bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new modeling method for S-MCSRM driven by three-phase full bridge converter
Authors: Ma Qingqing , Ge Baoming , Bi Daqiang , J.T.E. Ferreira Fernando , T. de Almeida Aníbal
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The S-MCSRM is a two-phase excited switched reluctance motor (SRM), with the short flux path and mutual inductance coupling, which is suitable for the oil submersible pump application owing to large torque and three-wire connection with the standard full-bridge power converter. However, there is not literature to disclose its model due to the complicated mutual inductance coupling. The FEM model is a time-consuming method to analyze this motor. For the first time, this paper aims to propose an S-MCSRM model for performance analysis and control method developing. The proposed model would save simulation time and be a theoretical fundamental for further implementing control algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

– The S-MCSRM's operating principle is analyzed, and the voltage equation and the generated torque are deduced. The FEM is utilized to obtain the five typical magnetization curves that describe the S-MCSRM's magnetic path characteristic. The magnetic co-energy equation, phase torque and total torque equations are obtained. From the basic voltage equation, the S-MCSRM's state space model is built for the dynamic analysis and control purpose. The S-MCSRM is widely analyzed in detail by using the proposed model and comparison with the conventional SRM. JMAG finite element package is used to verify the proposed model.

Findings

– The proposed modeling method is validated by the identical results to those from FEM-based JMAG software. The proposed model just takes second-level time, which is far less than minute-level time consuming of FEM method. The S-MCSRM generates larger torque than the conventional SRM, with three-wire and standard full bridge power converter, and it is confirmed that the S-MCSRM is suitable for the oil submersible pump applications.

Originality/value

– This paper proposes a new modeling method for the S-MCSRM to exactly analyze the motor's operating performances, and also it is a theoretical fundamental for developing control algorithm. The proposed model saves much time in analysis, calculation, and simulation, when compared to the FEM method. The completed analysis including flux linkages, torque, torque-ripple, and torque-speed characteristic discloses the S-MCSRM's steady-state operating performances, which provides the deep insight for this kind of motor's applications.
A new analytical approach to predicting cycle-slipping in charge pump PLLs
Authors: Sadat Sadeghi Vahideh , Miar Naimi Hossein
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The linear analysis presented for the charge pump phase locked loops (CPPLLs) becomes inaccurate or incorrect where cycle slipping occurs. In this paper, an analytical approach is proposed, which explains the conditions in which cycle slipping happens. Using the analytical results, one can simply design or redesign a CPPLL to prevent or decrease cycle slipping and hence decreasing the locking time. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– To obtain cycle slipping conditions, CPPLL's signals in the time domain are tracked and cycle slipping condition is investigated. Based on the proposed analysis, by comparing a simple function of system's parameters with a threshold, cycle slipping is predicted.

Findings

– The cycle slipping conditions are expressed in terms of system's parameters and the size of the input frequency step. The method is also generalized for a fast CPPLL with an aid-lock BBFC circuit. The good accuracy of the analytical predictions is verified using simulations in Matlab/Simulink.

Originality/value

– A new analytical method for cycle slipping prediction in CPPLLs is presented. A closed form equation in terms of system's parameters and input frequency step has been presented, which can predict the cycle slipping possibility in the system without a need to perform the full time-consuming simulations. This analytical method that uses the LambertW function's properties proposes a threshold to predict cycle slipping in the system. This method not only can be used by designers to predict cycle slipping but can also be used to design the CPPLL in order to remove or decrease cycle slipping. The method is also generalized for fast locking charge pump PLLs and as a case study, cycle slipping prediction in the BBFC-CPPLL is performed.
Locally conservative projection methods: benchmarking and practical implementation
Authors: Alexandre Journeaux Antoine , Nemitz Nicolas , Moreau Olivier
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– This article presents a locally conservative projection method which aims to preserve the integral of a function and one operator among grad, div, or curl.

Design/methodology/approach

– After a theoretical description of the projection methods, the locally conservative projection is analytically tested and compared with the orthogonal method. In the second part, the implementation of the methods is described, and improvements are proposed. An industrial application of the present work, consisting in a magneto-thermal coupled problem, is then presented.

Findings

– The implementation of the conservative method is simpler than the implementation of the orthogonal method while presenting similar behaviour in terms of accuracy and conservation.

