scholarly journals Caveat Venditor: Technologically Protected Subsidized Goods and the Customers Who Hack Them

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Soghoian
Keyword(s):  
College Student ◽  
Reverse Engineering ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Durable Good ◽  
Moral Issues ◽  
Legal Cases ◽  
Difficult Question ◽  
Primary Goods ◽  
Sony Aibo ◽  
A Company

This paper explores the issues surrounding the subsidization of a technology based durable good and on the delicate dance between the producer trying to protect their profit, competitors trying to to create and sell aftermarket goods, and innovative customers who attempt to use the goods in completely unplanned, and unprofitable ways. A number of case studies are presented that highlighted the ease with which customers can tinker with subsidized products. These include Microsoft's Xbox, Netpliances' i-Opener, the Sony AIBO, and the general problems of the prepaid phone industry. A number of legal cases are also presented, although these focus more on the issue of other firms attempting to make competing aftermarket products for subsidized primary goods. The difficult question of what can a company do is explored. The question of who the company can go after for infringement, be it the reverse engineering programmer, or the college student sharing such information on her homepage, is also examined. Finally, this paper examines the moral issues involved when consumers hack these items.

Augmenting Tools for Reverse Engineering Methods

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Snider ◽  
Sudhakar Teegavarapu ◽  
D. Scott Hesser ◽  
Joshua D. Summers
Keyword(s):  
Reverse Engineering ◽  
Black Box ◽  
House Of Quality ◽  
Engineering Process ◽  
Design Efficiency ◽  
Design For Manufacture ◽  
The Past ◽  
Cad Models ◽  
Product And Process ◽  
A Company

Reverse engineering has gained importance over the past few years due to an intense competitive market aiding in the survivability of a company. This paper examines the reverse engineering process and what, how, and why it can assist in making a better design. Two well known reverse engineering methodologies are explored, the first by Otto and Wood and the second by Ingle. Each methodology is compared and contrasted according to the protocols and tools used. Among some of the reverse engineering tools detailed and illustrated are: Black box, Fishbone, Function Structure, Bill of Material, Exploded CAD models, Morphological Matrix, Subtract and Operate Procedure (SOP), House of Quality matrix, and FMEA. Even though both methodologies have highly valued tools, some of the areas in reverse engineering need additional robust tooling. This paper presents new and expanded tooling to augment the existing methods in hopes of furthering the understanding of the product, and process. Tools like Reverse Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (RFMEA), Connectivity graphs, and inter-relation matrix increase the design efficiency, quality, and the understanding of the reverse engineering process. These tools have been employed in two industry projects and one demonstrative purpose for a Design for Manufacture Class. In both of these scenarios, industry and academic, the users found that the augmented tools were useful in capturing and revealing information not previously realized.

JAVA™-Based Design Calculator for Integral Snap-Fits

1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung S. Oh ◽  
Dean Q. Lewis ◽  
Daeyong Lee ◽  
Gary A. Gabriele
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Operating System ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Design Tool ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Specific Loading ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Integral Attachment ◽  
A Company

Abstract Many different types of snap-fits have been developed to replace conventional fasteners, and research efforts have been made to characterize their performance. It is often tedious to look for design equations for unique types of snap-fits to calculate the insertion and retention forces. If found, these equations tend to be long, complex, and difficult to use. For this reason, a snap-fit calculator has been created to help in designing integral attachment features. Studies of seven most commonly used snap-fits (annular snap, bayonet-and-finger, cantilever hook, cantilever-hole, compressive hook, L-shaped hook, and U-shaped, hook) were used to provide the equations implemented in this snap-fit calculator, more fasteners than any other snap-fit calculator available. This tool aids in designing snap-fits to meet specific loading requirements by allowing the designer to size the feature to obtain desired estimates for maximum insertion and retention forces. The software for this design tool was written in JAVA™ language that is independent of operating system platforms and can be distributed at a company site-wide over an intranet or worldwide over the Internet. This makes it easily accessible to a user, and universal upgrades can be achieved by simply updating the software at the server location. Designers will find this tool to be useful in the design process and the most convenient way to estimate the performance of snap-fits. This paper describes the development and operation of the IFP snap-fit calculator including several case studies comparing the calculated results to experimental data.

