bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the perceived quality of a special event and its influence on perceived value and behavioural intentions in a special event in Thailand
Authors: Meeprom Supawat , Silanoi Tongrawee
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of perceived special event quality on perceived value and behavioural intentions. Specifically, it was proposed that attendees' perceived special event quality has direct and indirect effects on behavioural intentions through the mediating role of social value, economic value and emotional value.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered, onsite survey was deployed to gather the data to formulate the hypothesised relationships in this study. Data collection also included event-intercepted panel surveys, conducted with actual consumers who attended the Agricultural and Cultural Fair. The surveys were distributed and conducted during the afternoon and early evenings at the event area and exit point of the event. In total, 250 questionnaires were distributed to domestic visitors and 176 respondents completed the survey.

Findings

The study found the perceived quality of the special event directly impacted social value, economic value, emotional value and behavioural intentions. The results also indicated that social value and emotional value had significant effects on behavioural intentions. Further, this study found that both social value and emotional value components mediated the relationship between perceived quality of the special event and behavioural intentions. These results confirmed the existence of a perceived-quality-value-behavioural intentions chain.

Research limitations/implications

There are some key limitations including the sample size in this study was relatively small and all the respondents were domestic attendees, providing findings specific to one culture only. In term of implications, the results offer event organisers holistic insights into elements to be adopted as the foundation for special event consumption. It helps event organisers to build upon customer choice behaviour, which can be employed to effectively cultivate more attendees for the special events.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examined the extent to which attendees' perceived quality of a special event influenced their perceived values in Agricultural and Cultural Fair which is a special event held each year in the major city of Khon Kaen in the northeast region in Thailand.
How the authentic experience of a traditional cultural festival affects the attendee's perception of festival identity and place identity
Authors: Lin Yi Hsien , Lee Tsung Hung
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study examines the relationship between authentic experience and festival identity as well as place identity among tourists visiting the 2018 Lugang Dragon Boat Festival, one of the largest traditional cultural festivals in Taiwan and the festival with the longest history.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an on-site survey with convenience sampling, a total of 1,360 valid questionnaires were collected in Lugang Township, a well-known, popular heritage tourism destination in Taiwan. The study also applies structural equation modeling to examine the proposed research model.

Findings

The findings of this study establish that the investigated authentic experience has relationships with image, value, satisfaction and identity, thus filling a research gap. In accordance with the theoretical model, the experience of authenticity affects satisfaction through festival image and festival value and strengthens both the attendee's perception of festival identity and place identity.

Originality/value

This research has both theoretical and managerial values. Regarding its theoretical implications, the study explains the relation between authentic experience and festival and place identity. Thus, it fills a research gap resulting from insufficient academic interest in the relationship between festival satisfaction and the formation of festival and place identity. Regarding its managerial implications, to achieve sustainable festival development, festival information services, programs, souvenirs, food and facilities and the convenience of festival activities should be strengthened.
Hidden allies for value chain responsibility? A system theory perspective on aligning sustainable supply chain management and trade compliance
Authors: Baier Carolin , Beckmann Markus , Heidingsfelder Jens
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The paper investigates how the alignment of two corporate functions, sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) and trade compliance (TC) can help companies to take corporate value chain responsibility (VCR). In particular, the authors investigate how evolutionary system theory can explain the coevolution of two distinct VCR functions (SSCM and TC) and the potential and challenges for their future alignment.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors introduce evolutionary system theory as a powerful explanatory perspective to the field of VCR, SSCM and TC. By applying evolutionary system theory to the VCR debate, the authors analyze the potential for aligning both functions. They further analyze the inherent challenges of such an alignment by discussing the concept of organizational path dependencies.

Findings

The paper spells out a research agenda and formulates testable propositions for further investigating the interplay of environment and system as well as the structural options for a functional alignment of SSCM and TC.