Originality/value

– The locally conservative method is extended to curl-conform and div-conform elements. Furthermore, three-dimensional studies are proposed.
Analytical modeling of quantization effects in surrounding-gate MOSFETs
Authors: Palanichamy Vimala , Balamurugan N.B.
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present an analytical model and simulation for cylindrical gate all around MOSFTEs including quantum effects.

Design/methodology/approach

– To incorporating the impact of quantum effects, the authors have used variational method for solving the Poisson and Schrodinger equations. The accuracy of the results obtained using this model is verified by comparing them with simulation results.

Findings

– This model is developed to provide an analytical expression for inversion charge distribution function for all regions of device operation. This expression is used to calculate the other important parameters like inversion charge centroid, threshold voltage, inversion charge, gate capacitance and drain current. The calculated expressions for the above parameters are simple and accurate. The validity of this model was checked for the devices with different dimensions and bias voltages.

Practical implications

– Simulation based on the compact physical models reduces the cost of developing a sophisticated fabrication technology and shortens the time-to-market. They may also be utilized to explore innovative device structures.

Originality/value

– This paper presents, for the first time, a compact quantum analytical model for cylindrical surrounding gate MOSFETs which predicts the device characteristics reasonably well over the entire range of device operation (above threshold as well as sub-threshold region).
Detailed and comprehensive mathematical modeling of flying-capacitor stacked multicell multilevel converters
Authors: Dargahi Vahid
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to propose a mathematical model for stacked multicell converters (SMCs), to be exploited in the analytic determination of natural voltage balancing dynamics of the flying-capacitor (FC) stacked multicell multilevel converters, i.e. investigations of the start-up behavior, dynamic response, and natural voltage balancing phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

– The crux of the proposed strategy is based on the closed-form analytic solution derivation for the switching functions used in the switching of the SMCs operated under phase disposition (PD) and phase shifted carrier (PSC) pulse width modulation (PD-PSC-PWM) technique. Hence, the suggested approach develops an analytic solution for the Fourier series and associated Fourier coefficients pertinent to the switching functions of the SMCs by obtaining the switching instants of the PD-PSC-PWM modulator in terms of Kapteyn series when the frequency of the triangular carrier waveform (fc) and that of the sinusoidal reference waveform (fr) have an integer ratio, i.e. f

c
 · f

r
−1=k, k∈N.

Findings

– This approach results into a model, first order differential equation based model, which can be readily developed for the SMCs with any number of levels expediting the investigation of their performance. Furthermore, by an experimental scrutiny conducted on a 4×2-cell-nine-level topology of an SMC, it is inferred that under PD-PSC-PWM modulation technique, FC voltages balance naturally for higher number of stacks and cells, therefore the natural balancing exist for high-level SMCs.

Research limitations/implications

– Despite the sophistication of the proposed methodology and mathematical model, this study presents an alternative approach with high potential of applicability for derivation of the multilevel converter mathematical model exploiting the Kapteyn (Bessel-Fourier) series.

Practical implications

– Numeric computation results of the proposed analytic model for the SMCs and the simulation results as well as investigational measurements taken from 2×2-cell-five-level and 4×2-cell-nine-level experimental set-ups are presented in order to substantiate the suggested approach, derived model, and verification of natural balancing.

Originality/value

– This article and its innovations are original.
Yet another TOA estimation technique for IR-UWB
Authors: Djeddou Mustapha , Zeher Hichem , Nekachtali Younes
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to propose a new method for estimating the time of arrival (TOA) of ultra-wideband (UWB) signals under IEEE 802.15.4a multipath channel model.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed approach is based on a proportionality test and consists in finding out whether two autoregressive (AR) processes, modeling two frames, are proportional or not. The latter operation uses a distance to measure the proportionality between the two AR processes.

Findings

– The developed technique may be used in two ways, sample-by-sample or block-by-block, according to the required ranging accuracy. It is important to note that the method offers flexibility between the computational load and the needed estimation accuracy. Moreover, the proposed method uses a threshold that is derived analytically according to a preset false alarm probability.

Practical implications

– Simulation experiments are conducted to assess the performance of the new TOA estimation algorithm. Thereby, the comparison is done against the well-known CLEAN algorithm for a sample-by-sample based TOA estimation and against three energy detector based receiver algorithms. The obtained results highlight the effectiveness of the developed approach.

