bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and structures of photoactive manganese–carbonyl complexes derived from 2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3-benzothiazole and 2-(quinolin-2-yl)-1,3-benzothiazole
Authors: Stenger-Smith Jenny , Chakraborty Indranil , Carrington Samantha , Mascharak Pradip
Published: March 2017

PhotoCORMs (photo-active CO-releasing molecules) have emerged as a class of CO donors where the CO release process can be triggered upon illumination with light of appropriate wavelength. We have recently reported an Mn-based photoCORM, namely [MnBr(pbt)(CO)3] [pbt is 2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3-benzothiazole], where the CO release event can be tracked within cellular milieu by virtue of the emergence of strong blue fluorescence. In pursuit of developing more such trackable photoCORMs, we report herein the syntheses and structural characterization of two MnI–carbonyl complexes, namely fac-tricarbonylchlorido[2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3-benzothiazole-κ2
N,N′]manganese(I), [MnCl(C12H8N2S)(CO)3], (1), and fac-tricarbonylchlorido[2-(quinolin-2-yl)-1,3-benzothiazole-κ2
N,N′]manganese(I), [MnCl(C16H10N2S)(CO)3], (2). In both complexes, the MnI center resides in a distorted octahedral coordination environment. Weak intermolecular C—H...Cl contacts in complex (1) and Cl...S contacts in complex (2) consolidate their extended structures. These complexes also exhibit CO release upon exposure to low-power broadband visible light. The apparent CO release rates for the two complexes have been measured to compare their CO donating capacity. The fluorogenic 2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3-benzothiazole and 2-(quinolin-2-yl)-1,3-benzothiazole ligands provide a convenient way to track the CO release event through the `turn-ON' fluorescence which results upon de-ligation of the ligands from their respective metal centers following CO photorelease.
Adaptive reuse: a review and analysis of its relationship to the 3 Es of sustainability
Authors: Mohamed Rayman , Boyle Robin , Yang Allan Yilun , Tangari Joseph
Published: March 2017

Purpose

There is a resurgence in the adaptive reuse of buildings. However, there is a lack of literature that pulls all the strands of adaptive reuse together. Furthermore, despite claims that it is motivated by the 3 Es of the sustainability triangle, the authors could find no research that critiques adaptive reuse from this perspective. The purpose of this study is to review the literature to collect pertinent information in a single place and to critically examine whether adaptive reuse incorporates the 3 Es of sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach of this study is a literature review and a critical analysis of the practice of adaptive review.

Findings

Adaptive reuse is concentrated at the environment and economic development corners of the sustainability triangle. There are positive interactions along this edge. The authors attribute this to the fact that the same actors – the private and public sectors – are located at both corners of the triangle, and they have shared interests. This is different from the wider sustainability literature, where major actors at each corner are different and tensions along each edge are resolved through mediation. In adaptive reuse, there are no actors at the equity corner of the triangle, and there are minimal attempts to address concerns along the equity–environment and equity–economic development edges of the triangle.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on the USA.

Practical implications

This study suggests policy interventions that address the equity issue in adaptive reuse.

Originality/value

This is the first study to provide a succinct review of contemporary adaptive reuse and that places the practice within the framework of the 3 Es of sustainability.
Digital making with “At-Risk” youth
Authors: Hughes Janette Michelle
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how a small group of adolescents in an alternative care and treatment program develop digital literacy skills over time while immersed in a rich media setting. It also explores how the students use new media tools and affordances to “perform” their identities and to present themselves within their classroom community.

Design/methodology/approach

This ethnographic case study research involved seven students from a Canadian alternative school that provides educational programming for students from government approved care, treatment, custody and correctional facilities. Through an integrated arts-based curriculum, with a thematic focus on community and identity, the students used a variety to digital tools and media to create an “All About Me” book.

Findings

The students used inquiry-based learning and multiple modes of expression, facilitated by the multimodal, multimedia nature of digital media, including both screen-based and tangibles as essential components of knowing and communicating. The maker pedagogies employed in this intervention facilitated self-directed learning, as well as the development of perseverance and self-confidence.

Originality/value

In many work environments individuals are required to have knowledge of emerging technologies, and to employ this expertise in their work. Teaching students how to navigate their way through unfamiliar technology, to reflect on the process, and to communicate effectively, are important in both academics and future work environments. The authors continue to work with this group of students in the STEAM-3D Maker Lab and emphasize learning through discovery, design and the development of important skills such as perseverance, troubleshooting, resilience and collaboration.
A comparison of MOOC development and delivery approaches
Authors: Smith Neil , Caldwell Helen , Richards Mike , Bandara Arosha
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a comparison of two ways of developing and delivering massive open online courses (MOOCs). One was developed by The Open University in collaboration with FutureLearn; the other was developed independently by a small team at the Northampton University.

