bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infrastructure project finance: a systematic literature review and directions for future research
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Srivastava Vikas , Tabash Mosab I.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The objective of this systematic literature review (SLR) is to outline the existing research in the field of infrastructure project finance (IPF). This paper aims to summarise the academic and practitioner research to highlight the benefits of adopting IPF structures in uncertain environments. By highlighting all conceptual and applied implications of IPF, the study identifies future research directions to develop a holistic understanding of IPF.

Design/methodology/approach

The SLR is based on 125 articles published in peer-reviewed journals during 1975–2019. After providing a brief overview of IPF, research methodology and citation, publication and author analysis, the SLR presents the various domains around which existing research in IPF is focussed and provides future research propositions in each domain.

Findings

The study found that despite the increased usage of IPF, academic and practitioner research in the field is lagging. Also, with increased usage of IPF in emerging and under-developed economies, IPF structure presents a perfect setting to understand how investment and financing are interlinked and how to overcome the institutional voids, socio-economic risks and inter-partner differences by IPF structures.

Originality/value

This literature review paper is based on the research in IPF between 1975 and 2019. To the best of the authors’ understanding, the SLR is the first focussed study detailing a methodical and thorough compendium of existing studies in the IPF domain. By focussing on various domains of IPF research, this paper presents future research avenues in the field.
Giving voice to teachers through interpretative phenomenological research: a methodological consideration
Authors: Boadu Gideon
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This conceptual article aims to examine the application of interpretative phenomenology to research on teacher experience. It covers methodological theory and practical interpretative approaches that are pertinent for generating useful insights into an educational issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on an illustrative research on secondary teachers' disciplinary and pedagogical reasoning and classroom practices in Ghana, this article explores the author's musings and introspection around carrying out an interpretative phenomenological research and demonstrates how the approach helped to amplify teachers' voices.

Findings

The article demonstrates that the canons of interpretative phenomenology and qualitative research in general, while translatable to practice, need to be regarded as a series of emergent decisions and actions rather than prescriptive set of principles. The article explains that educational researchers must recognise interpretation as the lifeblood of the approach and move beyond the description of essences and explicate participants' experiences of phenomena using workable frames of interpretation.

Originality/value

The article extends the current methodological knowledge base by contributing to international discussions on qualitative research and to an understanding of the applicability of interpretative phenomenological research design to research on teacher reasoning and practice. It also serves as a useful methodological resource for novice researchers.
An exploration of the challenge's fathers' experience when parenting a child that presents with dyspraxia
Authors: Jackson Kyle , Andipatin Michelle
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Due to the limited research on fatherhood and dyspraxia, this study is critical as it highlights the challenges that fathers face in parenting a child that presents with dyspraxia. The purpose of this study is to inform various interventions while simultaneously highlighting a largely neglected area of research.

Design/methodology/approach

The principal aim of this study was to explore the subjective challenges that fathers experience in parenting a child that presents with dyspraxia in the Cape Metropole area. This study adopted a qualitative approach utilising an exploratory design to understand and provide in-depth information about fathers' subjective experiences of parenting a child that presents with dyspraxia (Macket al., 2005). Data were collected using semi-structured individual interviews with fathers.

Findings

The authors’ findings highlight that fathers' roles are inextricably more complex, shifting between more traditional conceptions such as the provider toward the all giving and nurturing care. Future research would benefit from adopting a more masculinity-focused framework to determine the effect that learning disorders have on constructing and challenging more traditional gendered constructions of what it means to be a man, masculinity and what it means to be a father, fatherhood and fathering.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to the challenges faced by fathers whose children were engaged in some or other treatment plan. In addition, the study was limited to children who presented with dyspraxia, rather than those who had received an official diagnosis and this relates directly to the obscurity and ambiguity surrounding diagnosis of the disorder itself.

Practical implications

The study has shed light in terms of the common features between dyspraxia and that of other developmental disorders. This is further extended to include the comorbidity of this disorder with other learning disabilities.

Social implications

Mental health professionals may benefit from identifying the issues raised by fathers within this study and to further aid and support both children and parents in the treatment of dyspraxia.