Originality/value

– The developed TOA estimation algorithm is completely different from other techniques in the literature, and it is based on a proportionality test between two sliding frames. These latter are modeled by two AR processes. Then a distance measure is used to check whether or not the power spectral densities are proportional.
Modeling, analysis, and motor drive application of quasi-Z-source indirect matrix converter
Authors: Liu Shuo , Ge Baoming , Jiang Xinjian , Abu-Rub Haitham , Peng Fangzheng
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to propose a new type of three-phase quasi-Z-source indirect matrix converter (QZSIMC) to extend the voltage gain for application in the induction motor drives.

Design/methodology/approach

– A unique H-shape quasi-Z-source network is connected between the three-phase voltage source and traditional indirect matrix converter to achieve the voltage boost and buck in a single-stage power conversion. The complete space vector modulation (SVM) method is proposed to control the proposed QZSIMC. The output voltage amplitude of quasi-Z-source network can be boosted by the shoot-through of the front-end rectifier, so the whole system's voltage gain is extended. Meanwhile, the QZSIMC modeling and quasi-Z-source impedance parameter design are developed by using the state space averaging method. The design-oriented analysis based on small signal model is used to investigate the quasi-Z-source impedance parameter's impact on the QZSIMC's dynamic performance. A simulated application example employs a 4-kW induction motor drive to verify the proposed QZSIMC, the developed modulation method and parameter design method.

Findings

– The proposed QZSIMC can achieve high voltage gain larger than one and also can fulfill buck function, which widens the induction motor drive's operation range. The simulation results verify the proposed QZSIMC and SVM and also validate the quality performance of the proposed induction motor drive and all theoretical analysis and parameter design method.

Originality/value

– The proposed QZSIMC effectively overcomes the limitation of traditional indirect matrix converter, through extending the voltage gain larger than one. The systematic principle, analysis, parameter design, and simulation verification provide the proposed QZSIMC with a feasible approach in practical induction motor drive applications.
Discrete optimal control for robot manipulators
Authors: Mehdi Fateh Mohammad , Baluchzadeh Maryam
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– Applying discrete linear optimal control to robot manipulators faces two challenging problems, namely nonlinearity and uncertainty. This paper aims to overcome nonlinearity and uncertainty to design the discrete optimal control for electrically driven robot manipulators.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two novel discrete optimal control approaches are presented. In the first approach, a control-oriented model is applied for the discrete linear quadratic control while modeling error is estimated and compensated by a robust time-delay controller. Instead of the torque control strategy, the voltage control strategy is used for obtaining an optimal control that is free from the manipulator dynamics. In the second approach, a discrete optimal controller is designed by using a particle swarm optimization algorithm.

Findings

– The first controller can overcome uncertainties, guarantee stability and provide a good tracking performance by using an online optimal algorithm whereas the second controller is an off-line optimal algorithm. The first control approach is verified by stability analysis. A comparison through simulations on a three-link electrically driven robot manipulator shows superiority of the first approach over the second approach. Another comparison shows that the first approach is superior to a bounded torque control approach in the presence of uncertainties.

Originality/value

– The originality of this paper is to present two novel optimal control approaches for tracking control of electrically driven robot manipulators with considering the actuator dynamics. The novelty is that the proposed control approaches are free from the robot's model by using the voltage control strategy. The first approach is a novel discrete linear quadratic control design supported by a time-delay uncertainty compensator. The second approach is an off-line optimal design by using the particle swarm optimization.
Analysis of a circular microstrip antenna on isotropic or uniaxially anisotropic substrate using neurospectral approach
Authors: Bedra Sami , Benkouda Siham , Fortaki Tarek
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to propose an artificial neural network (ANN) in conjunction with spectral domain formulation for fast and accurate determination of the resonant frequency and quality factor of circular microstrip antenna printed on isotropic or anisotropic substrate. This neurospectral approach reduces the problem complexity.

Design/methodology/approach

– The moment method implemented in the spectral domain provides good accuracy but its computational cost is high due to the evaluation of the slowly decaying integrals and the iterative nature of the solution process. The paper introduces the electromagnetic knowledge combined with ANN in the analysis of circular microstrip antenna on isotropic or uniaxially anisotropic substrate to reduce the complexity of the spectral approach and to minimize the CPU time necessary to obtain the numerical results.

Findings

– The resonant frequency results obtained from the neural model are in very good agreement with the experimental and theoretical results available in the literature. Finally, numerical results for the substrate anisotropy effect on the resonant frequency, quality factor and radiation pattern are also presented.