Design/methodology/approach

The different approaches had very different profiles of pedagogic flexibility, cost, development processes, institutional support and participant numbers.

Findings

MOOCs on existing large platforms can reach thousands of people, but constrain pedagogical choice. Self-made MOOCs have smaller audiences but can target them more effectively.

Originality/value

This comparison shows that, several years after MOOCs became prominent, there are many viable approaches for MOOCs.
Corporate attributes affecting sustainability reporting: an Indian perspective
Authors: Bhatia Aparna , Tuli Siya
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between sustainability reporting by companies and selected corporate specific attributes. It also highlights that the scope of sustainability reporting differs from company to company and industry to industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Methodology is based on content analysis of 158 Indian companies selected from BSE 200. It uses multiple regression analysis to identify significant corporate attributes.

Findings

The analysis in this study reveals that companies with large size, older age, having multinational operations and belonging to Software, IT and ITES and Oil and Gas industry have significant sustainability disclosure. However, company’s profits, leverage, growth and advertising intensity are negatively related with the extent of sustainability disclosure. Other variables are found to be insignificant.

Research limitations/implications

As content analysis technique has been used for gathering sustainability information, subjective judgment involved in identifying and classifying the nature of reported sustainability information cannot be ruled out.

Practical/implications

This study adds to the growing literature on international sustainability disclosure practices and their determinants. Hence, it has its implications for a number of interested groups as investors, accounting bodies, regulatory authorities, companies, government, stock exchanges, general public, academicians and researchers.

Originality/value

As an emerging trend, there are few empirical studies exploring the determinants of sustainability reporting. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper covers the impact of large number of corporate attributes in wholesome.
Customer responses towards disabled frontline employees
Authors: Rosenbaum Mark Scott , Baniya Rojan , Seger-Guttmann Tali
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of disabled service providers on customers’ evaluations of service quality and behavioural intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a qualitative analysis of online reviews from samples collected in a “dining-in-the-dark” restaurant, which employs blind waiters, and from a restaurant that employs deaf servers. The authors also put forth three quantitative analyses that use survey methodology.

Findings

Based on word clouds generated by online data, the findings show that customers treat the hiring of disabled service providers as the most prominent clue in their perceptions of organizational service quality. The quantitative results further illustrate that customers who hold more favourable attitudes towards disabled employees are more likely than other customers to spread positive word-of-mouth (WOM). Another analysis reveals that attitudes towards disabled employees are a separate construct from human compassion.

Research limitations/implications

Customers’ attitudes towards disabled frontline service employees represent a service quality driver. The authors offer researchers an exploratory scale on consumer attitudes towards the hiring of disabled employees to further refine and develop for future validation.

Practical implications

Retail organizations may be able to obtain a competitive advantage by employing frontline disabled people through customer WOM communications. These communications are linked to positive organizational outcomes.

Originality/value

Retail and service researchers know considerably little about customers’ perceptions of interacting with disabled employees. This paper represents original research that encourages retail and service organization to employ disabled frontline employees.
Implementing workplace health promotion – role of middle managers
Authors: Justesen Just Bendix , Eskerod Pernille , Christensen Jeanette Reffstrup , Sjøgaard Gisela
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address a missing link between top management and employees when it comes to understanding how to successfully implement and embed workplace health promotion (WHP) as a strategy within organizations: the role of the middle managers.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework based on review of theory is applied within an empirical multi-case study that is part of a health intervention research project on increased physical activity among office workers. The study involves six Danish organizations.

Findings

Middle managers play a key role in successful implementation of WHP, but feel uncertain about their role, especially when it comes to engaging with their employees. Uncertainty about their role appears to make middle managers reluctant to take action on WHP and leave further action to top management instead.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations included the middle managers’ low attendance at the half-day seminar on strategic health (50 percent attendance), the fact that they were all office workers and they were all from Denmark.

Practical implications

Middle managers ask for more knowledge and skills if they are to work with WHP in daily business.

Social implications

Implementing and embedding WHP as a health strategy raises ethical issues of interfering with employees’ health, is seen as the employee’s personal responsibility.