Originality/value

The study has shed much needed light on two very neglected areas – the area of learning disabilities, in particular, the issue of dyspraxia and second, including fathers’ voices in the discussion of their experiences.
External debt sustainability in West African countries
Authors: Omotor Douglason
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to apply the debt sustainability framework using various ratios to review the current state of sovereign debt of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Debt sustainability framework using various ratios (which include the present value approach, Country Policy and Institutional Assessment debt policy assessment ranking and solvency ratio of external debt) for the period 2010 and 2017 were used for the analysis to determine external debt sustainability and solvency of ECOWAS members.

Findings

The findings indicate that most ECOWAS countries are already turning at the unsustainable debt path and may renege in their debt obligations, thus creating a vicious cycle of external borrowing that could lead to capital flight.

Originality/value

This paper offers the empirical evidence to identify which of the ECOWAS countries are already at the threshold of external debt stress, and in the likelihood to renege on their debt obligations.
The diffusion of management ideas within the MNC: under the sway of the corporate immune system
Authors: Kristiansen Alexander , Schweizer Roger
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the multinational company (MNC) literature by studying the diffusion of a management idea within an MNC and its interaction with the MNC’s corporate immune system (CIS).

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative single case study draws on evidence of how a management idea augments within an MNC and changes its development practice.

Findings

The study identifies four phases of the diffusion process and presents the interaction between the management idea and the CIS in each phase.

Practical implications

The more subsidiaries within an MNC that take the initiative to adopt a management idea, the harder will it become for the headquarters (HQ) to reject it. Thus, to ensure that changes in management practices are based on informed and, ideally, deliberate decisions, managers should critically evaluate management ideas immediately at inception.

Originality/value

The study breaks new ground by explaining how the CIS reacts to the diffusion of management ideas in MNCs.
Investigation of selected parameters effect on 3D printed sand mold properties through Taguchi method
Authors: Gao Guili , Zhang Weikun , Du Zhimin , Liu Qingyi , Su Yanqing , Shi Dequan
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The major concern technologies during the processing through three-dimensional printing (3DP) are the mechanical and boundary properties of sand models. The parameters such as activator content, resolution X, layer thickness and re-coater speed play a vital role in 3DP sand components. The purpose of this paper is to recommend the optimal process parameters for the best sand mold properties.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, taking the parameters of the activator content, resolution X, layer thickness and re-coater speed as the influence factors, an orthogonal test of L16(44) was designed to discuss the influences of those parameters on the mechanical and boundary properties. Three-point bending (3PB) test was used to characterize the actual bending strength, and the boundary accuracy was assessed by the deviation of the three-point bending samples compared with its design scale.

Findings

The experimental results showed that the resolution X and layer thickness are the main parameters affecting sand mold properties. The strength will attain its maximum when the resolution X and layer thickness are the minimum. The optimal parameters were screened and verified by the confirmation test. The optimal process parameters for best strength and less gas evolution are the activator of 0.19%, resolution X of 0.1 mm, layer thickness of 0.28 mm and re-coater speed of 210 mm/s.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper is the select of significant parameters on 3D-printed sand model properties. A mathematical model was built to analyze the effect of these parameters. The optimal process parameters for the best properties were got.
Fulfilling information needs by classifying complex patron needs
Authors: Senteio Charles R. , Montague Kaitlin E. , Brody Stacy , Matteucci Kristen B.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to describe how public librarians can better address complex information needs. First, librarians should classify the degree of complexity of the need by using Warner’s classification model; then they can use Popper’s three world theory to anticipate and respond to complex information needs by following specific steps.

Design/methodology/approach

After examining the information science literature, appropriate models were selected to support public librarians. Our information science scholarship, coupled with our practical experience, informed our search and selection.

Findings

This paper details specific steps that public librarians can take to anticipate and respond to individual information needs. Doing so is imperative as the information needs of the public continue to become increasingly complex.

Originality/value

This paper improves information practice because it offers specific steps to aid public librarians to anticipate and respond to complex information needs. It draws upon an existing model and theoretical framework. This paper also highlights selected examples of how public librarians across the USA have anticipated information needs, and developed partnerships with organizations external to the public library to address complex information needs.
Style-changing behaviour in the socially responsible mutual fund industry: consequences on financial and sustainable performance
Authors: Muñoz Fernando , Vargas María , Vicente Ruth
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine style-deviation practices in the socially responsible mutual funds (SMRF) industry i.e. how mutual funds game their stated financial objectives to earn a higher relative performance ranking. In addition, the consequences of such practices on sustainable scores and money flows are studied.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 454 US equity SRMFs is studied. This paper uses panel regressions controlling for time and style fixed-effects.