Originality/value

The corporate function of TC has been widely overlooked by supply chain and sustainability scholars. This paper adds the function of TC to the wider discussion on SSCM and corporate VCR. Furthermore, the paper develops a research agenda for a pioneer topic and triggers discussion in academia and corporate practice.
Generic medicine brand knowledge structure, relationships and purchase
Authors: Duh Helen Inseng , Diniso Chuma
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Cheaper generic anti-retroviral medicines are encouraged and often prescribed in South Africa for HIV/AIDS treatment. However, the medicines’ acceptance rate is relatively low. This has been attributed to inadequate brand knowledge of the bioequivalence of generic medicines. Studies have examined how brand knowledge structure lead to purchase. The contributions of brand relationship builders (i.e. trust and satisfaction), which are indicators of sustainable purchase, are rarely considered. This study aims to adapt Esch, Langner, Schmitt and Geus’ (2006) brand knowledge structure and relationship model to examine the impact of South African young adults’ brand knowledge structure (brand awareness, brand image and brand beliefs) and trust on brand satisfaction and purchase.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional data was quantitatively collected from 207 young adults through self-administered, paper-based questionnaires. Data was analysed with structural equation modelling.

Findings

Brand awareness, image, trust and belief in efficacy positively influenced purchase. All these factors, except brand awareness, positively led to satisfaction. The tested adapted model explained 53.0 and 58.5% variances of purchase and brand satisfaction, respectively.

Practical implications

Considering how much brand knowledge structure and trust explained purchase and satisfaction from the tested model, South African government, pharmaceutical marketers and consumer interest groups should educate young adults about the bioequivalence, safety and efficacy of generic medicines. With greater knowledge of these qualities, satisfaction is gained from purchase decision.

Originality/value

Instead of the usual examination of demographic differences in generic medicine beliefs and perception, this study contributes by revealing brand-related drivers of purchase and satisfaction.
Exploring the unfathomable causes of dysfunctional behaviours in the Ghanaian public service: perspectives of social capital
Authors: Kumasey Anthony Sumnaya , Hossain Farhad
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Global concerns over dysfunctional behaviours including bribery and corruption, embezzlement of funds and other conducts by leaders and public officials have become ubiquitous in organizations. Although national and organizational systems have been instituted to make these behaviours a high-risk and low-gain activity, these behaviours have been pervasive in the moral psyche of nations, especially in developing countries. The purpose of this study is to examine the underpinning factors exacerbating dysfunctional behaviours in Ghana's Public Service (GPS) and link these causes to social capital theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative case study, which employed semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs) and documentary reviews as the data collection instruments. In all, 20 in-depth interviews and four FGD were conducted.

Findings

The following were used to explain how social capital contributes to dysfunctional behaviours: the extended family system, respect for the elderly, moral tone of the nation and in-group member effect, organizational politics and politicization of the service.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this research is the limited sample size, which does not portray the views of all employees working within GPS.

Practical implications

HR has a crucial role in intervening to ameliorate this challenge. The mechanisms to deploy include the development of employee awareness and skills on ethical behaviours, instituting ethical governance culture, encouraging, rewarding ethical behaviour and introducing effective performance management systems. This will enhance employees' behaviours and ensure improved engagement and overall good governance practices and ethical behaviour.

Originality/value

The main value of this research is its contribution in bringing to the fore some underlying causes of dysfunctional behaviours in the public service of developing countries.
Different eyes on the same prize: implications of entry timing heterogeneity and incentives for contestant effort in innovation tournament
Authors: Deodhar Swanand
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper examines an apparent contrast in organizing innovation tournaments; seekers offer contestant-agnostic incentives to elicit greater effort from a heterogeneous pool of contestants. Specifically, the study tests whether and how such incentives and the underlying heterogeneity in the contestant pool, assessed in terms of contestants' entry timing, are jointly associated with contestant effort. Thus, the study contributes to the prior literature that has looked at behavioral consequences of entry timing as well as incentives in innovation tournaments.

Design/methodology/approach

For hypothesis testing, the study uses a panel dataset of submission activity of over 60,000 contestants observed in nearly 200 innovation tournaments. The estimation employs multi-way fixed effects, accounting for unobserved heterogeneity across contestants, tournaments and submission week. The findings remain stable across a range of robustness checks.

Findings

The study finds that, on average, late entrant tends to exert less effort than an early entrant (H1). Results further show that the effort gap widens in tournaments that offer higher incentives. In particular, the effort gap between late and early entrants is significantly wider in tournaments that have attracted superior solutions from several contestants (H2), offer gain in status (H3, marginally significant) or offer a higher monetary reward (H4).