Originality/value

This study adds to knowledge of the difficulties of implementing and embedding WHP activities in the workplace and suggests an explicit and detailed research design.
Wear behaviour of copper/carbon nanotubes
Authors: Shaari Nor Shamimi , Md Said Jamaliah , Jumahat Aidah , Ismail Muhammad Hussain
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the wear behaviour of copper matrix composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) prepared by powder metallurgy route.

Design/methodology/approach

The CNTs were treated by sulphuric acid and nitric acid to deagglomerate the CNTs prior mixing with copper powder. The composites comprised 0 to 4 Vol.% pristine CNTs (PCNTs) and also after acid-treated CNTs (ACNTs). The optimum value (pure Cu, 3 Vol.% PCNTs, 3 Vol.% ACNTs) evaluated by micro-hardness test was selected for wear test analysis.

Findings

The results showed that the enhancement of hardness, weight loss, coefficient of friction, wear depth and surface roughness (Ra) was due to the effect of homogenous distribution of ACNTs in Cu matrix and significant bonding compared to pure Cu and Cu-reinforced PCNTs. The scanning electron microscopy micrograph of worn surfaces and wear depth of the specimens also showed that the addition of ACNTs in Cu resulted in better wear performances.

Originality/value

CNTs were treated prior processing to improve hardness and wear properties of Cu/CNTs composites.
Fabrication of dimple structured surface of A390 Al-Si alloy using turning process
Authors: Mohd Dali Mohd Nor Azam , Ghani Jaharah A. , Che Haron Che Hassan , Hassan Sharudin
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to produce dimple structure on a cylindrical surface for Aluminium-Silicon (Al-Si) alloy piston (A390) using turning process. The process selection is based on factors such as the capability of machining process, low cost process, minimum set up time and green working environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Three main machining parameters that greatly influenced the dimple structure fabrication were identified from previous researches (cutting parameters, vibration and cutting tool geometry). To facilitate dimple structure fabrication using turning process, a dynamic assisted tooling (DATT) was developed. Experiments were conducted on Al-Si A390 material for future application of automotive piston. A three-dimensional surface profiler (Alicona) was used for geometry measurement and analysis of dimple structure. The Taguchi method, with an L8 orthogonal array, was used to accommodate seven parameters used in the fabrication of dimpled structures using turning process. Signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and observation on the shape of dimple structure array were used to determine the optimum machining condition.

Findings

Optimum parameters obtained using S/N ratio analysis were cutting speed of 9 m/min, depth of cut of 0.01 mm, amplitude displacement of 1 mm, nose radius of 0.4 mm and frequency of (25 Hertz). Whereas feed rate, rake and relief angles were not significant to the size, shape and dimple array; therefore, their selected values depend on requirement of the application. Based on the S/N ratio and uniformity of the array of dimple structure as the main reference, the sixth and eighth experiment conditions almost achieved the optimum condition which are able to produce the width of dimple structure of 396.82 and 560.43 μm, respectively, dimple length of 3,261.6 and 2,422.7 μm, respectively, dimple depth of 63.43 and 65.97 μm, respectively, area ratio of 10 and 10.39 per cent, respectively, and surface roughness of 3.0023 and 3.0054 μm, respectively. These results are within the range of dimple structure obtained by the previous researchers for sliding mechanical components application.

Originality/value

The optimum condition of machining parameters in producing uniform dimple structure led to the compilation of data base in dimple structure research via turning process. Dimple structure produced is similarly obtained with other processes like laser, burnishing, photochemical, etc. DATT developed has the ability to produce repeatable vibration frequency, stable and consistent amplitude displacement using a simple crank concept and structure that can be mounted on all types of lathe machine either conventional or computer numerical control.
Optimized characterization of response surface methodology on lubricant with titanium oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Mohamad Nor Syahirah , Kasolang Salmiah
Published: March 2017

Purpose

An optimized model is often deployed to reduce trial and error in experimental approach and obtain the multi-variant correlation. In this study, response surface methodology (RSM), namely, Box–Behnken design (BBD) approach, has been used to optimize the characterization of lubricant with additives. BBD is based on multivariate analysis whereby the effects of different parameters are considered simultaneously. It is a non-linear system which is more representative of the actual phenomenon. This study aims to investigate the effect of three independent variables, namely, speed, load and concentration of TiO2, on the coefficient of friction (CoF).

