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Design Science (DS) is a relatively new paradigm for addressing complex real-world problems through the design and evaluation of artifacts. Its constituent methodologies are currently being discussed and established in numerous related research fields, such as information systems and management (Hevner et al., 2004). However, a DS methodology that describes the “how to” is largely lacking, not only in the field of OM but in general. The Theory of Constraints (TOC) and its underlying thinking processes (TP) have produced several novel artifacts for addressing ill-structured real-world operations problems (Dettmer, 1997; Goldratt, 1994), but they have not been analyzed from a DS research standpoint. The purpose of this research is to demonstrate how TOC’s thinking process methodology can be used for conducting exploratory DS research in Operations and Supply Chain Management (OSCM).

A case study of spare parts replenishment illustrates the use of TOC’s thinking processes in DS to structure an initially unstructured problem context and to facilitate the design of a novel solution.

TOC’s thinking processes are an effective methodology for problem-solving DS research, enabling the development of novel solutions in initially unstructured and wicked problem situations. Combined with structured CIMO design logic TOC’s thinking process offers a systematic method for exploring wicked problems, designing novel solutions, and demonstrating theoretical contributions.

The implication for research is that TOC’s thinking process methodology can provide important elements of the lacking “how to” methodology for DS research, not only for the field of OM but in general for the field of management.

The practical outcome of the research is a novel design for dynamic buffer-based replenishment that extends beyond organizational boundaries.

This work shows how the thinking processes can be used in DS research to develop rigorous design propositions for ill-structured problems.

This study aims to develop indium-based solders for cryogenic applications.

This paper aims to investigate mechanical properties of indium-based solder formulations at room temperature (RT, 27 °C) as well as at cryogenic temperature (CT, −196 °C) and subsequently to find out their suitability for cryogenic applications. After developing these alloys, mechanical properties such as tensile and impact strength were measured as per American Society for Testing and Materials standards at RT and at CT. Charpy impact test results were used to find out ductile to brittle transition temperature (DBTT). These properties were also evaluated after thermal cycling (TC) to find out effect of thermal stress. Scanning electron microscope analysis was performed to understand fracture mechanism. Results indicate that amongst the solder alloys that have been studied in this work, In-34Bi solder alloy has the best all-round mechanical properties at RT, CT and after TC.

It can be concluded from the results of this work that In-34Bi solder alloy has best all-round mechanical properties at RT, CT and after TC and therefore is the most appropriate solder alloy amongst the alloys that have been studied in this work for cryogenic applications

DBTT of indium-based solder alloys has not been found out in the work done so far in this category. DBTT is necessary to decide safe working temperature range of the alloy. Also the effect of TC, which is one of the major reasons of failure, was not studied so far. These parameters are studied in this work.

The present study aims to demonstrate the use of renewable source in the preparation of polyurethane (PU) coatings and mitigation of corrosion of mild steel using nano zinc phosphate. Results indicated improvement in the properties of the PU coatings, especially anticorrosive properties by the addition of nano zinc phosphate.

Renewable-source-based polyestermyristamide polyol was synthesized using myristic acid as a starting material. The synthesis of polyol was carried by amidation as well as by esterification by a one-pot route. The structure of the prepared polyestermyristamide was confirmed with the support of end-group analysis and spectral study. PU coatings were prepared from synthesized polyestermyristamide polyol and used to protect metal substrate against corrosion. Corrosion properties of the prepared PU were found to be lower; hence, to improve the performance of these coatings, nano zinc phosphate was added to the coatings. The nano zinc phosphate was synthesized in the laboratory by reported sonication method and analyzed for morphology by scanning electron microscopy. Performance of coatings was studied with respect to effect of percentage nano zinc phosphate on thermal stability, mechanical properties and chemical resistances of PU coatings.

The combination of zinc phosphate nano rods and particles in myristic acid-based PU coatings provided substantial corrosion barrier properties to the coatings. Different per cent of the synthesized zinc phosphate nano rods and particles were loaded into the matrix, and corresponding coatings were estimated for corrosion resistance, thermal and chemical properties. Immersion study of the coated panels in 3.5 per cent NaCl solution showed good corrosion resistance for both PU coatings containing 2 and 3 per cent nano zinc phosphate.

This paper has provided the solution to replace existing petroleum-based raw materials with myristic acid as a renewable source in preparing PU coatings. Conventional coatings act as physical barriers against aggressive species but do not have ability to perform as permanent impassable to corrosive species. Hence, nano-sized zinc phosphate is used as corrosion inhibitor in to the synthesized PU coatings for enhancing anticorrosive performance.

In the paper, polyesteramide polyol is synthesized using renewable-source-based material, i.e. myristic acid to replace existing petroleum-based acid as a greener approach. Normally, vegetable oils are preferred as they have such kinds of polyols. The polyesteramide reaction is one pot that avoids the extra steps required in the synthesis. Further, it has been found that the pristine renewable coatings are unable to fully protect subtract from corrosion, whereas an addition of the nano-size zinc phosphate has enhanced the corrosion properties of the coatings.