Originality/value

The study's findings counter conventional wisdom, which suggests that incentives have a positive effect on contestant behavior, including effort. In contrast, the study indicates that incentives may have divergent implications for contestant behavior, contingent on contestants' entry timing. As the study discusses, these findings have several implications for research and practice of managing innovation tournaments.
Competence at technology entrepreneurship: an interpretive view
Authors: Baradaran Mohammad Sadegh , Yadollahi Farsi Jahangir , Hejazi Seyed Reza , Akbari Morteza
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Technology entrepreneur' competence is one of the main domains of study in the field of technology entrepreneurship. In the dominant rationalistic view, competence is seen as constituted by a set of components used in performing particular functions. This study aims to expand this field of study by using an interpretive view.

Design/methodology/approach

Phenomenology is proposed and explored as an interpretive methodology that is more compatible with technology entrepreneurship. The empirical material is based on interviews with 19 technology entrepreneurs who have established new technology-based firms in Iran.

Findings

Findings show that the nature of the technology entrepreneurship's competence is emergent, holistic and relational. Also, the entrepreneurs' perception of entrepreneurship specifies which competence's components they develop and what meaning these components take.

Originality/value

By examining how technology entrepreneurs experience competence in the context of business creation, this study moves beyond the lists or categories of competencies, and it contributes to a broader understanding of competence at technology entrepreneurship.
Intra-banking competition in Ecuador: new evidence using panel data approach
Authors: Solano Javier , Camino-Mogro Segundo , Armijos-Bravo Grace
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Banks are institutions that inject money in the economy and help to boost it when there are problems in some markets, especially in productive sectors. In this way, analysing the competition in this sector is an important tool for policymakers as non-competitive behaviour could affect the financial system and economy. The purpose of this paper is to measure the degree of competition in the Ecuadorian private banking sector divided by size, from 2000 to 2015, using panel data collected by the official regulator institution.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors applied the model proposed by Panzar and Rosse (1987) and itsH-statistic using a reduced price and revenue equation estimated by pooled ordinary least squares, fixed effects, random effects, feasible generalised fixed effects and panel correction standard errors (PCSE).

Findings

The authors show that given the presence of some problems in data such as heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation, the most appropriate technique is PCSE. The authors also found robust evidence supporting that large banks compete in a monopolistic market, small and medium-sized banks operate in monopolistic competition, and Ecuadorian small, medium-sized and large banks stay in long-run equilibrium.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the actual literature of competition degree in two ways. First, different from traditional papers, we do not control by size; so, we divided the analysis by size, because in Ecuador and also in many developing countries, bank’s competition is different for each group of size because the levels of liquidity, risk and other indicators are different from one group to another. Second, we show the robustness of the results using a scaled and unscaled equation, using many controls and using five methods to contrast the competition degree.
Role of money mules in money laundering and financial crimes a discussion through case studies
Authors: Raza Muhammad Subtain , Zhan Qi , Rubab Sana
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explain the role of money mules in money laundering and financial crimes through the discussion of case studies. The authors also explain the red flags of money mules and provide advice.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a case analysis approach. The paper mainly discusses ten cases about the use of money mules in financial crimes.

Findings

It has been found that money mules help criminal syndicates to remain anonymous while moving funds around the world. The unemployment, internet usage involvement of teenagers and youth in money laundering-related crime around the world are on a rising trend, and criminals are constantly looking for their victims by exploiting their mental and financial condition.

Originality/value

This paper provides case studies to understand the role of money mules in money laundering and financial crime.
Determinants of asset misappropriation at the workplace: the moderating role of perceived strength of internal controls
Authors: Koomson Theodora Aba Abekah , Owusu Godfred Matthew Yaw , Bekoe Rita Amoah , Oquaye Maureen
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the prevalence of asset misappropriation at the workplace and examines the dominant factors that influence individuals to misappropriate assets at the workplace. Relying on the most recent theory on fraud (the stimulus/pressure, capability, opportunity, rationalization and ego (S.C.O.R.E. model) as the theoretical basis, the study examines the effect of pressure, rationalization, capability, opportunity/strength of internal control system and ego on asset misappropriation at the workplace while controlling for the effect of ethical values.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 883 valid responses from individuals working in various organizations in Ghana were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. The hypothesized relationships of the study were tested by means of a structural model analysis using the partial least square based structural equation modelling technique.

Findings

Results from the structural model analysis demonstrate that individuals misappropriate assets at their workplace due to pressures they face, their ability to rationalize their actions as not wrong, their capabilities and their egos. The results, however, indicate that the extent to which an individual will misappropriate asset depends, to a large extent, on the person’s perception of the strength of internal control mechanisms at the workplace. The findings of the study make significant contributions to the fraud discourse.