Originality/value

– The paper develops fast and accurate model based on ANN technique to calculate the resonant frequencies and quality factors of circular microstrip antennas. ANN is used to model the relationship between the parameters of the microstrip antenna and the resonant frequencies and quality factors obtained from the spectral domain approach. This relatively simple model allows designers to predict accurately the resonant frequencies and quality factors for a given design without having to develop or run the spectral method codes themselves. The main advantages of the method are: less computing time than the spectral model, results with accuracy equivalent to that of full-wave models and cost effectiveness, since the client can use a simple PC for implementation. Another advantage of the proposed ANN model is that it takes into account the uniaxial anisotropy in the substrate without increasing the network size. This is done by combining ANN with electromagnetic knowledge.
Accuracy evaluation of three-dimensional FE analysis based on nonconforming voxel element
Authors: Sato Takahiro , Watanabe Kota , Igarashi Hajime
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– Three-dimensional (3D) mesh generation for shape optimizations needs long computational time. This makes it difficult to perform 3D shape optimizations. The purpose of this paper is to present a new meshing method with light computational cost for 3D shape optimizations.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper presents a new meshing method on the basis of nonconforming voxel finite element method. The 3D mesh generation is performed with light computational cost keeping the computational accuracy.

Findings

– It is shown that the computational cost for 3D mesh generation can be reduced without deteriorating numerical accuracy in the FE analysis. It is reported the performance of the present method.

Originality/value

– The validity of the nonconforming voxel elements is tested to apply it to the optimization of 3D optimizations.
A novel two-port network model for RCPT system
Authors: Xian Zhang , Qingxin Yang , Haiyan Chen , Xin Zhang , Liang Jin , Yang Li
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is to show that how a contactless power transmission system via electromagnetic (EM) resonantly coupling power transmission (RCPT) technology may be analyzed in-depth by using a detailed T-type two-port network model with leakage inductance variable.

Design/methodology/approach

– Through the introduction of coupling coefficient and quality factor, the influence of different physical parameters on the system performance is taken into consideration and validated by power transmission experiment.

Findings

– It is shown that system performance is mainly subject to coupling coefficient and quality factor from the two-port network model in this paper. Moreover, there are three working status of dynamic transmission, which are over coupling, critical coupling and under coupling.

Originality/value

– Two-port network model applied to practical RCPT system design considering impedance loss on resonators, etc.
Calculation and validation of iron loss in laminated core of power and distribution transformers
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Cheng Zhiguang , Lin Li , Wang Jianmin
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a simple method to analyze the iron loss in the laminated core of power and distribution transformers.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper presents a practical method to calculate the no-load loss in the transformer cores. Considering the non-uniformity of the magnetic flux density in the corner areas of the Epstein frames will affect the measurement precision of the Wt-B curves then further affect the core loss calculation in FEM, a dual-Epstein frame method is used to measure the Wt-B curves with the Epstein sample stripes cutting by different angles to the rolling direction. A 2D FEM that considers the type of joints of the core and eddy current effect in the laminations is used to analyze the core loss with multi-angle Wt-B curves.

Findings

– The impact of lamination thickness, size of gaps and type of joint of the core are considered. Considering the no-load testing conditions, harmonics in the exciting currents are taken into account.

Originality/value

– Harmonic wave of magnetic flux density in the transformer core is calculated and the core loss in the joint region is calculated by the loss curve measured with dual-Epstein frame. It makes the calculation result of transformer core loss more exactly.
Time-stepping finite element analysis on the influence of rotational flux on local core losses of AC electrical machines
Authors: Haisen Zhao , Xiaofang Liu , Xueshen Cui , Yingli Luo
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is to study the influence of rotational flux on local core losses of the motors, which is difficult to distinguish the iron losses caused by rotational flux in certain electric machines through experiment. Therefore, time-stepping finite element method (T-S FEM) is used to consider the rotational flux and to predict the local core losses.

Design/methodology/approach

– Time-stepping finite element method.

Findings

– It is found that, in stator side, rotational flux mainly exists in tooth root and yoke area near the bottom of stator slot, those area is about 45 percent of total stator core area; in rotor side, due to slot harmonic field, the rotational flux mainly exists in the tip of tooth.

