Mapping research topics using word-reference co-occurrences: A method and an exploratory case study

Summary Mapping of science and technology can be done at different levels of aggregation, using a variety of methods. In this paper, we propose a method in which title words are used as indicators for the content of a research topic, and cited references are used as the context in which words get their meaning. Research topics are represented by sets of papers that are similar in terms of these word-reference combinations. In this way we use words without neglecting differences and changes in their meanings. The method has several advantages, such as high coverage of publications. As an illustration we apply the method to produce knowledge maps of information science.     

Epilepsy and driving in North Carolina: an exploratory study

Epileptic drivers offer a risk to the general driving population, both because of affected brain function and because of possible effects of medication. A 1982 pilot study examined the driving records of 112 persons using North Carolina Division of Health Services clinics for the treatment of epilepsy who also held a North Carolina driver's license. Of those undergoing treatment in the clinics, 26% were known by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to be epileptics. This group had a reported crash rate 1.4 times that of the general driving population, whereas the rate for epileptics not known to the DMV was 1.1 times the general rate. Epileptics with grand mal and temporal or psychomotor seizures accounted for all recorded crashes. Implications for highway safety administrators and for future research are discussed.     

Ideation methods applied in a cross-functional inter-organizational group: an exploratory case study from the railway sector

The conceptual design phase is a critical step, since it influences the subsequent steps during product development with regard to cost, quality and performance. Previous research has focused on cross-functional teams within an organization. However, many product development projects benefit from the participation of members from different organizations, not least during the conceptual design phase of technical products, where it is essential to consider different aspects of the product-to-be. Therefore, we conducted an in-depth case study of a cross-functional inter-organizational group testing ideation methods in a real-life setting within a development project in the railway sector. The group comprised participants from an infrastructure manager, a supplier, a maintenance contractor and research bodies. The tested ideation methods were Method 635, the gallery method and the SIL method. The participants found working in a cross-functional inter-organizational group to be beneficial both during the group-analysis of the topics and during the generation of ideas on how to address the ideation topic. Applying the ideation methods to the ideation topics facilitated the sharing of information between participants, and the diversity of the group manifested itself in several ways during ideation. Overall, the gallery method was most popular, and the SIL method was least popular among the participants.     

Innovation capability in Australian manufacturing organisations: an exploratory study

This paper reports on the results of a comparative case study of innovation capability in Australian manufacturing companies. Following a review of the salient literature in the field, six case studies were undertaken with organisations having a degree of variance across company size, ownership type and industry sector. All the cases reflected a history of successful innovation and the managers were interviewed about the attributes of innovation and the ways in which sustained innovation was manifested in their organisations. Based on the interview data, a model of innovation capability was developed with a view to identifying attributes common to systematic and sustained innovation. These companies derived competitive advantage from differentiation through their innovation. The implications of the model for manufacturing organisations in general, and their managers in particular, are subsequently discussed.     

Coordination of crosstalk between MAPK-PKC pathways: an exploratory study

Networks of signaling pathways provide a robust mechanism for cells to respond to various biological stimuli. Cell adaptation through the viewpoint of an organising principle between two interconnected pathways mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and protein kinase C (PKC) is demonstrated. A multilevel system representation of the pathways is used to determine the pathway components contributing to the adaptive behaviour and coordination. The adaptation can be thought of as being manifested by a change in parameters of the coordinator. In silico experiments are conducted using MAPK-PKC mathematical model in the literature, which is modularised using biological functionality. Through extensive, guided parametric in silico experiments, the PLA₂ subsystem is shown to be a coordinator. Results show that varying parameters of the coordinator not only activate the network of pathways where otherwise the pathway activity is very low, but also reveal the ability of the system to activate itself in the absence of the input, indicating relevance of the principle of bounded autonomy     

Unbundling dynamic capabilities: an exploratory study of continuous product innovation

In order to understand better the organizational sources ofcontinuous innovation, this paper provides an in-depth analysisof Oticon A/S, a leading company in the hearing-aid industry,which showed an impressive ability to develop new products inthe nineties. Findings highlight that dynamic capabilities aremade up of: knowledge creation and absorption, knowledge integrationand knowledge reconfiguration. Discussion links the findingsto previous literature and shows how these knowledge-based processesare all based on a coherent mix of organizational resources.     

Exploiting timely demand information in determining production lot-sizing: an exploratory study

The emerging automatic data-capturing technology, radio frequency identification technology (RFID), has been extensively adopted in logistics process and retail operations. However, limited research has been conducted on how to exploit and integrate RFID-enabled timely demand information into production processes. The lack of sufficient evaluation on the financial benefits of RFID hinders the adoption of this technology in production processes. In this study, we propose a framework to integrate RFID-enabled timely demand information into a dynamic production lot-sizing problem. Our results show that manufacturers, distributors and retailers can benefit from the availability of timely demand information via RFID. Our research sheds new light on understanding the financial value of RFID in a production process, and fills a gap in the application of RFID along the supply chain.     