Originality/value

Theoretically, the study is among the first to provide empirical support for the applicability of the S.C.O.R.E. model in the fraud literature. Again, this study extends knowledge on occupational fraud literature by examining an area that has received the least research attention: asset misappropriation. The study also highlights the important role of internal controls in reducing the occurrence of asset misappropriation at the workplace.
Heterogeneous investors and deterioration of market integrity: an analysis of market manipulation cases
Authors: Shah Syed Qasim , Ismail Izlin , Shahrin Aidial Rizal bin
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically test the role of heterogeneous investor’s, i.e. institutional investors, individuals and insiders in deteriorating market integrity.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is conducted by examining the participants of 244 market manipulation cases of East Asian emerging and developed financial markets for the period of 2001–2016. The empirical analysis is conducted using panel logistic regression.

Findings

The results show that firms with higher institutional ownership are most likely to be manipulated in both markets. Insiders are potential manipulators in developed markets and deteriorate market integrity. In contrast, individual investors behave differently in both markets. In developed markets, firms with high individual ownership are less likely to be manipulated while in emerging markets, firms with individual ownership are more prone to manipulation because of substantial participation by individual investors which invites manipulative practices. Additionally, the authors found that firms with a higher proportion of passive institutional investors are less likely to be manipulated in emerging markets.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by identifying the potential manipulators in the financial markets who deteriorate market integrity with the additional focus of subdivision of institutional investors as active institutional investors and passive institutional investor. The findings are helpful for regulators in designing policies to ensure market integrity and to enforce the role of institutional investors and insiders.
Disclosure of fraud control information in annual reports as a means of discharging public accountability
Authors: Seda Ludek , Tilt Carol Ann
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the disclosure of fraud-related activities in public sector organisations in Australia. Specifically, the study reviews and evaluates the level and nature of fraud control information in annual reports of Commonwealth agencies and bodies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a qualitative approach with the aim of expanding the body of empirical literature on disclosure of fraud control information in annual reports. The study further uses the theory of accountability – an essential concept for organisations that exist for public interest.

Findings

The results show that there is some prima facie evidence of public accountability. However, these results suggest that current disclosures of fraud-related activities in annual reports are failing to ensure the public is aware of activities used to combat fraud and its implications for the public interest.

Practical implications

The results have important implications for developing a framework for good reporting of fraud control activities.

Originality/value

This research study adds to the limited body of knowledge regarding how public entities discharge their accountability in relation to their fraud control activities.
A collaborative, multi-sectoral approach to implementing a social prescribing initiative to alleviate social isolation and enhance well-being amongst older people
Authors: Wilkinson Emma Killbery , Lees Amanda , Weekes Sarah , Duncan Gillian , Meads Geoffrey , Tapson Kit
Published: June 2020

Purpose

In 2019, St Johns Winchester, a CQC-registered charity, launched the Hand in Hand (HiH) Service, a social prescribing (SP) initiative to alleviate social isolation/loneliness amongst older people via integration between primary care and the third sector. Arising from collaborative stakeholder reflection, this article explicates processes instigated to plan, implement and evaluate the HiH service which has been locally recognised as an exemplar of good practice. It aims to fill a gap in the literature which has hitherto lacked contextual description of the drivers, mechanisms and processes of SP schemes, leading to confusion over what constitutes SP and which models can work.

Design/methodology/approach

The article defines the context of, drivers for and collaborative process followed to implement and evaluate HiH and reflects on challenges, facilitators and key points for transferable learning. Early evaluation findings are presented.

Findings

Key features underpinning the success of the pilot phase were: having clear referral pathways, working collaboratively with health and voluntary sector partners, building relationships based on trust, adherence to high-quality standards and governance, a well-trained team of volunteers and access to up-to-date information source. There remains a disparity between the urgent need for rigorous evaluation data and the resources available to produce it.

Originality/value

The article offers a novel contribution for those planning SP at the level of practice and policy and for the developing field of SP evaluation.
Implementing an integrated acute response service: professional perceptions of intermediate care
Authors: MacInnes Julie , Jaswal Sabrena , Mikelyte Rasa , Billings Jenny
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the implementation, care processes and sustainability of an integrated, intermediate Acute Response Team (ART) service. The primary aims of the service are to enhance the level of health and social care integration across a range of organisations, to ensure a timelier and appropriate service for people in the community at risk of admission to hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology was employed in order to gain a deep understanding of the experiences of staff members within the ART service and external stakeholders. Twenty-one professionals took part in a focus group or one-to-one interviews. Data were analysed thematically.

