirements and few references, the technology has not been widely applied in mass production. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to show garment technology’s detailed design method, the technique calculation process and its merits compared than common technology.Design/methodology/approach This paper first analyzes the knitting principle of the four-bed computerized flat knitting machine from its configuration. After that, the design method is putted forward as well as the technique calculation process. To reveal the advantages of the whole garment technology, this paper builds a comprehensive evaluation system by comparing the knitting time, labor cost and the yarn consumption.Findings With the evaluation system, the whole garment technology is proved to be more productive, cost-saving and less materials-consuming. Moreover, this advantage stands more out when the machine gage is higher.Research limitations/implications Due to limited research time and references, this paper only presents the whole garment technology for knitting common and traditional styles. More complicated and fashioned garments can be studied in the future research.Practical implications The design method and technology presented in this paper can be used as a reference for both the designers in the manufacture industry and the scholars for academic research works.Originality/value This paper has presented the whole garment technology and a specific method for technique calculation with consideration of garment structures. It also builds a evaluation system to show the advantages in terms of knitting efficiency, labor cost and yarn consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the arrival of mass production, commodification has been plaguing markets - none more so than that for music. By separating production and consumption in space and time, commodification challenges the very conditions underlying economic exchange. This chapter explores authenticity as the institutional response to the commodification of music, rekindling the relationship between isolated market participants in the increasingly digitized world of music. Building upon the "Production of Culture" perspective, we unpack the commodification of music across five different institutional realms - (1) production, (2) consumption, (3) selection, (4) appropriation, and (5) classification - and provide a thoroughly relational account of authenticity as an institutional practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article traces the regimes of worth that defined energy for centuries as a productive force of human and animal labor, an understanding that transformed in the 18th century to an "industrial-energy" regime of worth supporting an economy of mass production, consumption, and profit and more recently one centered on market forces and price. Industrial and market energy and the conventions and institutions that support them are currently in a period of discursive and material ferment; they are being challenged by different higher order principles of worth. We discuss eight emergent energy justifications that argue what kind of energy is - and is not - in the best interests of society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to analyze learning in organizational transformations by focusing on concept-level tensions faced in two young companies, which were searching for a reorientation of activity with a production network between innovative product development and efficient mass production. Design/methodology/approach – An intervention-based research project was carried out with two manufacturing companies. The data originate from workshops, whose aim was to identify learning needs based on the discussion of practices of networked production. Concept-level learning is analyzed by examining the dynamic relationships between production concepts and product concepts. Findings – The most influential concept-level tension stemmed from the co-existence of two production concepts, product development and mass production, which manifested as ambiguity about proper actions in the production network. Other focal tensions were identified between the production and product concepts and within the companies’ network relationships. The dominance of the mass production concept restricted the envisioning of new modes of collaboration and mutual learning in the production network. Research limitations/implications – The workshop participants did not include representatives from the case companies’ production network. Nevertheless, researchers brought the network partners’ conceptions into the workshop discussion through the presented mirror data. Practical implications – Companies striving to develop novel production concepts that call for continuous collaboration with customers and suppliers need forums for mutual learning to create solutions to concept-level tensions. Originality/value – Companies may develop two production concepts over lengthy periods. The tensions that manifest due to incoherent guiding logics may be overcome by engaging in incremental and expansive concept-level learning, directed at the identification of relationships between production and product concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Direct digital manufacturing (DDM) is conceived of as either disrupting the entire manufacturing economy or merely enabling novel production. The purpose of this paper is to introduce an alternative where DDM coexists with and complements traditional mass production. When multiple parts run across one manufacturing line, DDM can isolate variability associated with low volume part production and may be preferred to mass production despite being expensive. If DDM complements rather than cannibalizes mass production, this alters the understanding of who adopts DDM, the products built with DDM, and DDM’s long-term supply chain implications. Design/methodology/approach – This invited paper explores a DDM rollout scenario and qualitatively assesses potential supply chain reconfigurations. Findings – The analysis recognizes that existing manufacturers with heterogeneous bills-of-material may develop DDM capabilities to isolate disruptive, low-volume production from scalable mass production. Developing DDM competence and raw material scale advantages, these manufacturers become the locus of change in a manufacturing landscape increasingly characterized by multi-product DDM supercenters. Originality/value – Extant research largely focusses on two potential reasons for DDM adoption: cost-per-unit and time-to-delivery comparisons. The authors explore a third driver: DDM’s capacity to isolate manufacturing variability attributable to low volume parts. Relative to the extant literature, this suggests a different DDM rollout, different adopters, and a different supply chain configuration. The authors identify mass manufacturing variability reduction as the mechanism through which DDM may be adopted. This adoption trajectory would eventually enable a supply chain transition in which spare parts inventory migrates from finished goods at proprietary facilities to raw materials at generalized DDM supercenters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The recommendation of structural standards, e.g. PN-B-03002, shows a need to control the production quality of wall-elements; the quality control demands suitable guidelines to fit the requirements of the current mass-production of the wall-elements, then, the structural standard recognizes the need of improving the methods to identify the real elements quality. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The proposed inspection methodology corresponds to assessment models that combine the numerical and symptomatic models to evaluate the critical levels of wall-elements, based on non-intrusive tests through the measurement of a set of signals, using the Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA)-based techniques. Findings – The presented work is developed with an approach that applies advanced calculating techniques used for the structural analysis in civil engineering focused on the technical state assessment. Originality/value – The paper proposes a diagnostic methodology that can be added to the current regulations and standards based on EMA techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Mass customization (MC) is a well-established strategy for providing high levels of customization while achieving the scale economies of high volume production. The purpose of this paper is to explore a new service design configuration, the “mid office,” as a service interface which may support front office customization capabilities while protecting the back office from disruption. The authors posit that it may facilitate MC by enabling product/service and organizational modularity. Design/methodology/approach – The research is based on a single case study of a large European bank’s payment services, traditionally high volume, low variety operations. The bank adopted a MC strategy which involved the creation of a mid office. The analysis spans product/service and organizational design. Findings – When combined with menu-driven customization and reuse modularization, the mid office appears to support partial rather than full MC. It facilitates postponement of customization to the assembly stage through service coproduction, organizational decoupling, and the streamlining of employee adaptive behaviors. Research limitations/implications – The study bears the limitations typical of case study research; however this was appropriate given the exploratory nature of the research into a nascent concept. Practical implications – The paper identifies a series of design decisions to enable practitioners to choose between full and partial service MC, ensuring design coherence through a mirror effect of service modularity and organizational modularity. Originality/value – It is argued that the mid office is a service interface which facilitates partial MC by enabling service and organizational modularity. The paper reinterprets the archetypes of full and partial MC in service terms, and proposes a contingent approach to service MC implementation based on service value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The continuous development of quality management in organizations was driven on the one hand by competition and on the other hand by growing requirements of the customers. Mass production with a pure push strategy changed to a more and more pull strategy with higher customer and market orientation. To satisfy the requirements of the triangle quality, cost and time the field of view of quality management has continuously been widened from considering "what" is done to "how" it is done. Nowadays the complexity and interrelations inside and outside of organizations increased with their global orientation. To face these global challenges, the purpose of this paper is to do a detailed analysis of the history of quality management that can support the initial position in development of specific tools and methods for quality improvement in organizations. Design/methodology/approach - For the historic analysis a well-founded literature review has been performed. After presenting the historical development of quality management, the current situation described. Finally an outlook for upcoming trends in quality management is provided by extrapolating current developments. Findings - Four different paradigm shifts in quality management are up to now identified and described, accompanied by a high number of smaller development steps. Current efforts for the further development of quality management encompass "perceived quality", "human-focused quality management" and "intelligent quality management". Originality/value - The paper gives a survey on the development of quality management and delivers a forecast on future requirements and trends in structuring the quality management in technical enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the applicability to the service business of general models used in the manufacturing environment. This is done by applying Ferdows's model, "the strategic role of the plant", in two cases. Design/methodology/approach - This study uses the case approach. One case (IBM Nordic) is based on an interview, while the other case (Google) relies on secondary data. In each case the operations are mapped on Ferdows's model. Findings - The cases indicate that the same kind of roles can be found in the service business as in traditional manufacturing environments, and that these roles are widely used. However, for communicative purposes, the model was terminologically slightly modified. Research limitations/implications - Although this study presents the findings of only two cases, the knowledge of material available from public sources leads us to believe that these findings are universal. The model is easy to communicate in the service sector and is thus a very valuable tool. Originality/value - Models used in the traditional manufacturing and operations management environment have not yet been fully discovered by, nor sufficiently applied in, the service sector. Academics and practitioners are busy trying to create new models in this sector, without noticing that the "old" tools are still usable. Benchmarking against the models used in other sectors might be a worthwhile exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the measurement and performance analysis of reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMS). Topics discussed include suggestions that RMS is a paradigm between mass production and flexible manufacturing system, the performance measurement different in RMS due to several individual measures, and quality of a product measured by the mean and standard deviation of product characteristics.