Interdisciplinary scholarly communication: an exploratory study for the field of joint attention

Scientometrics - Understanding communications across disciplines is critical to the promotion of interdisciplinary innovation. Using research into the psychological concept of joint attention (JA)...     

Risk management in the automotive supply chain: an exploratory study in Brazil

The main objective of this study was to identify the main characteristics of risk management in the automotive supply chain in Brazil, considering companies in the first and second tiers. This objective was achieved through the proposition of three hypotheses that were tested based on a survey of 211 auto parts producers scattered throughout the country, from which 77 completed forms were received. This research enabled us to conclude that the risks perceived in tier 2 are higher than those observed in tier 1. Also, it was possible to verify that the performance of companies in tier 2 (higher risk) is lower than those in tier 1. Contrary to what was observed in the literature, this research could not find evidence to confirm that risk management tools are prioritized to reduce the risk of companies in the supply chain. Therefore, this research contributes to both theory and practice: this is the first study that performs an analysis of risk management in supply chains with tier 1 and 2 companies in the Brazilian automotive industry, becoming an important complement to recent studies on this topic. For practitioners and business executives who manage risks in automotive supply chains in Brazil, this paper shows the reality of the issue in first- and second-tier companies, which can provide them with important contexts for their decision making in the day-to-day business of the automotive sector.     

F1000Prime recommended articles and their citations: an exploratory study of four journals

Scientometrics - This study examined F1000Prime recommended research and review articles published in Cell, JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, The Lancet, and The New England...     

Simulation study of an automated storage/retrieval system

In this paper we present a simulation study of an automated storage/retrieval system and examine a wide variety of control policies. We compare several storage location assignment policies. For the class-based storage policy, we apply a recent algorithm that enables us to evaluate the trade-off between storage space requirements and travel times. We also study a new storage location policy which combines low storage space requirements with short mean travel times. Furthermore, we study the sequencing of storage and retrieval requests whereby we focus on the trade-off between efficient travel of the S/R machines and response time performance.     

The extent of knowledge of Quick Response Manufacturing principles: an exploratory transnational study

The main goal of this research is to identify whether companies that have implemented the Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM) approach have full knowledge of the QRM principles or have merely applied the elements (principles and tools) that have a close relationship with Lean Manufacturing. Based on a review of the literature regarding the QRM principles, an exploratory survey was conducted for over 20 manufacturing companies from Brazil, Europe and the USA that operate in an Engineer or Make to Order environment system and explicitly have conducted QRM journeys. The results of the present study show that (i) the surveyed companies have difficulty knowing and applying some of the exclusive elements of this approach, even if they started implementing QRM several years ago; (ii) the surveyed companies’ knowledge degree over QRM exclusive elements is apparently higher among US-based companies due to better trained employees and better dissemination and awareness of the QRM exclusive elements; and (iii) a mentality based on productivity, low costs and due date delivery was identified as the main barrier for companies to achieve a higher knowledge degree regarding QRM.     

Developing software beyond customer needs and plans: an exploratory study of its forms and individual-level drivers

Excessive software development is the tendency to develop new software above and beyond the requirements of the market and/or planned specifications. It is a widespread phenomenon involving both risks and flexibility advantages. As it represents a challenging dilemma for software developers, it is important to study its human origins. Drawing on the tripartite model of individual attitudes, this study investigates the influence of developers’s cognitive (intuitive and rational thinking styles), affective (emotional attachment) and behavioural (reliance on past experiences) traits on two forms of excess, beyond needs and beyond plans. Using survey data on 307 software developers, this study shows that different manifestations of excess are associated with distinct traits of software developers. Emotional attachment drives beyond needs excess. A positive (negative) association is found between relying on past experiences and beyond needs excess (beyond plans excess). An intuitive cognitive style fosters the inclusion of extra features in the new product scope, whereas a rational style might lead to developing one-size-fits-all software that targets the needs of a broad user base. These findings contribute to research on the development of digital new products and production technologies by offering a comprehensive yet fine-grained picture of excessive software development’s nature and drivers.     

Web-services-based supply-chain-control logic: an automotive case study

This paper discusses the design and implementation of a decision-support software system based on web services, capable of modelling the supply chain and querying the supply-chain partners to provide information, regarding the availability of parts, required for the production of a highly customisable product. Furthermore, it describes the details of a software system for the evaluation of time and financial feasibility of acquiring the necessary parts in order for the customised product to be built. The feasibility of implementing this approach is demonstrated in a typical automotive case study. The system is capable of simulating the customer's orders impact on the supply-chain operation, while it utilises the Web services technology for facilitating the supply-chain control logic.     

Outsourcing practices in automotive supply networks: an exploratory study of full service vehicle suppliers

Most automotive companies outsource the design, manufacturing and assembly of some complete cars to independent suppliers or full service vehicle companies (FSVs). FSVs represent a relatively unexplored form of outsourcing which combines joint efforts in developing a modular product with the externalisation of specific niche manufacturing processes. On the basis of comparative cases and of qualitative information collected within three FSVs and three OEMs, this study aims to investigate the associated advantages and risks for FSVs, commonalities/differences from the practices of outsourcing to component/module specialists that can be found in other industries and why and for what kind of products FSVs can be appropriate in automotive supply networks. The study contributes to the debate on outsourcing in the automotive industry by providing an original interpretation on why FSVs have recently seen a shakeout with some growing whilst others have faltered.     

