bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat transfer analysis of charring ablators under aerodynamic heating
Authors: Lin J.L. , Yang C.S.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This work experimentally and numerically investigates the aerodynamic heating of the charring‐ablating materials.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental model is a stainless steel cone with an attached charring ablator, in which supersonic hot flow impinges. The initial numerical simulation is based on physical and mathematical models, including one‐dimensional, unsteady energy transport and mass conservation equations, coupled with calculations of aerodynamic heating, thermal degradation, heat transfer of the ablating surface and the ablation model. The problem is solved by an efficient numerical method.

Findings

The numerical calculations involve the time history of the temperature distribution inside the charring material and the backup structure. The results are consistent with the experimental data.

Originality/value

This study proposes an effective method to correlate one's own ablation rate equation, by a method of trial and error to find the correlation constants, and the corresponding time histories of the ablation rate or temperature that are closest to one's own experimental data. Then the correlation of the surface ablation rate can be applied with confidence in the numerical calculation of other cases.
Weak interactions between objects in the signal‐based and parametric diagnostics of transport‐dedicated complex engineering systems
Authors: Lindstedt Paweł
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To provide original knowledge for graduate students, research workers and specialists in ability maintenance system of engineering systems in range of improving their diagnostic susceptibility in order to improve of credibility of worked out diagnosis, genesis and forecast.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work are methodological guidelines to realize a process of improving of diagnostic susceptibility of engineering systems, which can be approached as an automatics system. It can be hydraulic, pneumatic and fuel systems, oil and gas pipelines, etc.

Findings

It was noticed and next theoretically and experimentally confirmed that signals of weak interactions, which can excite between a tested object (hydraulic system) and a adjoined testing object (a corrector), are an additional piece of diagnostic information. This information allows for an increase of reliability of diagnosis, which is working out.

Research limitations/implications

The signals of weak interactions can arise, when a tested object can be approached as an automatic control system (ACS), in which can be distinguished a controlled system (e.g. installation) and a control unit (e.g. pump). Experimental research was realized on a physical model of the airplane hydraulic installation. Other object requires similar investigations.

Practical implications

The development of functional (parametric and signal‐based) diagnosing methods. The proposition of “signal‐based diagnostics” based on the indicators of quality of course signal. These indicators result from the principles of the automatics, and from parametric diagnostics, resulting from the principles of the static and dynamic identification of diagnosing objects.

Originality/value

The proposition of receiving diagnostic information, also during observation of phenomena, which occur in a feedback path of automatics systems, in which operates a specially adjoined corrector (a testing object). Such approach allows by means of change of corrector's parameters to determine optionally a required sensitivity of measuring system, and to control a set value into the corrector, which is an output signal in the occurring in the past.
Mixture ratio control of liquid propellant engines
Authors: Nassirharand Amir , Karimi Hassan
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Development and application of a new systematic approach for design of a control system in order to control the mixture ratio of liquid propellant engines.

Design/methodology/approach

The design approach is based on a full nonlinear dynamic model of the engine, and the controller design method is based on describing function models of the engine coupled with the factorization theory. The presented systematic design procedure is comprised of five primary steps. The developed software for the design approach is in the MATLAB environment.

Findings

It is found that the presented design approach may successfully be used to control the mixture ratio of a class of liquid propellant engines whose control loops are decoupled. The performance and robustness of the designed controller is found to be satisfactory.

Research limitations/implications

At present, the research is limited to liquid propellant engines whose control loops are decoupled.

Practical implications

The major outcome of this research is that complicated hydromechanical control valves that are used to control the mixture ratio may be replaced by simple microprocessor based servomechanisms that drive simple valves. This will allow for the engine to accept various set point values for mixture ratio as is required in multi‐regime engines.

Originality/value

This is the first paper in the area of mixture ratio control of a liquid propellant engine that is based on the application of describing function approach coupled with the factorization theory.
ICT literacy
Authors: Rockman Ilene F.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To inform readers about the new information and communication technology assessment tool developed by the Education Testing Service and a consortium of two and four‐year academic institutions in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

A concise assessment of the tool.

Findings

The tool is scenario, performance, and problem‐based so that students must demonstrate their knowledge. It is also interactive and recognises that students should be able to integrate various skills to solve real‐life problems.