Design/methodology/approach

RSM was applied to get the multiplicity of the self-determining input variables and construct mathematical models. Mathematical models were established to predict the CoF and to conduct a statistical analysis of the independent variables’ interactions on response surface using Minitab 16.0 statistical software. Three parameters were regulated: speed (X1), load (X2) and concentration of TiO2 (X3). The output measured was the CoF.

Findings

The result obtained from BBD has shown that the most influential parameter was speed, followed by concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles and then normal load. Analysis of variance indicated that the proposed experiment from the quadratic model has successfully interpreted the experimental data with a coefficient of determination R2 = 0.9931. From the contour plot of BBD, the optimization zone for interacting variables has been obtained. The zone indicates two regions of lower friction values (<0.04): concentration between 0.5 to 1.0 Wt.% for a speed range of 1,000 to 2,000 rpm, and load between 17 to 20 kg for a speed in the range of 1,200 to 1,900 rpm. The optimized condition shows that the minimum value of CoF (0.0191) is at speed of 1,782 rpm, load of 20 kg and TiO2 concentration of 1.0 Wt.%.

Originality/value

In general, it has been shown that RSM is an effective and powerful tool in experimental optimization of multi-variants.
Application of Taguchi method in optimization of design parameter for turbocharger vaned diffuser
Authors: Amiruddin Hilmi , Wan Mahmood Wan Mohd Faizal , Abdullah Shahrir , Abu Mansor Mohd Radzi , Mamat Rizalman , Alias Azri
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the best vaned diffuser design that can generate higher pressure output at a predetermined speed.

Design/methodology/approach

Several vaned diffusers of thin, flat-type design with different number of blades and blade angle were fabricated. The vaned diffusers were fitted inside the turbocharger compressor and test on a cold-flow turbocharger test rig. A Taguchi L27 orthogonal array is selected for analysis of the data. Influence of number of blades, blade angle and rotational speed on output pressure is studied using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique. Finally, confirmation tests are conducted to validate the experimental results.

Findings

The optimum design parameters of the vaned diffuser using signal-to-noise ratio analysis were six blades type, blade angle of 18° and rotational speed of 70,000 rpm. Results from ANOVA showed that the speed has the highest influence on output pressure. The number of blades and blade angle produced the least effect on the pressure output.

Originality/value

The study used the turbocharger with the impeller size 60 mm and adapted vaned diffuser to increase the output pressure.
Influence of steel fibres on friction behaviours with respect to speed, pressure and temperature
Authors: Ria Jaafar Talib , Ismail Noor Iswadi , Ismail Mohd Fauzi , Abu Othman Eliasidi
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of different volume percentage (Vol.%) of steel fibre on the pressure, surface temperature and speed sensitivity behaviour during braking process as known brake effectiveness and to propose the best steel fibre Vol.% in the formulation.

Design/methodology/approach

Three brake pads composed of three different steel fibre volume percentages were fabricated through powder metallurgy route. Selecting one sample as based formulations, steel fibre (Vol.%) was decreased and increased by 50 per cent in the other two samples, respectively. The other ingredients are proportionally increased and decreased accordingly to the base formulation. The samples were tested for determining their hardness, porosity and coefficient of friction (COF) using Rockwell hardness tester, hot bath and brake inertia dynamometer, respectively.

Findings

Test results indicated that Sample T1 which composed of 9 Vol.% of steel fibre had the lowest COF and was sensitive to applied pressure, surface temperature and speed. The samples which composed of 18 and 27 Vol.% of steel fibre were having the same trend of COF and were sensitive to surface temperature and speed. Sample T which composed of 18 Vol.% of steel fibre had lower brake pad and disc lost as compared to Sample T2 which composed of 27 Vol.%. Mechanical properties did not show any significant correlation with COF sensitivity with temperature, speed and pressure.

Originality/value

The sample with 18 Vol.% of steel fibre was found to be the best formulation which produced acceptable COF; less sensitive to temperature, pressure and speed during braking process; and better wear resistance of brake pad as well as the rotor.
Is Chinese outward FDI in MENA little?
Authors: Miniesy Rania S. , Elish Eman
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the host country determinants of Chinese Outward FDI (OFDI) and, given these determinants, examines whether Chinese OFDI in MENA is less than elsewhere.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the top 40 Chinese OFDI recipients including seven MENA countries from 2003 to 2012 were obtained. A pooled ordinary least squares estimation technique on the lagged explanatory variables and the lagged dependent variable – flows and stocks alternatively – with robust standard errors was used.

