Reinterpreting the demise of hierarchy: a case study in information technology, empowerment and incomplete contracts

This paper presents a case study of the implementation of a sophisticated internal performance monitoring system by the service division of a value-added reseller of Canon products in Denmark. This new control system could not only aid in controlling cost and productivity but could also monitor customer service and quality levels. Although the new system was implemented with exceptional technical success, it met a very defensive reception among the technicians. In response, management decided to initiate an empowerment programme. In order for this programme to have a significant impact, management needed to make the requisite shifts from a strictly hierarchical to a team-based organization form, as well as moving from a hierarchical to an interactive control process, it was only after the company completed this type of 'organizational realignment' that the real benefits of the system were harvested. This case study explores the implications of the dispersed and empowered organization and the consequent lack of direct process control, in order to fulfil this aim, the discussion is based on the Grossman, Hart and Moore theories of incomplete contracting and the role of 'information assets' and incentive misalignment of the newly 'empowered' and highly knowledge-based service organization. Although property fights theories have typically been applied in 'boundary of the firm' questions, the goal of this case study is to illustrate the potential of incomplete contract theory in explaining internal incentive structures and governance mechanisms in the emerging wave of organizations characterized by a rich knowledge base, geographical dispersion, or even 'loose' and virtual organization structures.     

A THERMODYNAMIC MIXED-SOLID ASPHALTENE PRECIPITATION MODEL

A simple model for the prediction of asphaltene precipitation is proposed. The model is based on an equation of state and uses standard thermodynamics, thus assuming that the precipitation phenomenon is a reversible process. The solid phase is treated as an ideal multicomponent mixture. An activity coefficient model based on the athermal Flory-Huggins expression was included to account for solid phase non-ideality, but was found to have little effect on the results. Only a fraction of each of the heaviest components are considered potentially solid forming. This approach is based on the assumption, that out of the total PNA composition of a crude, the asphaltenes and resins are mainly aromatic-naphtenic in their nature. The predictions shows the correct qualitative behavior with respect to temperature and pressure, but due to lack of data the model was not evaluated quantitatively with respect to these effects     

Rare-earth diiodides and derivatives

The rare-earth diiodides, MI₂, may be synthesized from the corresponding triiodides, MI₃, by reduction with their metals at elevated temperatures or, alternatively, through so-called metallothermic reduction reactions with alkaline or alkaline-earth metals. In these cases, ternary iodides may be obtained that may be derived from the binary diiodides by either formal addition or substitution. Prominent formula types that are thus obtained are A^IMI₃, or the mixed-valent A^I₅M^II₂M^IIII₁₂ and A^IIMI₄ with A^I and A^II representing alkaline or alkaline-earth elements (and their analogues), respectively. Further iodides that are relevant in these systems are, for example, Pr₂I₅, Ba₆Pr₃I₁₉ and interstitially stabilized phases such as {Er₁₄(N₂)(C₂)₂}I₂₄, La₉O₄I₁₆ and Ba{Ce₄N₂}I₈.     

Recrystallization in Commercially Pure Aluminum

Recrystallization behavior in commercial aluminum with a purity of 99.4 pct was studied by techniques such as high voltage electron microscopy, 100 kV transmission electron microscopy, and light microscopy. Sample parameters were the initial grain size (290 and 24 microns) and the degree of deformation (5 to 30 pct reduction in thickness by cold-rolling). It was found that the original grain boundary region is the preferred site for nucleation. A few intragranular nuclei were, however, also observed. The effectiveness of the nucleation sites is enhanced by the presence of intermetallic particles (FeAl₃), which start to become operative when the degree of deformation is raised from 15 to 30 pct. The temperature of nucleation and of recrystallization decreases when the degree of deformation is increased and the initial grain size is decreased. The recrystallized grain size follows the same trend and it is observed that the refinement of the recrystallized grain size caused by an increasing degree of deformation and decreasing initial grain size is enhanced by the FeAl₃ particles (when the degree of deformation is raised from 15 to 30 pct). Finally, the structural and kinetic observations are discussed and compared with results from an earlier study¹ covering the recrystallization behavior of commercial aluminum of the same purity deformed at higher degrees of deformation (50 to 90 pct reduction in thickness by cold-rolling).     

An integrated computer-aided system for generation and evaluation of sustainable process alternatives

This paper presents an integrated system for generation of sustainable process alternatives with respect to new process design as well as retrofit design. The generated process alternatives are evaluated through sustainability metrics, environmental impact factors as well as inherent safety factors. The process alternatives for new process design as well as retrofit design are generated through a systematic method that is simple yet effective and is based on a recently developed path flow analysis approach. According to this approach, a set of indicators are calculated in order to pinpoint unnecessary energy and material waste costs and to identify potential design (retrofit) targets that may improve the process design (in terms of operation and cost) simultaneously with the sustainability metrics, environmental impact factors and the inherent safety factors. Only steady state design data and a database with properties of compounds, including, environmental impact factor related data and safety factor related data are needed. The integrated computer-aided system generates the necessary data if actual plant or experimental data are not available. The application of the integrated system is highlighted through a number of examples including the well-known HDA process.     

Initial stages of recrystallization in aluminum of commercial purity

In commercial aluminum with a purity of 99.4 pct, the formation and growth of recrystallization nuclei were studied by techniques such asin-situ annealing in a high voltage electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy and light microscopy. Sample parameters were the initial grain size (370 and 19 microns) and the degree of deformation (50 and 90 pct reduction in thickness by cold-rolling). It was found that the initial grain boundaries and high angle boundaries within the original grains are preferential sites for recrystallization nuclei, and that the effect of such sites is enhanced by the FeAl₃ particles present in the commercial aluminum as impurities. The nucleation temperatures determined by high voltage electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy decrease markedly when the initial grain size is decreased both after 50 and 90 pct cold rolling; a less pronounced temperature decrease is obtained by increasing the degree of deformation. The size of the recrystallization nuclei, the recrystallization temperature and the recrystallized grain size are reported for the four sample states, and finally the structural and kinetic observations are discussed.     

Alternative Danish energy planning

In the spring of 1976 the Danish government published an energy plan for Denmark for the period up to 1995. An essential part of this plan was the introduction of five nuclear power plants in the Danish supply system. An alternative energy plan which excluded nuclear power was later published by a group of Danish scientists. It includes a relatively extended application of solar and wind energy, and also emphasises the use of decentralised fossil fuel plants with combined power production and district heating. This paper describes the main features and data of the alternative Danish energy plan and compares it with the official government plan.