Findings

The key to successful implementation was that the service was co-created from the “ground-up” with support from local provider organisations. The inclusion of general practitioners (GPs) as part of the team was instrumental in setting up and maintaining the service and seems to be unique in intermediate care settings. Referrals into the ART service were dependent on awareness of the service at the interface with mainstream services. Transitions out were sometimes delayed due lack of availability of social care packages. To ensure sustainability of the ART and other integrated intermediate care services, continued resources, especially skilled staff members, are necessary.

Originality/value

This study adds to the intermediate care and acute response service literature by offering insights into “what works” from a professional perspective in terms of service implementation, care processes and sustainability, in an integrated care system.
Conceptualising a framework linking halal supply chain management with sustainability: an India centric study
Authors: Haleem Abid , Khan Mohd Imran , Khan Shahbaz
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Halal supply chain management (HSCM) is an emerging business and research area; there is a need to motivate researchers towards exploring the links between HSCM and sustainable performance of the organisation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop a conceptual framework in order to link the HSCM with sustainable performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This review based paper identifies eleven critical factors for effective management of the Halal supply chain (HSC) and provides a conceptual framework for an HSCM after due consultative inputs from experts. The exploratory paper tries to integrate success measures of HSCM through integrity, process quality and customer satisfaction to sustainable performance measures.

Findings

Halal label is considered just like a kosher label or a green label or an organic label, which provides confidence to consumers on the Halal aspect of products and services. Some part of the society thinks that Halal products carry a higher value; therefore, the industry wants to identify if HSCM is sustainable. The same is measured comprehensively through environmental performance, social performance and economic performance. Animal welfare, fair trade and perceived benefits, better quality, wholesome with ethical practices help in sustainable development.

Originality/value

This paper tries to contribute to the research of HSCM with sustainable performance measures being embedded in the system. The model, along with researchers, may also help managers of firms dealing with Halal products in understanding how much sustainable their organisation is. This research is from a non-Islamic, democratic country which is multicultural and has large numbers of Halal consumers.
Segmenting, targeting and positioning in Islamic marketing
Authors: Islam Mohammad Mominul
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to conceptualize the basic Islamic marketing (IM) process according to Shari’ah, addressing some of the queries raised by scholars on halal and marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach and content analysis have guided to shape segmentation, targeting and positioning (STP) with the help of secondary data from conventional and IM. Required Qur’anic verses and hadiths have been galvanized to shape STP in line with empirical evidence, showing potential marketing implications.

Findings

This study has accepted Islamic resources to segment markets, mentioning mankind, non-Muslims, Muslims, generic, halal and Islamic products. It has proposed to target mankind, non-Muslims markets with generic and halal products. Muslim marketers can target the pious Muslim consumers with Islamic products. For positioning, the halal certification has been suggested for the non-Muslim marketers and Islamization is for Muslim marketers. The whole process has been conceptualized in a single framework.

Practical implications

Marketers can have many product development ideas and basic guidelines and scholars may be able to sense some queries as to IM.

Social implications

This study has shown how inter-religious relationships can be harmonized with carrying out marketing functions to keep the social fabric following the Qur’anic verses.

Originality/value

This study has outlined the IM process as per Muslim and non-Muslim marketers’ needs under Shari’ah. Besides, it has answered some questions on halal and IM that has been hardly addressed before.
Re-imagining intercultural communication dynamics in TESOL: culture/interculturality
Authors: R’boul Hamza
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This conceptual paper aims to problematize interculturality and intercultural communication within the conditions of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and today’s circumstances. In spite of the new emphasis on intersubjectivity and non-linearity in intercultural communication studies, TESOL seems to still perpetuate hyper-solid and essentialist representations of interculturality. This paper argues for the necessity of altering common perceptions of TESOL students by critically considering the imbalanced sociopolitical realities that may be reflected/encouraged in classrooms. Without accounting for the additional factors involved in using English while interacting with the culturally different other, TESOL may not be able to ensure mutually satisfactory communicative experience.