Findings

This study finds that 17.60% of SRMF managers in the sample are engaged in style deviation practices. These practices positively impact the sustainable performance of SRMFs and negatively impact their financial performance. One effect offsets the other and they consequently do not affect money flows. Another finding is that only investors with lower portfolio sustainability scores do show return-chaser behaviour.

Practical implications

This paper reveals that SRMF managers deviating from their stated financial style face a dilemma that is non-existent for their conventional peers that is style deviation practices affect financial and sustainable performance in opposing ways, whereas SRMF investor utility depends positively on both dimensions. The findings are not conclusive about the effectiveness of style deviation practices in attracting SRMF money flows.

Social implications

SRMF industry has experienced tremendous growth in the past decade. The increased competition in this industry has led managers to strive to attract investors, sometimes by relying on irregular practices that enhance their portfolio results. Regulators should consider how to avoid such perverse behaviour with a view to improving mutual funds transparency.

Originality/value

This is the first research that analyses style deviation practices and their consequences for the SRMF industry.
The relation of COVID-19 to the UN sustainable development goals: implications for sustainability accounting, management and policy research
Authors: Hörisch Jacob
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the relation of the COVID-19 pandemic to sustainable development and, in particular, the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs). In so doing, the author highlights how sustainability accounting, management and policy (SAMP) research can help to build a more sustainable post-COVID-19 era.

Design/methodology/approach

The motivation behind this research note is to allow SAMP-research to learn from the COVID-19 pandemic. To do so, in the first step, the author conducts an initial factual analysis to identify patterns of how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the SDGs and has emphasized the interconnectedness of the SDGs. On this basis, the author develops a research agenda for SAMP-research.

Findings

The author argues that the COVID-19 crisis not only relates to the SDGs but is part of the research field of sustainable development itself. The pandemic has been found to severely threaten the achievement of the SDGs, while opportunities concerning selected SDGs can also be found. In this regard, the author identifies patterns, concerning which types of SDGs opportunities or respectively, threats exist.

Practical implications

The patterns identified for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic highlight for which SDGs additional efforts will be needed for the achievement of the respective SDGs.

Social implications

The analysis emphasizes that numerous SDGs can help to alleviate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and of potential future pandemics.

Originality/value

This research note is the first to analyze the threats and also the opportunities the COVID-19 pandemic presents for the achievement of the SDGs. It is also the first to not only examine direct effects but acknowledge the interconnected nature of the SDGs in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supply chain in the C-suite: the effect of chief supply chain officers on incidence of product recalls
Authors: Körber Maximilian , Cotta Diogo
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the extent to which the presence of chief supply chain officers (CSCOs) in top management teams (TMTs) helps firms to reduce the incidence of product recalls.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors identified all recalls for the period 2010–2017 issued by publicly held firms regulated by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. These data were subsequently combined with information on TMT composition from BoardEx and financial performance data from Compustat to create a unique data set.

Findings

The study identified a significant and negative association between CSCO presence and incidence of product recalls. The evidence also supports the conjecture that this association is stronger in larger firms, indicating that CSCOs are especially effective when operating within more complex supply chains.

Practical implications

The findings provide important insights into quality management in contemporary supply chains and indicate that assigning specific responsibility for supply chain management to a TMT member improves product reliability.

Originality/value

These findings contribute to the growing literature on the underlying causes of a product recall by identifying corporate governance antecedents of external quality failures of this kind.
Advancing the understanding of pharmaceutical supply chain resilience using complex adaptive system (CAS) theory
Authors: Yaroson Emilia Vann , Breen Liz , Hou Jiachen , Sowter Julie
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to advance the knowledge of pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC) resilience using complex adaptive system theory (CAS).

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory research design, which adopted a qualitative approach was used to achieve the study’s research objective. Qualitative data were gathered through 23 semi-structured interviews with key supply chain actors across the PSC in the UK.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that CAS, as a theory, provides a systemic approach to understanding PSC resilience by taking into consideration the various elements (environment, PSC characteristics, vulnerabilities and resilience strategies) that make up the entire system. It also provides explanations for key findings, such as the impact of power, conflict and complexity in the PSC, which are influenced by the interactions between supply chain actors and as such increase its susceptibility to the negative impact of disruption. Furthermore, the antecedents for building resilience strategies were the outcome of the decision-making process referred to as co-evolution from a CAS perspective.