Purpose – The advent of recession at the beginning of twenty-first century forced many organizations worldwide to reduce cost and to be more responsive to customer demands. Lean Manufacturing (LM) has been widely perceived by industry as an answer to these requirements because LM reduces waste without additional requirements of resources. This led to a spurt in LM research across the globe mostly through empirical and exploratory studies which resulted in a plethora of LM definitions with divergent scopes, objectives, performance indicators, tools/techniques/methodologies, and concepts/elements. The purpose of this paper is to review LM literature and report these divergent definitions, scopes, objectives, and tools/techniques/methodologies. Design/methodology/approach – This paper highlights various definitions by various researchers and practitioners. A total of 209 research papers have been reviewed for the research contribution, research methodology adopted, tools/techniques/methodologies used, type of industry, author profile, country of research, and year of publication. Findings – There are plethora of LM definitions with divergent objectives and scope. Theory verification through empirical and exploratory studies has been the focus of research in LM. Automotive industry has been the focus of LM research but LM has also been adopted by other types of industries also. One of the critical implementation factors of LM is simultaneous adoption of leanness in supply chain. LM has become an integrated system composed of highly integrated elements and a wide variety of management practices. There is lack of standard LM implementation process/framework. Originality/value – The paper reviews 209 research papers for their research contribution, research methodology, author profile, type of industry, and tools/techniques/methodology used. Various characteristics of LM definitions are also reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The paper aims to discuss the importance of considering both the physical and cognitive automation when aiming for a flexible or reconfigurable assembly system. This is done in order to handle the increased demand for mass customized production and to maintain or improve the social sustainability within the company. Design/methodology/approach – The methodologies used in this paper are a theoretical review about task allocation and levels of automation and a methodology called DYNAMO++ for the industrial case studies. Findings – The paper provides both theoretical and empirical insights about the importance of considering both the cognitive and physical automation when aiming for a reconfigurable assembly system. Research limitations/implications – The paper will only discuss the cognitive strategy from a social sustainability perspective and not from an economical or environmental angle. Practical implications – The paper presents data from three industrial case studies, mostly in the automotive industry. The result points towards a need for a more structured and quantitative method when choosing automation solutions, furthermore an increased use of cognitive automation solution. Social implications – The results from the case studies show that when the complexity and variety of products increases, a cognitive support for the operators is needed. This strengthens the theory of a need for a cognitive automation strategy within companies. Originality/value – The paper demonstrates an advance in the state of the art in task allocation. The concept model and the DYNAMO++ method can be seen as a step closer towards quantitative measures of task allocation (i.e. changes in both physical and cognitive LoA) and dynamic changes over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of the electropolishing time of stencil manufacturing parameters and solder-mask definition methods of PCB pad design parameters on the performance of solder paste stencil printing process for the assembly of 01005 chip components. Design/methodology/approach – During the study, two types of stencils were manufactured for the evaluations: electroformed stencils and electropolished laser-cut stencils. The electroformed stencils were manufactured using the standard electroforming process and their use in the paste printing process was compared against the use of an electropolished laser-cut stencil. The electropolishing performance of the laser-cut stencil was evaluated twice at the following intervals: 100 s and 200 s. The performance of the laser-cut stencil was also evaluated without electropolishing. An optimized process was established after the polished stencil apertures of the laser-cut stencil were inspected. The performance evaluations were made by visually inspecting the quality of the post-surface finishing for the aperture wall and the quality of that post-surface finishing was further checked using a scanning electron microscope. A test board was used in a series of designed experiments to evaluate the solder paste printing process. Findings – The results demonstrated that the length of the electropolishing time had a significant effect on the small stencil's aperture quality and the solder paste's stencil printing performance. In this study, the most effective electropolishing time was 100 s for a stencil thickness of 0.08 mm. The deposited solder paste thickness was significantly better for the enhanced laser-cut stencil with electropolishing compared to the conventional electroformed stencils. In this printing-focused work, print paste thickness measurements were also found to vary across different solder-mask definition methods of printed circuit board pad designs with no change in the size of the stencil aperture. The highest paste value transfer consistently occurred with solder-mask-defined pads, when an electropolished laser-cut stencil was used. Originality/value – Due to important improvements in the quality of the electropolished laser-cut stencil, and based on the results of this experiment, the electropolished laser-cut stencil is strongly recommended for