Findings

Chinese OFDI is market, resource and efficiency seeking and is attracted by poor governance. The seven MENA countries seemingly receive significantly less Chinese OFDI flows compared to other countries. However, careful inspection shows that UAE is creating this bias. This maybe because exporting to UAE rather than licensing or FDI seems like the best scenario, or UAE is already satiated with FDI from other countries, or China is waiting for the right time to enter such an FDI-competitive market like that of UAE.

Originality/value

Chinese OFDI is particularly important for MENA because it has a comparative advantage relative to other FDI source countries, and no research so far has investigated if it is less than in other regions, which could provide insights on how to attract it.
Consolidated financial statements – a new challenge for the public sector administration
Authors: Cîrstea Andreea , Nistor Cristina Silvia , Tiron Tudor Adriana
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Considering the worldwide importance granted to this topic, the purpose of this paper is to analyze, through a detailed pyramidal analysis, the intention of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) to respond better to the public sector characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology combines content analysis with the comparative and interpretive method, and also some statistical methods such as residual analysis, association coefficients, that come to bring added value to the public sector literature.

Findings

The main findings of the research concern the appreciation of consolidation approach in the public sphere under a dual aspect. The first one is theoretical, by presenting the evolution of the concept in literature, and the second one is empirical, by analyzing how IPSAS correlates with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), how the Exposure Draft 49 (ED 49) respondents perceive its content and implications, along with the extent to which the publication of IPSAS 35 took into account the exposure draft stage. In the authors’ opinion, the study manages to capture, theoretically and empirically, the evolution and the stage of consolidation in the public sector. The main results of the study lie in the combination in the empirical sphere of the content analysis with the mathematical and statistical methods, in order to assess the correlation IPSAS/IFRS, the responses to ED 49, but also the influences on the final version of IPSAS 35.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations of the study are: the diversity of the received responses to ED and the number of comment letters submitted by the respondents.

Practical implications

The study addresses to a broad range of users: theoreticians, practitioners or professional bodies/legislators who will have a basis for analyzing what the acceptance and inclusion of IPSAS 35 in the national accounting rules would mean.

Social implications

The paper offers the possibility to understand the evolution of the concept of public sector consolidation.

Originality/value

The first originality aspect is revealed by the theoretical documentation and the second one lies in the combination of the empirical sphere of the content analysis with the mathematical and statistical methods.
Intellectual capital and profitability in an emerging insurance market
Authors: Asare Nicholas , Alhassan Abdul Latif , Asamoah Michael Effah , Ntow-Gyamfi Matthew
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between intellectual capital (IC) and profitability of insurance companies in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on 36 life and non-life insurance companies from 2007 to 2011 are employed to estimate the value added intellectual coefficient of Pulic (2004, 2008). Using return on assets and underwriting profit as indicators of profitability, the ordinary least squares panel corrected standard errors of Beck and Katz (2005) is used in estimating the relationship in the presence of serial correlation and heteroskedasticity. Leverage, underwriting risk and insurers’ size are used as control variables.

Findings

Non-life insurers have high IC performance comparative to life insurers. This study finds a significant positive relationship between IC and profitability of insurers in Ghana while human capital efficiency is the main driver of insurers’ IC performance.

Practical implications

The study discusses relevance of IC for management of insurance companies in Ghana and other emerging insurance markets in Africa.

Originality/value

This appears to be the first study to examine the impact of IC on profitability of a developing insurance market in Africa.
Another piece of the puzzle: REIT IPO underpricing after the financial crisis
Authors: Dimovski Bill , Ratcliffe Christopher , Keneley Monica
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the underpricing of real estate investment trust (REIT) initial public offerings (IPOs) from January 2010 to June 2015, as the sector recovered from the global financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyses the first day returns of US REIT IPOs in the post financial crisis period. The study then employs regression analysis to examine the factors that influence IPO underpricing.

Findings

The study observes that underpricing, on average, is not significantly different to zero. Furthermore, the REIT IPOs examined display underperformance in the longer term. In contrast to the earlier data samples of Chen and Lu (2006), the authors do not find that underwriting costs are a direct substitute for the indirect cost of underpricing, instead the authors find that higher underwriting costs are associated with higher underpricing. Also in contrast to the mainstream underpricing literature, the data suggest larger capital raisings require higher underpricing. The authors also find that newly listed REITs provided significant excess dividend returns over the post-listing period.