Relationship building,lean strategy and firm performance: an exploratory study in the automotive supplier industry

In contrast to previous literature, we propose that commitment to lean strategy should be preceded by building close relationships with key supply chain partners (suppliers and customers). Two aspects of lean strategy, lean manufacturing and lean design are studied in this paper. We hypothesize that relationship building positively affects both aspects of lean strategy, which in turn positively influences firm performance. To test these relationships, we use data from the top 150 auto suppliers to the ‘Big Three’ original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The results show positive relationships between (1) relationship building and lean design, (2) relationship building and lean manufacturing, and (3) lean design and firm performance. This suggests that relationship building is more valuable for enhancing the ‘product’ aspects of lean strategy as opposed to the ‘process’ aspects of lean strategy. Process aspects of lean strategy appear to be largely a function of internal efforts.     

Attenuation in sand: an exploratory study on the small-strain behavior and the influence of moisture condensation

The loss mechanisms responsible for the observed attenuation in soils are often unclear and controversial. This is particularly the case with the small-strain damping D _min in air-dry sands. Ultimately, physical explanations must accommodate the observed effects of confinement, strain level, frequency, and load repetition. Three hypotheses are explored herein: measurement bias, thermoelastic relaxation, and adsorbed layers. Micro and macro-scale experimentation using photoelasticity, thermal infrared imaging, atomic force microscopy and resonant column testing are complemented with conceptual analyses. Results show that Mindlin-contact friction cannot explain the observed response of the small-strain damping ratio D _min and thermoelastic loss is suggested. While thermoelastic relaxation is inherently frequency dependent, the superposition of multiple internal scales in soils can justify the observed low dependency on frequency. Moisture condensation leads to adsorbed water layers on grain surfaces, which has a small but observable effect on shear modulus and a significant influence on damping ratio. Participating loss mechanisms at small-strains may involve distortion and motion of adsorbed layers and hydration force hysteresis. Hysteretic capillary breakage at contacting asperities gains relevance when the strain exceeds the elastic threshold strain; this strain coincides with the strain range when frictional losses begin to dominate. Finally, the damping ratio in air-dry sands is very small, and causality-based attenuation–dispersion relations predict modulus dispersion about 1% per log cycle, therefore the medium can be considered non-dispersive for practical purposes.     

Gatekeepers in knowledge transfer between science and technology: an exploratory study in the area of gene editing

Scientometrics - Gene editing is an emerging technology that is promising for the prevention and treatment of human diseases. This paper reports an exploratory study of networks of authors of...     

Airbags: an exploratory survey of public knowledge and attitudes.

The present study examines public knowledge and opinion in the United States on issues related to airbag safety. Data were obtained through a national random digit-dial telephone survey of 1005 people living in the contiguous 48 United States. A majority of respondents (1) know that airbags can harm drivers seated too close to the steering wheel; (2) know that rear-facing infant seats should not be placed in the front seat of a car with passenger-side airbags; and (3) know that airbags are saving more lives of women drivers than are being lost. However, most respondents did not know that (1) airbags are killing more children than they are saving; (2) airbags can injure properly belted drivers; and (3) the majority of the lives saved by airbags have been among people who were not wearing safety belts. Knowledge of airbag risks to children and properly belted drivers was significantly associated with a less favorable attitude toward airbags, and with opposition toward the law mandating airbags on all new cars. Drivers of vehicles equipped with airbags held more favorable attitudes toward airbag technology. Further analysis suggests that as the public begins to understand the risks associated with airbags, the current high level of public support for the technology and the mandatory regulation may decline.     

Evaluating and developing resource-based operations strategy for competitive advantage: an exploratory study of Finnish high-tech manufacturing industries

Firms are struggling to achieve and maintain the competitive advantage in today’s turbulent business environment. How can we evaluate and (re)develop strategic initiatives that put into place operational capabilities to provide new sources of firm-level competitive advantage? This paper tries to explore the practical intersection of operations management and strategy from resource-based view by evaluating and developing the sustainability level of operational competitive advantage, that how well the resource-based strategy can support its operations. It develops a theoretical approach to integrate the core factors, which determine operational competitiveness performance – manufacturing strategy and its supporting resource allocation, into conceptual analytical models. The models utilise sense and respond (S&;R) methodology for dynamic decision-making to detect and adjust resource allocation and in turn optimise the resource-based strategy in order to develop the operational competitive advantage in a sustainable manner. Eighteen case companies in Finnish high-tech manufacturing industries are selected for in-depth study and analysis with proposed models to conclude how the optimal adjustments of resource-based strategy by supporting its operations can lead to sustainable competitive advantage (SCA). Constantly optimising resource allocation aligning with resource-based operations strategy supported by the S&;R idea of agile strategy implementations is proposed as the unique SCA.