the solder paste printing of fine-pitch and miniature components, especially in comparison to the typical laser-cut stencil. The advantages of implementing a 01005 chip component mass production assembly process include excellent solder paste release, increased solder volume, good manufacture-ability, fast turnaround time, and greater cost saving opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to propose a method to obtain hybrid rapid tools with elementary component assembly. Design/methodology/approach - The authors' method proposes a functional representational model, starting with the product features, analyzed from three points of view: a feasibility analysis; a manufacturing analysis; and an assembly and synthesis analysis. This method, based on CAD STEP AP-224 data, makes it possible to obtain an exhaustive list of solutions for the module. The work is illustrated with an industrial example. To construct the Assembly Identity Card (AIC) and test the various parameters that influence the quality of the injected parts, a hybrid injection mold has been produced. The methodology associated with the use of this AIC uses a "representation graph", which makes it possible to propose a set of valid solutions for assembling the various tooling modules. This method is validated by industrial example. Findings - The product part is decomposed into a multi-component prototype (MCP), instead of being made as a single part, which optimizes the manufacturing process and enables greater reactivity during the development of the product. Research limitations/implications - The final goal is to propose a software assistant used in association with CAD system during the design of hybrid rapid tooling. An important work concerning the features recognition must be implemented. The assembly of the different parts of the hybrid rapid tooling must be considered and optimized. Practical implications - This method allows the selection of the best process technologies from manufacturing tools. Originality/value - The analysis of manufacturing hybrid rapid tooling has not been studied previously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present an experimental approach to measure and quantify the three-dimensional geometrical manufacturing errors on a mass production of parts. Design/methodology/approach - A methodology is developed to model and analyse the combined effect of these errors on a machined feature. Deviation of a machined feature due to the combined errors is expressed in terms of the small displacement torsor (SDT) parameters. Given a tolerance on the machined feature, constraints are specified for that feature to establish a relationship between the tolerance zone of the feature and the torsor parameters. These constraints provide boundaries within which the machined feature must lie. This is used for tolerance analysis of the machined feature. An experimental approach is proposed to measure and quantify the three-dimensional manufacturing variations as torsors. The results are used to verify the analytical model. Findings - Results show that it is possible to quantify manufacturing dispersions. The paper proposes a measuring method which can be done during the production. In the context of process planning, these experimental data allow us to perform realistic geometrical simulation of manufacturing. The results of this method are torsor components dispersions. Analysis and synthesis of the geometrical simulation of manufacturing are viable with reliable numerical data in order to predict the defects. Originality/value - To perform realistic geometrical simulation of manufacturing, an experimental approach to measure and quantify the three-dimensional geometrical manufacturing errors is proposed which is based on the SDT concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the far reaching business potential of offering innovative DIY services and goods. Such offerings can enable businesses to do significant good for the world, while doing well for themselves.Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides a business-oriented summary of, and makes reference to, survey research and action research carried out over five years.Findings – Innovative DIY offerings can enable anybody anywhere to develop, produce, use and/or sell physical goods that are both original and sophisticated. Businesses introducing such innovative DIY offerings reverse two trends that have dominated since before the Industrial Revolution. First, they radically reduce financial and professional barriers against the participation of ordinary individuals. Second, they cut back mass production by enabling individual development and production of physical goods that spring from the imaginations of individual people. In doing so, businesses can avoid many of the challenges that they typically face, such as margins shrinking due to core products becoming more and more interchangeable. Also, they can directly address the three principal goals of sustainability: better enabling people to meet their needs, and express their potential, while preserving natural eco-systems.Practical implications – Businesses are facing many challenges as they try to do well for themselves. At the same time, businesses are uncertain as to how they might do good for the world. In this paper, it is explained how offering of do-it-yourself (DIY) services and goods is already enabling some businesses to do well and to do good at the same time. Moreover, an overview is provided, together with references to more detailed information, of how introducing innovative DIY offerings can open many more opportunities for businesses to do well and to do good.Originality/value – The originality of the paper is that it describes a practical option for businesses that aim to do both well and to do good. The value of this paper is that provides a referenced overview of relevant business examples and relevant enabling technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of supply chain management in enabling manufacturers' mass customization capabilities. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based upon survey data from 262 manufacturing plants, spanning nine countries and three industries. Responses from multiple employees were aggregated for each item. Hypothesized relationships between variables were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings – The results generally indicate that plant mass customization capabilities are driven by customer-focused product design and reduced supplier lead times. In turn, these factors are driven by management's emphasis on supply chain planning. Post hoc tests show that the effects of supply chain planning on mass customization capabilities are fully mediated by customer-focused product design and reduced supplier lead time. Originality/value – While the literature suggests that mass customization depends upon a dynamic extended enterprise, extant empirical work has focused on internal firm characteristics. The paper is among the first to examine the significance of supply chain management upon the development of mass customization capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to provide an insight into recent developments in adhesive technology. Design/methodology/approach - Following a brief introduction, this paper discusses recent developments in biomimetic adhesives, the use of nanomaterials and "smart" adhesive technology. Findings - Biomimetic dry adhesive technology has advanced very rapidly in recent years and techniques to mass-produce these materials are now under development. The use of nanomaterials is being investigated widely and recent research suggests that adhesives with enhanced mechanical, thermal and electrical properties will emerge. Smart adhesives, such as switchable types which can be triggered to bond and de-bond in response to physical or chemical stimuli are under development and some are already available commercially. These will contribute to product disassembly and recycling. Originality/value - This paper provides a review of recent R&D into three fields of adhesive technology that are presently attracting strong interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organizational scholars increasingly appreciate the role of categories as bases of order or "cognitive infrastructures" in markets. Yet they construe categories as disciplinary devices. They understand category formation, implementation, and revision as the purview of professionals. And they tie those processes to notions of institutional development that sharply distinguish settled from unsettled or disordered eras. We challenge these conceptions through a historical study of how manufacturers, associations, and cost accountants broke from the disciplinary functions of accounting categories underlying mass production to create new categorical schemes devoted to learning, innovation, and improvement. Reformers reconfigured the uses of categories in markets, mobilizing classifications to spark reflection, experimentation, and improvement among firms by perturbing taken-for-granted assumptions. They also redesigned the practices of producing, implementing, and revising categories. Manufacturers themselves produced and routinely revised classifications through collective deliberation, while accountants served as their consultants, rather than autonomous authorities who monopolized category formation and implementation. In so doing, reformers forged foundations for upgrading markets and fostering competition based on innovation and improvement in a variety of industries. Based on these findings, we extend existing research beyond categorical imperatives to highlight how categories also serve as cognitive infrastructures for learning, discovery, and innovation in markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of quality management (QM) in the development of mass customization (MC) capability. QM is modeled as a second-order construct reflected by six QM practices (small group problem solving, top management leadership for quality, information and feedback, process management, customer focus, and supplier involvement). The paper proposes that these six practices reflect the core principles of QM, and in turn QM contributes to the development of MC capability. Design/methodology/approach -- Using the survey data collected from 167 manufacturing plants in three industries and eight countries, structural equation modeling was employed to test the hypotheses. Findings -- The results provide empirical evidence supporting the proposed relationships between QM and MC capability. Research limitations/implications -- The dataset for this paper is cross-sectional. Future studies should consider a longitudinal setting that would provide a deeper understanding of causal relationships. Second, an existing database was used, thereby limiting the choices of variables analyzed. Practical implications -- The findings of empirical support for the positive impact of QM practices on MC capability provide guidance for managers in the allocation of resources for QM efforts in their pursuit of MC capability. Originality/value -- This is one of the first studies to shed light on the effects of QM on MC capability. The paper presents an explanation on how QM helps to develop MC capability and also finds empirical evidence supporting such a relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a study conducted by the authors on application of manufacturing approaches to mass production contact centers. It states that though contact centers are used by organizations for interacting with customers, there are issues regarding their effectiveness. It mentions that performance management of contact centers has always been a problem, in which team leaders can help by setting up of targets like in companies. It highlights that main issues from cases regarding management focus on use of electronic surveillance by the management. It reports that one of the issues identified from contact centers was that training of employees was focused on use of information technology (IT).