Design/methodology/approach

Closer inspection is paid to intercultural communication research/pedagogy in TESOL to delineate the inaccuracies that have pervaded interculturality narratives and encourage sociopolitically conscious teaching that recognizes discourses of power and justice.

Findings

A simplistic/positivist consideration of interculturality in TESOL is rather unresponsive to possible unfair treatment of students’ cultures and the current circumstances, which are imbued with a high sense of complexity and non-linearity, resulting in producing ready-made conclusions.

Practical implications

This paper proposes embracing more complex approaches in accounting for the complexity of interculturality in TESOL pedagogy and research by taking into account intersubjectivity, suspending native-speakerism normativity, western hegemony and non-linearity of intercultural interactions.

Originality/value

This paper recognizes the inefficiency of presenting interculturality as a matter of conforming to communication standards of Anglophone cultures but rather argues for the need of promoting inclusive education that appreciates cultural diversity and considering the conditions (identity and culture) of non-native speakers in TESOL.
Russia management, 1462–1606: a modernisation story?
Authors: Bratchenko Svetlana A.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the convergence and divergence aspects of the Russian modernisation experience of c.1450–c.1600 and its role in both Russian history and management history.

Design/methodology/approach

This study combines in-depth data collection from multiple sources such as Russian Chronicles, eyewitness accounts (mostly by foreigners) and papers in history and management. The applied methodology also includes an examination of Ivan III’s modernisation initiative and its implementation in c.1450–c.1600. The analysis is conducted with an eye to understanding the extent to which Russian experiences converged or diverged from those found in Western Europe.

Findings

Russian modernisation is usually associated with Peter the Great. Early initiatives, such as those that occurred in Russia between 1462 (the ascent of Ivan III) and 1606 (the Time of Troubles) are overlooked. This paper, however, argues that without these earlier modernisation efforts Russia would not have survived as a country. Given the central role that Russia has played in European and world history, and understanding of this period is key to comprehending the modern world and global systems of management.

Research limitations/implications

This paper seeks to understand a decisive period in Russian history and Russian management, highlighting the extent to which Russian experiences both diverged and converged with those found in Western Europe.

Practical implications

The paper helps us to understand both the successes and problems of Russian management since the 15th century.

Originality/value

To the best of author’s knowledge, this study is the first to consider Russian modernisation during the period c.1400–c.1600 with an eye to current debates in convergence/divergence theory.
Total cost optimization of submersible irrigation pump maintenance using simulation
Authors: Hatsey Niguss Haregot , Birkie Seyoum Eshetu
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The unpredictable failure of submersible pump (SP) in groundwater irrigation systems has considerable negative economic consequences. The purpose of this paper is to develop a total cost minimization model that aims to optimize maintenance actions for SP. It reports on simulation-based stochastic scenario analysis for evaluating total cost of maintenance.

Design/methodology/approach

Stochastic simulation modeling has been performed for failure of pump motor and corresponding maintenance. Five alternative scenarios were compared for total cost over 15 years starting with empirical data from a northern Ethiopian site. Downtime probabilities and spare part supply uncertainty have been considered in the mathematical model. The model is also validated using multiple ways.

Findings

The scenario comparisons indicate that despite the challenges of accessing SP doing one motor rewinding for each purchased pump system upon failure (preferably with shorter supply lead time and variability) seems to result in lowest overall costs for the time horizon considered.

Practical implications

The model should help to make informed practical decision regarding planning and management of SP failure systems in a developing economy context. This should, therefore, lead to better revenue for smallholder farmers and improved food security in similar context.

Originality/value

There are limited number of publications that consider the life cycle costs with stochastic analysis when it comes to maintenance of SPs. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no paper has previously directly addressed maintenance cost optimization for SP in irrigation. The study could be used to develop more sophisticated stochastic models with more efficient algorithms and consideration of additional sources of stochasticity for such system.
A sustainable inventory system with the advanced payment policy and trade-credit strategy for a two-warehouse inventory system
Authors: Mashud Abu Hashan Md , Wee Hui-Ming , Sarkar Biswajit , Chiang Li Yu-Hua
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to consider a sustainable inventory model with price dependent demand, non-instantaneous deterioration rate, discount facility, partially backlogged shortages and advance and delay in payments for a two-warehouse system.