Originality/value

– Through analyzing the magnetization characteristics at different positions in stator and rotor cores by T-S FEM, the influence of rotational flux on local core losses of AC electric machines is studied.
An efficient application of PML in fourth-order precise integration time domain method for the numerical solution of Maxwell's equations
Authors: Bai Zhongming , Ma Xikui , Zhuansun Xu , Liu Qi
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is to introduce a perfectly matched layer (PML) absorber, based on Berenger's split field PML, to the recently proposed low-dispersion precise integration time domain method using a fourth-order accurate finite difference scheme (PITD(4)).

Design/methodology/approach

– The validity and effectiveness of the PITD(4) method with the inclusion of the PML is investigated through a two-dimensional (2-D) point source radiating example.

Findings

– Numerical results indicate that the larger time steps remain unchanged in the procedure of the PITD(4) method with the PML, and meanwhile, the PITD(4) method employing the PML is of the same absorbability as that of the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method with the PML. In addition, it is also demonstrated that the later time reflection error of the PITD(4) method employing the PML is much lower than that of the FDTD method with the PML.

Originality/value

– An efficient application of PML in fourth-order precise integration time domain method for the numerical solution of Maxwell's equations.
Finite element modeling and analyzing for lumbar muscle electrical activity
Authors: Yin Ning , Xu Guizhi , Zhang Shuai , Guo Lei
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is to present a three-dimensional model and analyze the internal link between surface potential distribution and the electrical activity of lumbar muscles with finite element method.

Design/methodology/approach

– Finite element method.

Findings

– The simulated results have shown that there is a significant difference of surface potential topography patterns between low back pain (LBP) patients and normal healthy control. The normal shows symmetrical in contrast with the asymmetrical LBP pattern.

Originality/value

– It provides a new view to analyze lumbar muscle activity with finite element method, which has a potential clinical application on lumbar muscle function analysis and LBP rehabilitation assessment.
Multi-objective optimization approach to reliability-based robust global optimization of electromagnetic device
Authors: Ren Ziyan , Zhang Dianhai , Seop Koh Chang
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a multi-objective optimization algorithm, which can improve both the performance robustness and the constraint feasibility when the uncertainty in design variables is considered.

Design/methodology/approach

– Multi-objective robust optimization by gradient index combined with the reliability-based design optimization (RBDO).

Findings

– It is shown that searching for the optimal design of the TEAM problem 22, which can minimize the magnetic stray field by keeping the target system energy (180 MJ) and improve the feasibility of superconductivity constraint (quenching condition), is possible by using the proposed method.

Originality/value

– RBDO method applied to the electromagnetic problem cooperated with the design sensitivity analysis by the finite element method.
Vector magnetic property of electrical steel sheet and its influence on distributions of magnetic field and iron loss for electrical machines
Authors: Yoon Heesung , Seop Koh Chang
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the vector magnetic properties of the electrical steel sheet and investigate its influences on the magnetic field and iron loss distributions for the electrical machines.

Design/methodology/approach

– The vector magnetic property of the electrical steel sheet is measured by using a two-dimensional single sheet tester and modelled through an E&S vector hysteresis model to be applied to finite element analysis.

Findings

– The magnetic field and iron loss distributions are calculated by finite element analysis combined with the E&S vector hysteresis model for the three-phase transformer and induction motor models.

Originality/value

– The influences of the vector magnetic property on the electrical machines are verified by comparing with the numerical results from a scalar magnetic property.
Unconditionally stable improved meshless methods for electromagnetic time-domain modeling
Authors: Razmjoo Hooman , Movahhedi Masoud
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– In this paper, a modified meshless method, as one of the numerical techniques that has recently emerged in the area of computational electromagnetics, is extended to solving time-domain wave equation. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– In space domain, the fields at the collocation points are expanded into a series of new Shepard's functions which have been suggested recently and are treated with a meshless method procedure. For time discretization of the second-order time-derivative, two finite-difference schemes, i.e. backward difference and Newmark-βtechniques, are proposed.

Findings

– Both schemes are implicit and always stable and have unconditional stability with different orders of accuracy and numerical dispersion. The unconditional stability of the proposed methods is analytically proven and numerically verified. Moreover, two numerical examples for electromagnetic field computation are also presented to investigate characteristics of the proposed methods.

Originality/value

– The paper presents two unconditionally stable schemes for meshless methods in time-domain electromagnetic problems.
UWB signal receiver with sub-Nyquist rate sampling based on compressed sensing
Authors: Zhuang Xiaoyan , Zhao Yijiu , Wang Li , Wang Houjun
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a compressed sensing (CS)-based sampling system for ultra-wide-band (UWB) signal. By exploiting the sparsity of signal, this new sampling system can sub-Nyquist sample a multiband UWB signal, whose unknown frequency support occupies only a small portion of a wide spectrum.