This chapter develops a conceptual framework to help us position and understand the increasing importance of project-based innovation for industrial organization in the 21st century. It builds on and extends Joan Woodward's (1958 and 1965) pioneering research, which classifies industrial organizations according to the complexity of production technology and volume of output. We suggest that a radical revision of Woodward's framework is required to account for the extensive use of project-based organizations to gain competitive advantage through accelerated innovation and growth in new technologies and markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the mass production of radio frequency identification (RFID) tag inlays with an anisotropic conductive paste (ACP). RFID respond to radio waves transmitted from the RFID reader. RFID tag inlays were assembled with ACP that was prepared by mixing uniform micro-sized spherical conductive particles, latent curing agent and other additives into a thermoset epoxy resin. The performance of tag inlays was evaluated by bonding strength test and high temperature test and humidity aging test. The high bonding strength and reliability of tag inlays with ACP makes them suitable for low cost manufacturing.

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to provide a new perspective on existing definitions of culture and systems for classifying cultures, leading to a standardized model for describing and categorizing cultures. Design/methodology/approach -- A review of the literature on definitions of culture and systems for classifying cultures is presented; a model for standardization of these definitions and systems is proposed, illustrated, and described; the potential benefits to cultural researchers of a comprehensive, standardized model are presented. Findings -- There is a need for a comprehensive, standardized model for definition and classification of cultures; creation of such a model is possible by combining elements from existing, segmented definitions and classification systems. Research limitations/implications -- A standardized classification model is offered as a basis for cultural research, subject to adoption and validation by researchers worldwide. Practical implications -- If the proposed standardized model is adopted and validated by researchers worldwide, study findings will be communicated more clearly and more widely, and the quality and global application value of cultural research will be enhanced. Originality/value -- A review of the literature reveals segmented studies on cultures but no generally accepted model for looking at the "big picture" of human cultures, their evolution and interactions; the proposed model offers a framework for such a perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to study the often overlapping use of the related terms flexibility, agility and responsiveness in the operations management literature to clarify differences between the terms. Design/methodology/approach - Drawing on the notion of the ladder of abstraction, a conceptual differentiation between the three terms is proposed. Findings - Based on the most common associations of the terms in the literature, the paper proposes a hierarchical interrelationship between the terms in that: flexibility is most commonly associated with the inherent property of systems which allows them to change within pre-established parameters; agility is predominantly used to describe an approach to organizing that provides for rapid system reconfiguration in the face of unforeseeable changes; and responsiveness commonly refers to a system behavior involving timely purposeful change in the presence of modulating stimuli. Practical implications - As managers of manufacturing firms strive to improve the performance of their organizations in a highly competitive environment, the paper provides a useful enhanced understanding of the relative roles that flexibility, agility and responsiveness play in their operations strategies. This in turn will enable them to better focus their competitive strategies and investments. Originality/value - While confusion between the meanings of these terms has been noted by others, the paper is believed to be the first to consider the three terms together and thereby propose a differentiation between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]