Design/methodology/approach

This model considered a non-instantaneous deterioration, which starts after a certain period with a constant rate. The deterioration rate in the rented warehouse is more compared to own warehouse. The proposed model focused on two things. The first one is to the benefits of the advance payments strategy and delayed payment for the retailer and supplier, where the two-warehouse system is available and the second one is using an appropriate discount facility on no of the installment to maximize the total profit. The classical optimization technique is used to solve the problem.

Findings

The combination of trade-credits and advance payments is initiated to provide more benefits to the retailer. The findings prove that advance payments, which are received from the retailer to the supplier are beneficial for the supplier, who can influence the demand increase because of higher lower selling prices. Decreasing the selling price is used as a catalyst to increase demand. It also extends the discount concept of Khan et al. (2019, 2019b).

Research limitations/implications

This model is limited by the fact that it does not consider variable deterioration. Therefore, the proposed inventory model could be extended by considering variable deterioration, as well as fully backlogged shortages and time-dependent demand function.

Originality/value

The study simultaneously considers a non-instantaneous deterioration inventory model, advance-payment, trade-credit for a sustainable two-warehouse inventory system. From the literature search to the best of knowledge no researcher has undergone this sort of study.
Cross-country differences in European firms’ digitalisation: the role of national culture
Authors: Rubino Michele , Vitolla Filippo , Raimo Nicola , Garcia-Sanchez Isabel-Maria
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study investigates the relationship between national culture and the country level of firms' digitalisation, by applying Hofstede's cultural framework to the European Union member states. Although many studies have observed the impact of national culture on firms' innovation and information and communication technology (ICT) adoption, there have been no analyses of how cultural dimensions impact firms' digitalisation at the country level. This study intends to fill that gap.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a pooled ordinary least square (OLS) model, this study analyses data from 27 European countries over the period from 2014 to 2018.

Findings

The results suggest the existence of a negative, significant, relationship between both masculinity and uncertainty avoidance, and the country level of firms' digitalisation. Indulgence is found to positively and significantly influence a country's level of digitalisation. Contrary to expectations, this study indicates a negative, significant, relationship between individualism and the degree of digitalisation. Power distance is found to have no significant impact.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by showing how a country's various cultural dimensions help or hinder the level of firms' digitalisation in that country. Theoretical and managerial implications are presented, including suggestions for future research.
Performance of local level planning policies for reducing greenhouse gases: insight from new buildings in Scotland
Authors: Onyango Vincent , Burford Neil
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to assess performance of local level planning policies that required new buildings to avoid a specified and rising proportion of projected greenhouse gases (GHGs) from their use; it is calculated based on the approved design and plans for the specific development and through the installation and operation of low and zero-carbon generating technologies (LZCGTs).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were extracted from a random sample of 911 new builds from 403 planning applications and related documents, across five Scottish local planning authorities (LPAs) who adopted GHG reduction policies. The data included GHG reduction, LZCGT installation and performance, use of plan designs to meet GHG reductions and exemptions from the GHG policies. Descriptive statistics using SPSS software, complimented by qualitative responses from questionnaires, helped to explain observed performance.

Findings

The policies performed poorly, at the level of delivering low-hanging fruits, with significant room for improvement. Design-led opportunities in the GHG policies were not actively pursued; most LZCGT installation was exempted from GHG policies and the policies were poor in targeting the relationship between building unit size, GHG emission and reductions.

Research limitations/implications

The source documents, where the data came from, had varying quality and completeness and some LPAs are over-represented in the data. The study applied limited criteria to evaluate policy performance.

Practical implications

Areas for policymakers to further focus on when exploring how to enhance role and performance of LZCGT are highlighted, including practical suggestions.

Originality/value

One of the few studies assessing policy performance and distilling lessons, from early adopters of GHG policies at local level planning, offer performance benchmarks and raise points of concern for policymakers.
Influence of selective laser sintering process parameters on microstructure and physicochemical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) for the production of scaffolds
Authors: Higa Camila Fernandes , Gradowski Thatyanne , Elifio-Esposito Selene , de Oliveira Marcelo Fernandes , Inforçatti Paulo , da Silva Jorge Vicente Lopes , Amorim Fred Lacerda , Meruvia Michelle Sostag
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the production of scaffolds by selective laser sintering (SLS) using poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymer, for in vitro studies, a relatively new and growing area in which scaffolds could be used in the design of three-dimensional models for in vitro disease model or tissue equivalent for safety and effectiveness tests.