Originality/value

Based on the data collected, the study was able to reflect on the relationships, interactions and interfaces between actors in the PSC using the CAS theory, which supports the proposition that resilience strategies can be adopted by supply chain actors to enhance this service supply chain. This is a novel empirical study of resilience across multiple levels of the PSC and as such adds valuable new knowledge about the phenomenon and the use of CAS theory as a vehicle for exploration and knowledge construction in other supply chains.
Leveraging competitiveness from sustainable operations: frameworks to understand the dynamic capabilities needed to realise NRBV supply chain strategies
Authors: McDougall Natalie , Wagner Beverly , MacBryde Jill
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to develop frameworks to support implementation and competitive leveraging of distinct sustainable supply chain operations. This derives from conceptual definition of the dynamic capabilities required to support Hart’s (1995) natural-resource-based view resources in the supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual study uses qualitative content analysis to extract capabilities from review and analysis of literature related to natural-resource-based view (NRBV) and sustainable supply chain management. Intercoder reliability assessments support conceptual development of such capabilities into dynamic capability frameworks.

Findings

Specific interrelations between each NRBV resource and corresponding supply chain strategies are conceptualised. From this, capabilities are categorised to corresponding resources, dynamic capabilities activities and internal–external focus. This results in definition of 107 dynamic NRBV capabilities.

Research limitations/implications

Contributions are threefold: distinct frameworks for competitive sustainable supply chain management is offered; the NRBV benefits from enhanced practical guidance via the definition of its dynamic capabilities, addressing the theory-practice gap; and understandings of dynamic capabilities and their role in both the NRBV sustainable supply chain management is advanced.

Practical implications

This paper offers four frameworks to allow firms to tailor sustainability strategies to suit their needs and guide competitive leveraging. Definition of capabilities offers practical guidance to operationalise NRBV resources.

Originality/value

This is the first holistic interpretation of NRBV capabilities and explicit application of dynamic capabilities. This forms the basis of a broader research agenda for the NRBV in sustainable supply chain management.
Social innovation in a tourist coastal city: a case study in Argentina
Authors: Elias Silvina , Barbero Andrea Cecilia
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to reflect on the interactions that result from the use of the seacoast in a small touristic town in Argentina. Agents in conflict are both beach users: on the one hand, tourists that enjoy sunbathing and, on the other hand, the artisanal fishermen who use the seacoast as a space for the circulation of tractors and boats and commercialization of their production in informal conditions. The case aimed to provide evidence on social innovation as a mobilizer of the creativity of citizens, the organizations of the third sector and public and private actors for the development of new solutions and better use of common resources.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper followed the methodology of the centre for research on social innovations (as per its initials in French) as proposed by Tardif and Harrisson (2005). The fieldwork was carried out with interviews to the stakeholders, visits of recognition and direct participation in the territory.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights about how an overarching project arises from agreements between stakeholders and a public policy that promotes it. Governance mechanisms to promote sustainable fisheries, to create cooperative management methods and to support alternative livelihood programmes are essential for preventing conflicts and mitigating their impacts on fishing communities.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is to show how social innovation can emerge from civil society initiatives and how the state can create conditions to favour it, participating and cooperating in a process of co-construction.
The impact of board and hotel characteristics on biodiversity reporting: market diversification as a moderator
Authors: Mahyuddin Edzuwyn Fathin Binti Haji , Iranmanesh Mohammad , Amran Azlan , Foroughi Behzad
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explain how board and hotel characteristics affect biodiversity reporting and to test the moderating effect of market diversification.

Design/methodology/approach

The annual reports of 105 hotels were examined for the period between 2016 and 2017 to analyse these hotels’ biodiversity reporting using content analysis. The partial least squares technique was used to test the proposed relationships.

Findings

The results show that the number of board members who are also on the corporate social responsibility committee, number of board members who are in environmental organizations, the star rating of the hotel, hotel size and hotel location have significant positive effects on the extent of biodiversity reporting. In addition, market diversification moderates positively the effects of number of board members with environmental experience and number of board members from environmental organizations on the extent of biodiversity reporting.

Practical implications

The results of this study will be useful in enabling hotel manager and investors to become knowledgeable about these aspects of boards, which lead to higher biodiversity reporting. This study can also inform policymakers about the types of hotels that are less likely to disclose biodiversity reports and to develop effective enforcement of regulations.