Design/methodology/approach

– A random Rademacher sequence is used to sense the signal in the frequency domain, and a matrix constructed by Hadamard basis is used to compress the signal. The probability of reconstruction is proved mathematically, and the reconstruction matrix is developed in the frequency domain.

Findings

– Simulation results indicate that, with an ultra-low sampling rate, the proposed system can capture and reconstruct sparse multiband UWB signals with high probability. For sparse multiband UWB signals, the proposed system has potential to break through the Shannon theorem.

Originality/value

– Different from the traditional sub-Nyquist techniques, the proposed sampling system not only breaks through the limitation of Shannon theorem but also avoids the barrier of input bandwidth of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs).
Use of comic strips in teaching earthquakes to kindergarten children
Authors: Sharpe Justin , O. Izadkhah Yasamin
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– Up to now, no extensive work has addressed the capacity and resiliency of pre-school children, nor the importance of extending disaster preparedness education to them. The purpose of this paper is to show that given the right learning tools to engage them, in this case a comic strip designed for this purpose by the first author, pre-school children are able to demonstrate the extent of their learning well.

Design/methodology/approach

– Comic strips have been used in a number of ways to enhance knowledge and education, including for disaster risk reduction (DRR). Their use as learning stimuli is outlined, showing their historical context as well as their potential for future use. The methodology used included classroom observations, coupled with interviews with some of the class.

Findings

– The research showed that pre-school children engaged with and responded to the comic strips in a positive manner while the blank comic strips allowed learners to make sense of the topic through the retelling of the story, allowing them to be placed within a schema of understanding deemed essential for deeper level learning.

Originality/value

– The research is significant because it shows that, even at a young age, complex cognitive process were engaged in order for learners to take their new knowledge, place it within the context of their own experience and re-tell it to others. This pattern of reflection, reasoning and testing is important for triple-loop learning, which may hold the key to truly resilient individuals and communities.
Mentorship in a Japanese graduate school: learning through apprenticeship
Authors: Sakamoto Mitsuyo , Tamanyu Lumi
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to investigate a four-year mentorship program for Japanese graduate students at a private university in Tokyo, Japan. The following research questions were investigated: First, does mentorship provide effective and adequate preparation needed for graduate students to perform competitively (e.g. attending conferences, publishing in journals, etc.) in academic forums? Second, what kinds of benefits are gained by the mentees? Third, what factors are conducive to the benefits accrued by the mentees? Fourth, what are the obstacles to providing an effective mentorship program?

Design/methodology/approach

– Adopting narrative approach as its research method, this study collected and analyzed reflective essays from 13 Japanese students in a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) program.

Findings

– Particular types of mentoring which encouraged active participation in scholarly activities through appropriately scaffolded inductions into academia led to increased mentee confidence in terms of making the transition from student to scholar.

Research limitations/implications

– The students should not remain assistants on the periphery of academia, but rather play active roles to extend their knowledge and expertise to something that they can attain only with appropriate scaffolding (Vygotsky, 1981). In order to promote such mentorship, it is emphasized that institutional support is indispensable, and that the significance of solid mentorship programs should be re-acknowledged and discussed on an official level.

Originality/value

– The study of mentoring within a Japanese context, in particular from the perspectives of sociocultural theory (Vygotsky, 1981) and Bandura's (1994, 1995) self-efficacy theory, is an under-researched area.
Multi-plant improvement programmes: a literature review and research agenda
Authors: H. Netland Torbjørn , Aspelund Arild
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– To advance the productivity of all plants in the network, multinational corporations develop and deploy multi-plant improvement programmes. In this paper, the authors systematically review and synthesise the emerging literature on multi-plant improvement programmes. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Through a systematic manual search, the authors examine 15 top journals from operations management, general management and international business literature in the time span between 1998 and 2011.

Findings

– The authors found 30 papers that specifically deal with operational improvement programmes in a multi-plant international setting, of which only nine take a headquarter perspective. This low number contrasts sharply with the magnitude and importance of such programmes in industry. The authors discuss key dimensions that explain how multi-plant improvement programmes result in the adopting, adapting, acting or avoiding of programme practices in subsidiaries and propose a related research agenda.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors affirm that a new field is in the making, withIJOPMas the leading professional journal. Further empirical research is called for, but particular methodological caution must be paid to the phenomenon of acting in subsidiaries.