Design/methodology/approach

The influence of the SLS process parameters laser power, 26 W and 32 W, and number of laser scans, 1, 2, 4 and 6, on the surface microstructure of the samples and on the degree of crystallinity and chemical stability of PVA material, was investigated using powder with particle size of 20-320 µm. Laser sintered PVA samples were subjected to cell culture tests using osteoblastic cells derived from human osteosarcoma (SaOs-2).

Findings

The laser power has no significant influence on the microstructure of the laser-sintered samples, however the number of scans has a considerable influence on the sintering degree; the SLS process causes a decrease in the degree of crystallinity and changes the chemical structure of the as-received PVA, especially when using higher laser power and more number of scans. Preliminary in vitro cell culture tests show that the laser-sintered PVA material is biocompatible with SaOs-2 cells.

Originality/value

SLS offers good potential for the fabrication of scaffolds and thus, may be applied as an alternative to conventional scaffold fabrication processes to overcome their limitations.
Aerial magnetic mapping with an unmanned aerial vehicle and a fluxgate magnetometer: a new method for rapid mapping and upscaling from the field to regional scale
Authors: Le Maire Pauline , Bertrand Lionel , Munschy Marc , Diraison Marc , Géraud Yves
Published: June 2020

Magnetic measurements with an unmanned aerial vehicle are ideal for filling the gap between ground and airborne magnetic surveying. However, to obtain accurate aeromagnetic data, the compensation of magnetic effects of the unmanned aerial vehicle is a challenge. Typically, scalar magnetometers are towed several metres under the unmanned aerial vehicle to minimize its magnetic field. In this study, a fluxgate three‐component magnetometer is attached 42 cm in front of the unmanned aerial vehicle at the tip of a composite pipe. Using a scalar calibration, the sensor can be calibrated, and the permanent and induced magnetic fields of the unmanned aerial vehicle can be compensated. The contributions of the magnetic measurements at different altitudes to the unmanned aerial vehicle results were tested over an area of 1 km² in the Northern Vosges Mountains. The area is located in a hamlet surrounded by a forest where few geological outcrops are observed. Three magnetic surveys of the same area are obtained at different altitudes: 100, 30 and 1 m above the ground. The unmanned aerial vehicle magnetic data are compared with a helicopter aeromagnetic survey at 300 m above the ground and a ground magnetic survey using upward continuations of the maps to compare the results. The magnetic maps (300, 100, 30 and 1 m above the ground) show very different magnetic anomaly patterns (e.g. amplitude, shape, wavelength and orientation). The magnetic data at different altitudes improve the understanding of the geology from the local to more general scales.
Constructing the job‐finding rate and separation rate of Hong Kong labour market
Authors: Wang Bin , Kwan Yum K.
Published: June 2020

This paper constructs two essential time series of the aggregate labour market in Hong Kong: the job‐finding rate and the separation rate. The average job‐finding rate per month is 27.54% while the average separation rate per month is 1.29%. These numbers are similar to those for Nordic and Anglo‐Saxon countries. Variance decomposition shows that the separation rate contributes to more than half the variation of the unemployment rate.
Bacterial symbiosis in Bactrocera oleae, an Achilles’ heel for its pest control
Authors: Bigiotti Gaia , Sacchetti Patrizia , Pastorelli Roberta , Lauzon Carol R. , Belcari Antonio
Published: June 2020

Investigations on microbial symbioses in Tephritidae have increased over the past 30 years owing to the potential use of these relationships in developing new control strategies for economically important fruit flies. Bactrocera oleae (Rossi)—the olive fruit fly—is a monophagous species strictly associated with the olive tree, and among all the tephritids, its symbionts are the most investigated. The bacterium Candidatus Erwinia dacicola is the major persistent resident endosymbiont in wild B. oleae populations. Its relationship with B. oleae has been investigated since being identified in 2005. This endosymbiont is vertically transmitted through generations from the female to the egg. It exists at every developmental stage, although it is more abundant in larvae and ovipositing females, and is necessary for both larvae and adults. Studying B. oleae–Ca. E. dacicola, or other B. oleae–microbe interactions, will allow us to develop modern biological control systems for area‐wide olive protection and set an example for similar programs in other important food crops. This review summarizes the information available on tephritid–microbe interactions and investigates relationships among fruit flies, bacteria and host plants; however, its focus is on B. oleae and its strict association with Ca. E. dacicola to promote environmentally friendly control strategies for area‐wide pest management.