Originality/value

Will assist higher education institutions and workforce/career centers about the unique scenario‐based, web‐based assessment tool which integrates the proficiencies of information literacy with the use of digital and computer technologies, along with the principles of the ethical and legal use of information.
Career mobility and gender on the Swedish labour market
Authors: Granqvist Lena , Persson Helena
Published: June 2005

Purpose

There is now a large amount of literature on gender wage differentials, but only a few studies have examined why men and women end up in different jobs and at different levels. This paper aims to study the extent of differences in career mobility between men and women.

Design/methodology/approach

The issue is analysed with the help of event history analysis based on Swedish event history data.

Findings

The authors find that differences do exist in career mobility between women and men. Women's chances of getting a better job are about half those of men. However, when analysing employees with more than 12 years in education, the difference between men and women is smaller. Part of the difference between women and men is explained by family‐related factors. Women spend much more time in family‐related non‐market activities and these factors also have a negative effect on their chances of career mobility.

Originality/value

This paper is useful to those wishing to examine the extent of differences in career mobility between men and women.
Expatriate performance management from MNEs of different national origins
Authors: Shih Hsi‐An , Chiang Yun‐Hwa , Kim In‐Sook
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This study tries to explore through multiple case studies how expatriate performance management is conducted in multinational enterprises (MNEs) of different national origins.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple interviews were conducted with expatriate employees and human resource managers of five MNE subsidiaries operating in the information technology industry, namely, Applied Material (American), Philips (Dutch), Hitachi (Japanese), Samsung (Korean), and Winbond (Taiwan).

Findings

The findings show that all of the firms surveyed use standardized performance forms set by headquarters, which are not tailored to local operating environments. Also, lack of on‐the‐job training for expatriates was found to be prevalent among the five MNE subsidiaries. Divergent practices in goal setting, performance appraisal, and performance‐related pay were largely attributed to the parent company's culture. The nature of the expatriate mission was another reason for different arrangements in expatriate performance management.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to explore expatriate performance management practices of multinational firms. There does not seem to exist a prevalent form of expatriate performance management and such a practice is to some extent more strongly subjected to the influence of the parent company's culture.
Characteristics associated with success: CEOs' perspectives
Authors: Wood John , Vilkinas Tricia
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This exploratory study investigated the characteristics that chief executive officers (CEOs) associated with their success.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty CEOs were interviewed and asked to identify characteristics they possessed, and that they felt were related to their success.

Findings

The two dominant characteristics identified were achievement orientation and humanistic approach, followed by positivism. Very little or no emphasis was placed on being inclusive, having integrity, having a balanced approach, learning and self‐awareness or having an external focus.

Research limitations/implications

In order to further our understanding of effective leadership in organisations, future research needs to build on these findings by asking individuals who directly report to CEOs to comment on the characteristics they believe their CEOs possesses.

Practical implications

There are important implications from these results for the selection and development of CEOs.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few to comprehensively investigate CEOs' characteristics. Most of the earlier work was either theoretical or narrowly focused.
Indirect leadership in a military context: a qualitative study on how to do it
Authors: Larsson Gerry , Sjöberg Misa , Vrbanjac Aida , Björkman Torsten
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To develop a theoretical understanding of how indirect leadership is done in a military context.

Design/methodology/approach

A grounded theory approach was used. Twenty‐two high‐level Swedish commanders, and six of their subordinates were interviewed.

Findings

A model was developed which suggests that indirect leadership can be understood as consisting of two simultaneous processes. One is action‐oriented and consists of interacting with a link (usually a small group of directly subordinate managers) which passes the messages down to lower organisational levels. The other influence process is image‐oriented and consists of being a role model. Both processes are filtered through a “lens” which consists of the relative impact of a safety culture on the activities. In the favourable case, the employees at the lower levels trust both the link and the higher management. This appears to be a necessary condition for commitment and active participation. In the unfavourable case, there is a lack of trust. This breeds redefinitions of the messages and a necessity for relying on reward and punishment to obtain obedience.

Research limitations/implications

Lack of representativeness, indirect influence from lower to higher levels, as well as possible gender‐related aspects, not studied.

Practical implications

The suggested model may be a valuable tool in higher management education.