Originality/value

These findings extend the literature on biodiversity reporting by exploring the importance of board and hotel characteristics on the extent of biodiversity reporting and testing the moderating effect of market diversification.
Examining the relative role of CSR activity and service experience on cruise customers’ behavior
Authors: Ahn Jiseon , Lu Shiwen
Published: February 2021

Purpose

In the service industry, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is considered a strategic valuable resource. Although previous studies emphasized CSR activities in the service industry, a limited number of studies have examined the combined effect with the service experience. Thus, this study aims to examine the potential antecedents of cruise customers’ positive responses toward the cruise company.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model includes CSR activities, service experiences, satisfaction and revisit intention. The model is tested using samples of cruise customers from the USA. Tests of the proposed model produce significant results for path coefficients from two-dimensional service experience (i.e. physical quality and staff behavior) and not from CSR activities (i.e. environmental and philanthropic).

Findings

Hypothesis testing indicates that among cruise customers, perceived physical quality and staff behavior are more relevant for creating satisfaction and revisit intention than environmental and philanthropic CSR support.

Research limitations/implications

The results provide important implications for scholars concerning the effects of CSR activities on customer behavior for efficaciously managing customers’ positive experience with facilities and employees.

Originality/value

There has been a paradigm shift in the cruise industry. The recent trend shows an increasing number of cruise businesses leading to intense competition. Yet, researchers have not adequately examined the impact of service experience and CSR experience simultaneously. Thus, this study contributes to the existing CSR literature by identifying the important determinants of cruise customers’ behavior.
Blind source extraction based on EMD and temporal correlation for rolling element bearing fault diagnosis
Authors: Zhao Xuejun , Qin Yong , Fu Hailing , Jia Limin , Zhang Xinning
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Fault diagnosis methods based on blind source separation (BSS) for rolling element bearings are necessary tools to prevent any unexpected accidents. In the field application, the actual signal acquisition is usually hindered by certain restrictions, such as the limited number of signal channels. The purpose of this study is to fulfill the weakness of the existed BSS method.

Design/methodology/approach

To deal with this problem, this paper proposes a blind source extraction (BSE) method for bearing fault diagnosis based on empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and temporal correlation. First, a single-channel undetermined BSS problem is transformed into a determined BSS problem using the EMD algorithm. Then, the desired fault signal is extracted from selected intrinsic mode functions with a multi-shift correlation method.

Findings

Experimental results prove the extracted fault signal can be easily identified through the envelope spectrum. The application of the proposed method is validated using simulated signals and rolling element bearing signals of the train axle.

Originality/value

This paper proposes an underdetermined BSE method based on the EMD and the temporal correlation method for rolling element bearings. A simulated signal and two bearing fault signal from the train rolling element bearings show that the proposed method can well extract the bearing fault signal. Note that the proposed method can extract the periodic fault signal for bearing fault diagnosis. Thus, it should be helpful in the diagnosis of other rotating machinery, such as gears or blades.
Reliability analysis of SnAgCu lead-free solder thermal interface materials in microelectronics
Authors: Ekpu Mathias
Published: February 2021

Purpose

In microelectronics industry, the reliability of its components is a major area of concern for engineers. Therefore, it is imperative that such concerns are addressed by using the most reliable materials available. Thermal interface materials (TIMs) are used in electronic devices to bridge the topologies that exists between a heat sink and the flip chip assembly. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the reliability of SAC405 and SAC396 in a microelectronics assembly.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, SnAgCu solder alloys (SAC405 and SAC396) were used as the TIMs. The model, which comprises the chip, TIM and heat sink base, was developed with ANSYS finite element analysis software and simulated under a thermal cycling load of between −40°C and 85°C.

Findings

The results obtained from this paper were based on the total deformation, stress, strain and fatigue life of the lead-free solder materials. The analyses of the results showed that SAC405 is more reliable than SAC396. This was evident in the fatigue life analysis where it was predicted that it took about 85 days for SAC405 to fail, whereas it took about 13 days for SAC396 to fail. Therefore, SAC405 is recommended as the TIM of choice compared to SAC396 based upon the findings of this investigation.