Originality/value

– No coherent stream of research has addressed multi-plant improvement programmes. This paper represents a focused review that supports the further development of the field.
Collaborative green innovation in emerging countries: a social capital perspective
Authors: Chen Ping-Chuan , Hung Shiu-Wan
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The new paradigm for green innovation has already shifted to a collaborative model. This study aims to examine how environmental collaboration across organizational boundaries affects green innovation from the social capital perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study used structural equation modeling method to analyze the innovation performance of 237 Taiwanese firms. Non-response bias was also assessed statistically and appropriate measures taken to minimise the impact of common method variance.

Findings

– The empirical results showed that: structural capital and cognitive capital have a positive influence on relational capital, relational capital plays a significant role in green management and in turn leads to greater innovation. To achieve effective green innovation, companies should leverage their social capital in order to produce additional competitive advantages through environmental collaboration.

Originality/value

– With the relative scarcity of resources and the increased pressures for environmental sustainability, there is an increasing interest in studying collaborative green innovation in emerging countries. Unlike many other empirical studies, this study makes an important contribution to the literature by examining how environmental collaboration in emerging countries affects green innovation from the social capital perspective in a detailed manner.
Outshopping in rural periodic markets: a retailing opportunity
Authors: Kumar Velayudhan Sanal
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The study seeks to understand the influences on the prevalence of rural retailing institution of periodic markets. It examines the influence of access to and population of the location on the performance of periodic markets and their effect on the competition between periodic markets and local rural retail stores.

Design/methodology/approach

– Simultaneous cross-sectional study on census data is used to understand changes in performance of periodic markets in the context of growth in retail stores.

Findings

– The superior performance of local retail shop compared to outshopping in periodic markets is contrary to observation in literature developed in the context of urban outshopping.

Practical implications

– Retail chains need to develop a separate program for location of outlets that serve rural areas as access influences retail performance. In rural areas marketers can use traditional periodic markets in addition to conventional retail store given the limited inter-format retail competition.

Originality/value

– This is one of the few studies to explicitly examine periodic markets as a retail format. Outshopping is studied in the context of growth in local retail stores unlike earlier studies in the urban context where the local stores exhibit reduced sales.
The effect of country image on hypermarket patronage intention
Authors: Kan Gongjian , Cliquet Gérard , Puelles Gallo Maria
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the cultural influences that country image has on consumers' hypermarket patronage intention in China and Spain.

Design/methodology/approach

– Structural equation modelling is utilised to examine the competency of the model in explaining both Spanish and Chinese consumers' intention to patronize major hypermarket brands in their own countries.

Findings

– This study has tested the applicability of TRA model in both the China case and the Spain case and confirmed the role of national culture in influencing retail patronage behaviour. In Spain, country image has a direct effect on consumers' hypermarket patronage intention while in China this effect is indirect. In deciding on their patronage behaviours, Spanish consumers tend to rely more on the experience attributes of a hypermarket store and are less likely to be affected by subjective norms. In contrast, Chinese consumers have stronger ethnocentric tendencies in hypermarket shopping behaviour than do Spanish consumers.

Research limitations/implications

– The coverage and components of the sample are limited. The convergent validity and discriminant validity of country image scale has not been tested thoroughly.

Practical implications

– Foreign hypermarket managers in China should attach special importance to enhancing the experience attributes of their stores and realize the important role of subjective norm in affecting consumers' retail patronage behaviour in collectivist cultures. In addition, multinational retailers in China need to forge a sound image of “corporate citizen” in order to diminish the negative impact of consumer ethnocentrism on their operations.

Originality/value

– This paper for the first time tests a model developed in western contexts to explain retailer patronage behaviour in an eastern country and examines the cultural differences of country image effects on this behaviour.
Are incremental changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviours associated with improved employee health?
Authors: Jackson Cath , Lewis Kiara , Conner Mark , Lawton Rebecca , R.C. McEachan Rosemary
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The workplace offers an ideal setting for facilitating physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviours. Understanding employees’ current health behaviours is required to inform appropriate, tailored, health promotion interventions. The purpose of this paper is to compare the physical activity and sedentary behaviours over 12 months of employees within and across five UK organisations. The paper also explores the association of these health behaviours with objective and self-reported health outcomes; and investigates the association between physical activity and sedentary behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

– Self-reported physical activity and sedentary behaviours were recorded at four time points (baseline, three, six, 12 months). BMI, per cent body fat, waist circumference, blood pressure and resting heart rate were collected in health checks (baseline, 12 months). Well-being and health were collected via questionnaire.