Originality/value

The identification of two co‐occurring pathways of influence.
A model of command, leadership and management competency in the British Royal Navy
Authors: Young Mike , Dulewicz Victor
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To develop a model clarifying the personal factors and behavioural characteristics (competencies) relevant to effective command, leadership and management in the Royal Navy.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire study was conducted on a sample of 261 Officers and ratings. Their performance was rated through the organisation's own rigorous appraisal process whilst personality and competency data were gathered through the use of the well‐established occupational personality questionnaire (OPQ) and the relatively new leadership dimensions questionnaire (LDQ).

Findings

The results provide support for the RN's current integrated approach to command, leadership and management by identifying four “supra‐competency” clusters – conceptualising, aligning, interacting and creating success – and the related personality and leadership dimensions, which are correlated with high performance. Support for the validity of the LDQ and OPQ questionnaires is also produced by the results found from performance appraisal data.

Research limitations/implications

The research was conducted within one establishment of one of the services (the RN). Further replication studies in other services and private sector companies are planned or underway.

Practical implications

The model produced from this study is now being used by the British Royal Navy as the basis of command, leadership and management training and development and its use by the Admiralty Interview Board for Officer selection is currently under consideration. Some findings are generalisable to other organisations.

Originality/value

This is a rare example of a study of leadership validated against formal performance appraisal data. The fact that conclusions are drawn from an appraisal system which conforms to best practice and from a highly representative sample, with a 97 per cent response rate, supports the value of these findings for both academic researchers and practitioners.
A bumper year for robots
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Aims to provide a summary of global robot statistics as presented in World Robotics 2004, a new publication prepared jointly by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). Also aims to highlight the trends displayed at the small exhibition of service robots that accompanied the publication launch.

Design/methodology/approach

Summarises the UNECE/IFR global robot statistics for 2003, separating the market for industrial robots from that of service robots, and providing a detailed analysis of both. Explanations from Jan Karlsson, who was responsible for the publication of the statistics, are included.

Findings

2003 was a bumper year for robots overall. The market for service robots is accelerating rapidly, in particular. Sales of robotic vacuum cleaners are rising fast.

Originality/value

Provides an overview of in‐depth statistics on robotics, and highlights the trends for those interested in the robotics market.
Robotics outside the metals industries
Authors: Rooks Brian
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To review presentations on robotics in “less familiar environments” given at a seminar, “The changing face of robotics: inside and outside the factory”, organised by the UK Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper covers the second part of the IEE seminar, which was concerned with robotics outside the traditional areas of “metal bashing”. Four diverse industries are covered: food, defence, construction and space. The presentation on “food”, by Bob Lloyd of AMTRI puts forward the concept of “a food factory in a pipe”, while that by Andy Cooke from BAE Systems, on “defence” describes R&D projects ranging from a crawler robot for wing skin drilling to a volcano‐exploring mobile robot. The “construction industry” presentation by John Riehl of Construction Robotics introduces START (safety through automated and robotic technologies), an organisation dedicated to improving safety in the industry by exploiting existing robotic technologies to remove operators from dangerous environments. The final presentation on “space robotics” by Dr Eddie Moxie of Surrey University, discusses “On‐Orbit Servicing” in which robotic arms handle satellites and their componentary, and the development of rover or mobile robot vehicles in “Planetary Exploration”.

Findings

Robotics is spreading into a greater variety of industries, and in many cases the technology is similar to that used in conventional “metal industry” robot applications.

Originality/value

Provides a review of robotic applications in the food, defence, construction and space exploration industries.
An impedance‐controlled parallel robot for high‐speed assembly of white goods
Authors: Bruzzone L.E. , Molfino R.M. , Zoppi M.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Aims to discuss how impedance‐controlled parallel robots can effectively perform industrial assembly tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

A new purely translational parallel robot has been designed to fulfil the requirements of industrial assembly tasks. The kinematic and dynamic models of the robot have been obtained in analytic form. A full‐scale prototype has been realized within the Italian research programme PRIDE (Parallel Robots Interacting with Dynamic Environments). An impedance control algorithm based on the kinematic and dynamic models has been implemented on the control unit of the PRIDE prototype. The effectiveness of the impedance‐controlled PKM has been evaluated performing the assembly of white goods components.