Originality/value

This paper is centred on SnAgCu solders used as TIMs. This paper demonstrated that SAC405 is a reliable solder TIM. This can guide manufacturers of electronic products in deciding which SAC solder to apply as TIM during the assembly process.
Determinants of Overall Public Trust in Local Government: Meditation of Government Response to COVID-19 in Indonesian Context
Authors: Hartanto Dadang , Siregar Siti Masliana
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to empirically investigate the relationship of perceived transparency, perceived accountability and perceived responsiveness with overall public trust in local government. Moreover, it addressed the “why” and “how” questions about the existence of this relationship by examining the underlying mechanism of the government response to COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research design is applied in the current study. Data was collected from two cities situated in Indonesia via a cross-sectional survey at local administration levels. The final data set of 330 respondents was then analyzed using Smart partial least square (PLS)3 by testing through the measurement and structural model.

Findings

Results revealed positive associations among the study variables. Also, the mediatory role of the government response to COVID-19 was supported by the results.

Originality/value

This study aims to bring awareness and contribution in the body of knowledge about the importance of elements of good governance in building and sustaining public trust in local governments based on the fact that in countries such as Indonesia, there is a dearth of literature in this context. Further, it provides strategic and practical suggestions to the state regarding the advantages of using good governance practices in their communication with citizens in certain and uncertain situations, especially nowadays during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Challenges, trust and performance in virtual teams: examining the role of openness to experience and preference for virtual teams
Authors: Zaharie Monica
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Building on the complex adaptive systems (CAS) framework, this paper aims to investigate the detrimental effect of virtual teams’ (VTs) challenges and the upholding role of trust on the members’ ratings of VTs’ performance. Also, the study examines the mediating role of the preferences for VTs and investigates the moderating function of the openness to experience personality trait on the relationship between challenges, trust and preference for VTs.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional survey data were collected from a sample of 498 university students in Romania and path analysis was used for data analysis.

Findings

The results show evidence of the harmful effect of VTs’ challenges on members’ ratings of VTs’ performance and reveal that trust boosts members’ ratings of VTs’ performance. The findings highlight the mediating role of members’ preference for VTs and show evidence that the openness to experience personality trait strengthens the negative effect of the challenges on members’ preference for VTs.

Research limitations/implications

Given the cross-sectional design of the study, inferences regarding the causal relationship between the variables cannot be made, and further longitudinal research is called for.

Originality/value

The study builds on the CAS framework and addresses the call for research to explore the variables that might contribute or impede VTs’ performance.
Direct and indirect impact of quality management on the integrated performance of medium-scale manufacturers
Authors: Udofia Ekpenyong Ekpenyong , Adejare Bimbo Onaolapo , Olaore Gbemi Oladipo , Udofia Etete Ekpenyong
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Most studies on small and medium scale enterprises lump both small-scale and medium-scale businesses together as entirely similar phenomenon, thus creating an oversight of the degree of performance recorded by medium-scale businesses. In line with investigating medium-scale firms' performance, this study examines the role of quality management in the performance of medium-scale firms to evolve research-based recommendation for better performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional survey design and random sampling were employed. Analysis was based on 915 responses obtained via questionnaire copy distribution from employees within the supply chain, production, operations, and marketing/sales department of selected firms. Hypotheses testing was done using the structural equation model.

Findings

A positive significant relationship between quality management and operational performance, employee performance, and quality performance dimensions was identified. An insignificant relationship between quality management and financial and innovation performance dimensions was discovered. However, when mediated by employee focus and process management, significant relationships were observed among all performance dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

The study reveals that employee focus and process management have the greatest mediating impact on the relationship between quality management and the organisational performance of medium-scale manufacturing firms. This study charts the course for other studies to investigate the mediating role of quality management practices on the relationship between quality management and the organisational performance of medium-scale firms in other developing nations. The manufacturing sector has thirteen industries, but only six were captured in this study. This poses a limitation to the generalisation of the findings of this study. Further studies could strive for a representation of every manufacturing industry to aid generalisation purposes.

Practical implications

Managers of medium-scale manufacturing firms must understand that it might be impossible to get a one size fits all approach to improving performance dimensions. Managers are advised to choose one or two performance dimensions as the goal, then focus on achieving them. This will help clarify which path is best to get the desired results and maximise their quality management system.