Practical implications

For institutional and retail investors, the results will help to further inform investment opportunities in REIT IPOs.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the ongoing academic debate of the lack of underpricing in REIT IPOs relative to industrial companies. Research has shown periods of underpricing are often replaced with periods of overpricing suggesting that the pattern of behavior in REIT markets is substantially different.
Hospitality REITs and financial crisis: a comprehensive assessment of market quality
Authors: Jain Pawan , Robinson Spenser J. , Singh Arjun J. , Sunderman Mark
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine market microstructure differences in stock market quality for hospitality real estate investment trusts (REITs) during the pre- and post-financial crisis eras. It provides insight on different trading strategies based on the underlying liquidity and volatility of hospitality REITs as compared traditional REITs and the broader market.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses established microstructure measures for liquidity, trading volumes and risk assessment and compares daily and intraday trading patterns of REITs, hospitality REITs and the broad market.

Findings

The results suggest a quicker recovery of performance for hospitality REITs and some fundamental increases in liquidity measures post-crisis. The results of the study highlight the differences in trading volumes, liquidity and risk profile of hospitality REITs compared to traditional REITs both in the pre- and post-financial crisis periods.

Practical implications

The quicker recovery of hospitality REITs in key trading measures may suggest flight to quality during periods of high volatility.

Originality/value

This study fills the gap in the literature relative to microstructure studies and provides information to help hotel firms and portfolio managers choose an appropriate organizational structure and investment vehicle, respectively.
Entropy – what kind of bet is real estate – really?
Authors: Brown Roger J.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the way real estate data collection and dissemination can be improved.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates that how information entropy fits into real estate research and data using Kelly betting as a framework.

Findings

Availability of real estate data is constrained by a host of impediments, paywalls and other archaic practices that limit the way it can be used to make worthwhile progress in the field.

Practical implications

Real-estate data will become available. Those who try to keep data close and restrict their common use will become irrelevant.

Originality/value

Entropy indicates uncertainty and chaos. Using this highly developed and respected area of science as context one can see how real estate research suffers from its present mindset.
Structured maintenance engineering policy development based on a production machine process perspective
Authors: Ahmad Rosmaini , Kamaruddin Shahrul
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the development of a maintenance engineering policy in the context of a decision support model based on a production machine process perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The structure of the policy is called the maintenance decision support (MDS) model, which consists of three steps: initial setup, deterioration monitoring, and decision making. A detailed presentation of each step of the proposed model together with a real case example from the pulp manufacturing industry proves the applicability of the model.

Findings

Validation of the proposed MDS model is as follows. In Task 1 of Step 1, the cutting, sealing, and perforating line processes are classified as critical machining processes. The analysis of Task 2 of Step 1 found that cutting knife, bearing, and motor are classified as the components that most possibly contribute to the cutting appearance quality. In Task 3 of Step 1, it was found that the cutting knife is classified as a maintenance-significant component with non-repairable and single-component type characteristics. The result of Step 2 suggested that at the 29th hour of operating time, the decision of do-something was suggested. In the following step (Step 3), for the case of the cutting knife, which has been classified as a non-repairable type component, the decision to perform preventive replacement of cutting knife is recommended to be carried out at the 29th hour of operating time.

Research limitations/implications

The uniqueness of this model is that it systematically considers different machinery component(s) characteristics, including single- and multiple-component cases, repairable and non-repairable types, and functional or/and physical failure types, to make maintenance decisions.

Practical implications

The proposed MDS model provides a systematic guideline for identifying, evaluating, and monitoring, which makes maintenance-related decisions. Three significant maintenance decisions can be determined based on the proposed MDS model, which includes an appropriate time-to-perform maintenance, correct maintenance actions to be performed, and the right component required for maintenance (for multi-component cases).

Originality/value

One of the vital elements in considering the production machine process perspective toward the development of the MDS model is the need to use product output/quality characteristics for machine deterioration-monitoring and decision-making processes.
Venture capital and the financial crisis in Portugal: the VC managers’ viewpoint
Authors: Cabral-Cardoso Carlos , Cortez Maria Céu , Lopes Luísa
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine, from the venture capital (VC) managers’ perspective, the impact of the international financial and sovereign debt crises on the VC industry in Portugal, and the changes and adjustments VC managers were forced to adopt to their procedures and current practices to cope with these challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-step research design was adopted to best capture the dynamics of the crisis. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and content analysed. The initial set of interviews with ten VC managers was conducted in 2011, immediately before the country bailout; and the second set in 2013, when the full impact of the debt crisis was being felt.