Conservation Canines

Animal Labour ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 65-88
Author(s):  
Renée D’Souza ◽  
Alice Hovorka ◽  
Lee Niel
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Control Agency ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Moral Issues ◽  
Work Lives ◽  
Good For ◽  
Environmental Work ◽  
Do So

For centuries, dogs have played a key role in the lives of humans both as companions as well as working animals. In recent years, the value of dogs in environmental work has been documented in the literature—namely their ability to detect targets more efficiently than humans and equipment. However, the environmental work dogs perform in Canada has been largely understudied in terms of both the specific tasks they are responsible for, as well as their welfare within these roles. This chapter addresses those gaps through an exploration of whether conservation canines could be an example of a humane job—one that is good for people, animals, and the environment. To do so this chapter explores tangible and moral issues related to dogs’ enjoyment of and suffering within conservation work, highlighting the complexity of dogs’ work-lives related to issues of freedom and consent. Findings are presented from two main case studies: Alberta and Ontario. An ethogram was used to assess dog welfare, while semi-structured interviews and participant observations revealed further insights into dogs’ work and work-lives. Ultimately, this chapter offers a discussion regarding how the study’s findings might inform assessment of humane jobs and work-lives, offering enjoyment, control, agency, respect, and recognition for dogs in this sector and for possibilities of fostering interspecies solidarity in other areas.

Competitive advantage through networking

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-9
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Difficult Question ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose of this paper Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings How do you start innovating? This is actually a very difficult question to answer because, despite the fact most forms have departments or people dedicated to innovation, engaging in research and seeking to develop new and existing products, all these activities are ongoing. It is hard to think of what a research and development (R&D) department looks like at 9am on Day One. Maybe there are lots of brand new marker pens in their boxes and colored sticky notes piled neatly on people’s desks, or it could be an empty lab with clear benches and as-yet-unused equipment. It sounds an exciting place, but also quite a lonely place. Practical implications Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. What is original/value of paper? The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

How can Manufacturing Human Factors Help save a Company: Intervention at High and Low Levels

1989 ◽  
Vol 33 (11) ◽  
pp. 687-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.G. Drury ◽  
B.M. Kleiner ◽  
J. Zahorjan
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Successful Outcome ◽  
Careful Examination ◽  
Project Approach ◽  
Strategic Objectives ◽  
Strategic Plans ◽  
Strategic Approach ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
A Company

Now that manufacturing has become a respectable topic in industry, an obvious question is how human factors/ergonomics can contribute to the improvement of manufacturing. The traditional route for ergonomics intervention has been a Project route, with a set of objectives agreed between the human factors engineer and people within the company. Projects, however, do not ask the question of whether human factors intervention is likely to have an impact on the company's strategic objectives, for example, remaining in the manufacturing of a particular product. Case studies in a variety of industries are used to contrast the project approach with a more strategic approach. It is concluded that the project may represent sub-optimization in that a successful outcome of the project may have no impact upon company survival without a careful examination of the strategic plans of the company.

A study of two innovative workplace programmes for workers with intellectual disabilities (WWID) in Australia revealed their positive influence

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 5-6
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
A Company ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings A study of two innovative workplace programs for workers with intellectual disabilities (WWIDs) in Australia revealed their positive influence. The study has a number of practical implications. The first is that HR departments can play a significant role in developing innovative projects that help WWIDs to settle down in a company. Ideally, the programs help them to move from feeling like “outsiders” to being “insiders,” who understand the working environment and feel closer to their colleagues. The best moment for such innovative programs is right at the start of employment. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

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