Originality/value

This study examines the impact of quality management practices on an integrated performance model of medium-scale firms. The study also uniquely examines the mediating impact of exclusive quality management practices on the relationship between quality management and an integrated performance model.
Geography and location selection of multinational tourism firms: strategies for globalization
Authors: Feng Xiang , Derudder Ben , Wang Fei , Shao Rui
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the major geographical dimensions of the location strategies of multinational tourism firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptually, this paper is situated at the intersection of two distinct and evolving bodies of research literature on the global geographies of the tourism industry and the production of economic globalization from a set of strategic locations. Empirically, principal component analysis is applied to explore the main geographical configurations within a location matrix of 102 tourism firms across 547 cities.

Findings

The results identify strong geographical organizing patterns in the location strategies of multinational tourism firms, above all articulated in countries/regions that themselves have large domestic and/or international tourism markets. However, there is also a global component in terms of firm/location composition, while the national/regional components are hybrid and porous in practice.

Originality/value

This study contributes to a new way of looking at a globalizing tourism sector. The findings can be used to reflect on possible wider implications for the tourism geographies literature and reveal some avenues for further research.
Identifying and categorising knowledge reuse activities in electronic repositories
Authors: Walsh John N.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Knowledge reuse using electronic repositories, while increasingly important, requires more thorough analysis. Service modularity has been recently applied in services research but has not been integrated into knowledge reuse studies. The purpose of this paper is to draw on both service modularity and knowledge reuse to develop and validate a framework that categorises forms of packaged knowledge in an electronic repository.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on knowledge reuse and service modularity research, a model is proposed. The model is empirically tested using a case study research design.

Findings

This research highlighted the value of including both context and process as key dimensions when packaging service knowledge for reuse. This study identifies knowledge types present in modular solutions and how they were configured and reconfigured in the knowledge repository. This research identified five ways modularised services were leveraged. In addition to the traditional scale and stretch approaches, already present, but conflated, in the service literature, three other configurations were identified; shrink, separate and segment.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on a single empirical case study which may limit the generalisability of the findings. There is a need for additional research to further validate the model in additional contexts.

Practical implications

This study provides managers with empirical examples of how a modular repository was used in practice and outlines five ways of recombining contextual and processual elements to enable service codification and reuse. It has implications for how knowledge is decomposed and recombined in repositories, suggesting an explicit separation of context and process knowledge while developing modular elements within both.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that explicitly uses context and process as dimensions and draws on service modularity to understand types of knowledge reuse in electronic repositories. In doing so, it adds value by developing and validating a model that identifies five types of reuse.
Modelling of accidental phenomena related to leakage and tank rupture of a vehicle converted to LPG
Authors: Hellas Mohamed Seddik , Rachid Chaib , Verzea Ion
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), known by its ecological qualities, making Algeria has since the 1980s carried out a policy of development of LPG fuel in substitution of traditional fuels and especially petrol. However, following a series of accidents (fires, explosions, etc). that occurred in 1999, 20 years after the introduction of the LPG in France these incidents led to the search for the strengthening of the safety of the installations by better or new technical and/or organizational measures. This strategy consists in establishing a balance between environmental protection and economic profitability while ensuring the safety aspect.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach used is quantitative risk analysis authors have identified the potential accident scenarios that consist of leakage and rupture of tanks depend on bow tie. According to the latter using PHAST software, to model these scenarios (thermal, overpressure and dispersion) and their effects on human beings and goods.

Findings

In this paper, it was noted that there are scenarios such as (jet fire, dispersion), are affected by atmospheric conditions (wind speed humidity), the stronger the wind, the higher the LPG spread unlike instant scenarios (1.3 s for the fireball and millisecond for the explosion) that have not been related to climatic conditions because they have a short duration on the one hand, and on the other hand, a safe distance is given in each phenomenon. Finally, some instructions for drivers and installers have been identified by protective and preventive action.

Originality/value

Based on a quantitative risk analysis, this work involves modelling potential accident scenarios such as (fireball, jet fire, flash fire and explosion) in the event of a gas leak and rupture in the tank. It aims to sensitize drivers and LPG kit installers, even to get a clear view on these accidental phenomena and how to avoid them.
Limning India’s tax terrorism saga
Authors: Deb Rajat
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explain the Indian taxpayers’ harassment saga in the name of revenue collections by the taxmen.

Design/methodology/approach

The study gas adopted descriptive viewpoints supported by empirical evidence.