Findings

The study shows that the crises had a significant impact on the VC industry producing a complex and dynamic environment with high levels of uncertainty. The VC managers’ contradictory perceptions reflect their own struggle to figure out the best way to deal with the pressures in such a volatile environment where new opportunities may also arise. In general, VC firms became more selective adopting a more prudential attitude and tighter control mechanisms.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field by analysing, from the VC managers’ perspective, the cumulative impact of the international financial and sovereign debt crisis on a European VC market with specific features: small dimension of the industry operating in a bank-centred capital market and where family-owned SMEs predominate.
Investigating dynamic capabilities of family businesses in China: a social capital perspective
Authors: Wang Yong
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Dynamic capabilities are regarded as the bedrock of businesses that survive in a dynamic environment. Building upon the social capital theory, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the nexus between dynamic capabilities and social capital in family businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a quantitative approach. As there is no formal business database available in China, the study followed a snowball sampling procedure. In total, 628 useful responses were gathered.

Findings

The study echoes the call of Arregleet al.(2007) for understanding family business’s internal sources of competitiveness and the role of social capital. Results show that the three dimensions of social capital, namely, structural, cognitive, and relational capital, influence dynamic capabilities of family businesses.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of an official business database in China made the conventional representative sample survey used in the West difficult to replicate. Furthermore, empirical data were collected from different regions of China; regional cultures and different levels of economic development across the regions might influence the social capital-dynamic capabilities connection, but these were not examined in the current study.

Originality/value

The study integrates two significant but disconnected research streams, i.e. social capital and dynamic capabilities. Furthermore, the study shows how different dimensions of social capital influence dynamic capabilities. Research findings derived may contribute to the entrepreneurial debate as to why some family businesses can survive in the dynamic environment while others cannot.
What influences ethnic entrepreneurs’ decision to start-up
Authors: Ullah Farid , Rahman Md Zillur , Smith Robert , Beloucif Ahmed
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore some key factors that influences ethnic entrepreneur’s decision in starting-up a new business in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors set out to investigate the motives, drivers and attitudes of ethnic minorities in seeking entrepreneurial opportunities. The authors conduct in-depth face-to-face interviews with 25 ethnic entrepreneurs from a variety of nationalities and cultures originating mainly from the Indian subcontinent region. This includes entrepreneurs from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and some others. The motivations varies according to their culture, traditions, religion and other environmental factors influencing on their decision to start-up.

Findings

The results reveal some interesting influential factors that lead to the successful start-up decision. These include a positive mindset, self-efficacy, strong determination, knowing of the market and local business culture and good financial management.

Originality/value

This paper is based on empirical research and new data have been collected specifically for this research. The authors hope the new findings from this research work will enhance the understanding about ethnic minority businesses in the context of Aberdeen, Scotland.
The Kenyan Judiciary’s Open Government Initiative: prospects and challenges
Authors: Maseh Elsebah , Katuu Shadrack
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper is based on an empirical study undertaken between April 2014 to December 2014 that aims to investigate the Open Government Initiative in the Kenyan Judiciary and its contribution to Judiciary transformation for enhanced justice delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws from both literature and data collected from representative professionals in the Kenyan Judiciary through interviews and questionnaires.

Findings

The findings indicated that the Kenyan Judiciary was at its initial stages of implementing its Open Government Initiative, and several strategies for the implementation were identified. Further, the findings revealed the benefits of opening up the Judiciary for public participation which pointed toward an improved justice delivery.

Originality/value

This paper presents findings of the investigation of Open Government Initiative in the Kenyan Judiciary as a contributory factor to the then on-going Judiciary transformation aimed at enhanced justice delivery. The paper provides a nexus between open government and records management and demonstrates the importance of sound records management for successful Open Government Initiative.
An empirical study on application and efficiency of gridded management in public service supply of Chinese Government
Authors: XiuYin Bai , Hanif Muhammad Imran , Fensheng Li , Hanif Muhammad Shehzad , Yinhua Gu
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Gridded management in the public service supply is still in the experience exploratory stage, and this paper aims to analyze the inherent logic and operation mode of the gridding mechanism of the public supply based on the existing theory study and practices, and verify its efficiency so as to come to the conclusion whether it could be promoted to a wider range.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology applied in this paper was case study/deductive induction.