Findings

– Low physical activity and high sedentariness were evident. Sitting levels varied by occupational role and organisation. More activity was associated with improved health outcomes; no association was evident for sedentary behaviour. No direct effects of occupational role or organisation on health outcomes emerged after accounting for physical activity/sedentary behaviours. Physical activity and sedentary levels were weakly associated.

Practical implications

– The low activity levels are of particular concern as linked to health outcomes for this sample. The weak association between behaviours suggests worksite interventions should target both behaviours.

Originality/value

– This study provides insight into both the physical activity and sedentary behaviours of employees of large UK employers across different occupational sectors over 12 months; importantly it is informed by the most recent guidance for these health behaviours.
Quality of online physical activity information for long-haul truck drivers
Authors: Gorczynski Paul , Patel Hiren
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– Most long-haul truck drivers are physically inactive. Despite being identified as a source of health information, online physical activity and exercise information has not been evaluated for this population. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the accessibility, accuracy, technical and theoretical quality, and readability of online physical activity, exercise, and sport information for long-haul truck drivers.

Design/methodology/approach

– A standardized protocol was followed to identify and evaluate web sites. Web sites were included in the review if they met the following criteria: first, presented information on physical activity, exercise, or sport; second, provided information for long-haul truck drivers; and finally, provided information in English. Each web site was evaluated independently by the two study authors. After evaluating the web sites independently, the authors then met to discuss each construct for each web site.

Findings

– Overall, 44 web sites were reviewed. Nine web sites provided information based on physical activity guidelines. Most web sites scored poorly on technical and theoretical quality. In total, 28 web sites provided information that was written above the recommended grade 8 reading level.

Research limitations/implications

– Research has shown that theoretically designed physical activity and exercise interventions are more successful than those with no theoretical underpinnings. Creating web sites or online applications using behavioral theory and improving the readability of online health information may help increase levels of physical activity and improve overall health for this population.

Originality/value

– No previous research has examined the quality of online physical activity, exercise, or sport information for long-haul truck drivers. This is the first study to examine how online health information for this population can be improved.
Factors influencing voting intentions for Egyptian parliament elections 2011
Authors: Abdel Rahman Farrag Dalia , Shamma Hamed
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– This study measures to what extent different factors including Islamic religious beliefs influenced Egyptian's voting behavior intentions in the last parliament elections, given the moderating effect of the media and its role in shaping the existence of the Islamic political brand in Egypt. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Qualitative research was initially conducted to modify the Newman and Sheth model to fit the Egyptian culture. A final total of 401 Muslim citizens that participated in the last parliament elections were then surveyed via face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire.

Findings

– Most factors related to voting for a specific candidate or party seemed to be important for voters' in their decision making, specifically personal events related to the candidate, candidate's image, current events surrounding the elections process, interest in issues and policies and religious beliefs that was added by the authors to the model. The media also had a high level of importance and influence over the relationship between some of the factors affecting voter's decision and voter's behavioral intentions. Overall, citizens demonstrated approach voting behavioral intentions towards the elections process and indicated that they would actively participate in the upcoming elections. Pearson correlations and further analysis were also run to investigate the nature of relationships between the factors understudy and voting behavioral intentions; most of which had significant relationships, as well as the significant role of the media. Some factors were excluded after running stepwise regression for testing the fitness of the model proposed.

Research limitations/implications

– Study covering the capital city of Egypt; Cairo only.

Practical implications

– It has become important for politicians and governments to understand what are the genuine needs of their societies and what are citizens looking for in political candidates and parties. Political marketing and particularly understanding voting behavior is a booming area that has become an important tool for building political brands as witnessed by this research and how it was used by Islamists to reach voter's and affect their decision making.

Originality/value

– This research paper sheds the light on a very contemporary area related to political marketing which is political campaigning and factors affecting voters' intentions given the significant role of candidate's religious beliefs. Furthermore, focusing on the rise of Islamic political parties that are actively becoming important members of the political landscape in the Arab region after a long time of undercover practice and struggle with previous governments before the Arab spring events.