Findings

Pursuant to the recent amendments in the Act, a good number of Sections such as 132(1), 132(1 A) and 153 A have empowered the tax officials to conduct raids without explaining the reasons, call for papers for reopening assessments of cases of a decade old and has increased the quantum of penalty for the default period substantially.

Originality/value

The paper is an original one and free from plagiarism.
The gender divide in issue attention
Authors: CHAQUÉS‐BONAFONT LAURA , CRISTANCHO CAMILO
Published: February 2021

This article explores the conditions under which female members of parliament (MPs) are more likely than male MPs to participate in political debates relating to a range of issues. Building on descriptive representation theory and parliamentary behaviour studies, we examine how the effect of the number of women in parliament, and women's access to leadership positions, on MPs’ issue attention varies across policy areas and parliamentary venues. Looking at oral questions asked by male and female MPs in plenary sessions and parliamentary committees in Spain from 1982 to 2018, we found that numbers and leadership positions significantly affect female MPs’ attention to those parliamentary activities that aim to highlight the merits of government action and in venues that are less open to public scrutiny. Our results also illustrate that the presence of women in parliament and their access to leadership positions have a significant impact on female MPs’ attention to rights‐ and welfare‐related issues, but not issues traditionally linked to high‐profile political areas such as national security, macroeconomic policy, and government affairs. The presence of women in parliaments has increased globally, but inequalities in the gender distribution of issue attention persist, thereby reducing the capacity of female MPs to act on behalf of and stand up for women in political debates on most issues.
Diaphragmatic paraganglioma protruding into the right thoracic cavity
Authors: Minegishi Kentaro , Tsubochi Hiroyoshi , Ohno Keisuke , Komori Kenjiro , Ozeki Masaki , Negishi Hideki , Endo Shunsuke
Published: February 2021

Paragangliomas in the diaphragm are extremely rare. We report the case of a 27‐year‐old woman with a nonfunctioning paraganglioma protruding superiorly from the right diaphragm. The patient underwent an anterior thoracotomy, and a supradiaphragmatic tumor (70 mm in diameter), which compressed the inferior vena cava and the right hepatic vein, was completely resected by combined partial resection of the right diaphragm and pericardium. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a paraganglioma situated both on the diaphragm and close to the inferior vena cava and hepatic vein.

Key points
Tetrahydrobiopterin synthesis and metabolism is impaired in dystrophin‐deficient mdx mice and humans
Authors: Lindsay Angus , Kemp Bailey , Larson Alexie A. , Baumann Cory W. , McCourt Preston M. , Holm John , Karachunski Peter , Lowe Dawn A. , Ervasti James M.
Published: February 2021

Aim

Loss of dystrophin causes oxidative stress and affects nitric oxide synthase‐mediated vascular function in striated muscle. Because tetrahydrobiopterin is an antioxidant and co‐factor for nitric oxide synthase, we tested the hypothesis that tetrahydrobiopterin would be low in mdx mice and humans deficient for dystrophin.

Methods

Tetrahydrobiopterin and its metabolites were measured at rest and in response to exercise in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy patients, age‐matched male controls as well as wild‐type, mdx and mdx mice transgenically overexpressing skeletal muscle‐specific dystrophins. Mdx mice were also supplemented with tetrahydrobiopterin and pathophysiology was assessed.

Results

Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients had lower urinary dihydrobiopterin + tetrahydrobiopterin/specific gravity1.020 compared to unaffected age‐matched males and Becker muscular dystrophy patients. Mdx mice had low urinary and skeletal muscle dihydrobiopterin + tetrahydrobiopterin compared to wild‐type mice. Overexpression of dystrophins that localize neuronal nitric oxide synthase restored dihydrobiopterin + tetrahydrobiopterin in mdx mice to wild‐type levels while utrophin overexpression did not. Mdx mice and Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients did not increase tetrahydrobiopterin during exercise and in mdx mice tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency was likely because of lower levels of sepiapterin reductase in skeletal muscle. Tetrahydrobiopterin supplementation improved skeletal muscle strength, resistance to fatiguing and injurious contractions in vivo, increased utrophin and capillary density of skeletal muscle and lowered cardiac muscle fibrosis and left ventricular wall thickness in mdx mice.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that impaired tetrahydrobiopterin synthesis is associated with dystrophin loss and treatment with tetrahydrobiopterin improves striated muscle histopathology and skeletal muscle function in mdx mice.