Findings

The grid model in the public service supply needs to be demonstrated completely in theoretical logic and operation principles before it is promoted across the country. Meanwhile, full support of the government is required in terms of service concept, function distribution, technical parameters and infrastructure.

Research limitations/implications

The inherent logic and operation mode of the gridding mechanism of the public service supply needs enough practice tests. The practical test of efficiency analysis of the gridding mechanism of the public service supply is not enough.

Social implications

This paper validated whether the gridding mechanism that originated from China’s urban management can be promoted to all over the country in the public service supply. It provides references for government policy.

Originality/value

This paper constructs a gridded management model for public service provision in urban and rural areas on the basis of an analysis of the plight of traditional model of public service provision, thus delivering the same standard of public service for both urban and rural areas through optimization of resource allocation without requiring more supply and fundamental change to the content of service.
Ideal and Confucian implicit leadership profiles in China
Authors: Solansky Stephanie , Gupta Vipin , Wang Jifu
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper is a regional exploratory study of implicit leadership theories in two regions of China. The purpose of this paper is to compare ideal vs Confucian leadership profiles and explore the possibility of a cultural hybrid perspective of leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

This study empirically explores leadership profiles through indigenous leadership research and compares implicit leadership theories of Confucian leadership and ideal leadership among a group of 128 managers representing two regions in mainland China. In doing so, measures developed by Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness that were translated into the local language are employed.

Findings

The results empirically show that a region known to have a deeper cultural entrenchment interprets Confucian ideology as ideal leadership, while a region more disconnected from the cultural center transforms its ideology based on more globally accepted leadership ideals.

Practical implications

The findings of this study caution leadership researchers (whether universally-etic or specifically-emic focused) from making generalizations regarding leadership. Although there might be some broad universals of leadership, context-specific leadership practices are deeply rooted between and within cultures.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by providing insight on implicit leadership theories in China and by proposing a culturally hybrid perspective of leadership based on globalization and cultural entrenchment forces.
Rethinking distributed leadership: dimensions, antecedents and team effectiveness
Authors: Feng Yanan , Hao Bin , Iles Paul , Bown Nicola
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Studies of distributed leadership (DL) are increasing, but are not systematic, often taking a normative position emphasizing the superiority of DL to solo leadership and using the term in an imprecise way. The purpose of this paper is to re-conceptualize DL and develop a systematic framework to identify dimensions of DL and their association with team effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a comprehensive review of existing literature, this paper develops a systematic framework of DL and team effectiveness by deriving eight research propositions.

Findings

Based on two perspectives, role space occupation and dependency of actions, the paper identifies four main dimensions of DL: shared, conjoint, fragmented and dispersed leadership, each of which represents a specific pattern of DL activities. A leader-task-context (LTC) framework is developed to analyze outcomes of DL dimensions in different settings. The eight propositions developed clearly identify where DL can be best applied, how particular configurations of DL affect team performance, and in what situations it is most effective.

Originality/value

This paper has made several contributions. First, the authors address the question of what constitutes DL by conceptualizing its dimensions. Second, the authors extend the DL literature by arguing and modeling how different contexts influence the fulfillment of DL. Third, the authors develop an analytical framework of DL – the “LTC” framework – to help build a foundation and guide further research on the relationships between DL and team performance.
The effect of leadership on work-related flow: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Lan Junbang , Wong Chi-Sum , Jiang Chunyan , Mao Yina
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Some indirect evidence indicates that leadership may affect work-related flow, a core concept in positive psychology. However, the exact process of how this relationship takes place is still unknown. Based on the nature of leader-member exchange (LMX), the purpose of this paper is to hypothesize a moderated mediation model of the LMX-flow relationship in which psychological empowerment is the mediator while emotional intelligence (EI) is the moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

Two samples are utilized in the study. One sample (n=219) is from the service industry representing a high emotional labor job, and the other sample (n=208) is from the manufacturing industry representing a low emotional labor job.

Findings

In both the samples, psychological empowerment mediates the positive relationship between LMX and work-related flow. However, the moderated mediation effect of EI is supported only in the service sample but not in the manufacturing sample.

Practical implications

Leader plays an important role in facilitating subordinates’ flow experience by enhancing psychological empowerment. For the high emotional labor job, employees with high EI are better able to transfer leader’s support into flow experience.

Originality/value

The paper, as the first study to connect LMX with flow concept, advances the study of positive psychology in workplace context, especially the leadership field. By proposing a mediating mechanism and outlining EI as a moderator, the study explains how LMX relates to flow experience at work.