Findings

The test results show that the combined use of impedance control and dynamic compensation applied to parallel kinematics machines allows to reduce remarkably the operational time compared to the currently used position‐controlled industrial robots.

Research limitations/implications

The experimental tests on the PRIDE prototype show the overall industrial feasibility of impedance‐controlled parallel kinematics machines.

Practical implications

The introduction of impedance‐controlled PKMs may improve, with a relatively low cost, the level of automation of several production plants in which delicate operations requiring force control are still executed manually.

Originality/value

While there is a large number of existing position‐controlled PKMs, the experimental research about force‐controlled or impedance‐controlled PKMs is not widespread.
Neuro‐fuzzy control applied to multiple cooperating robots
Authors: Kumar Manish , Garg Devendra P.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The paper aims to advance methodologies to optimize fuzzy logic controller parameters via neural network and use the neuro‐fuzzy scheme to control two cooperating robots.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a special neural network architecture that can be converted to fuzzy logic controller. Concepts of model predictive control (MPC) have been used to generate optimal signal to be used to train the neural network via backpropagation. Subsequently, a trained neural network is used to obtain fuzzy logic controller parameters.

Findings

The proposed neuro‐fuzzy scheme is able to precisely learn the control relation between input‐output training data generated by the learning algorithm. From the experiments performed on the industrial grade robots at Robotics and Manufacturing Automation (RAMA) Laboratory, it was found that the neuro‐fuzzy controller was able to learn fuzzy logic rules and parameters accurately.

Research limitations/implications

The backpropagation method, used in this research, is extremely dependent on initial choice of parameters, and offers no mechanism to restrict the parameters within specified range during training. Use of alternative learning mechanisms, such as reinforcement learning, needs to be investigated.

Practical implications

The neuro‐fuzzy scheme presented can be used to develop controller for plants for which it is difficult to obtain analytical model or sufficient information about input‐output heuristic relation is not available.

Originality/value

The paper presents the neural network architecture and introduces a learning mechanism to train this architecture online.
Development of a general manipulator path planner using fuzzy reasoning
Authors: Wu X.J. , Li Q. , Heng K.H.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Aim for efficient motion planning of industrial robot with high degree of freedoms in both static and dynamic environments.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐agent based general path planner for serial manipulator is proposed in this work. A hierarchical structure developed based on fuzzy reasoning is employed in the planner. The high level in the hierarchical structure is designed to dynamically assign each link an appropriate behaviour and the low level is designed to determine the joint speed according to the behaviours assigned by the high level.

Findings

Combination of multi‐agent concept and fuzzy reasoning approach can obtain both flexibility and efficiency in motion planning of serial manipulator with high degree of freedoms.

Research limitations/implications

Multiple local minima problem occurred in complex manipulation scenario has not yet been considered.

Practical implications

Applicable for real time motion planning of serial industrial robots with high degrees of freedom in 3D space.

Originality/value

In this research work, we make use of the of multi‐agent plus fuzzy logic concept to design a novel manipulator motion path planner, in particular, we introduce a novel mechanism into the fuzzy logic algorithm with the “back‐tracking” ability to avoid the local minima problem.The proposed motion planner has advantages on low computational cost, the suitability for real time path planning in 3D space and the capability to escape simple local minima.
Organizational communication satisfaction in the virtual workplace
Authors: Akkirman Ali D. , Harris Drew L.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This study aims to compare levels of communication satisfaction between virtual workplace and traditional workplace employees in a single firm and explore the potential causes of the differences.

Design/methodology/approach

Two groups, virtual office and traditional office workers, from a single firm were surveyed using Down and Hazen's Communication Satisfaction Questionnaire. Based on previous research, this study developed and tested hypotheses that traditional workers would have higher levels of satisfaction in personal feedback, communication climate, relationship with supervisors, horizontal and informal communication, organizational integration and overall communication satisfaction. Further analysis of the sample groups and of the company's process of implementation helped explain the differences found.

Findings

Contrary to the hypotheses, this study found that virtual office workers were more satisfied with organization communication than traditional office workers. A discussion of these findings suggests this firm actually took steps recommended by researchers and consultants: upper level support, appropriate technology and technological support, culture training as well as technical training, restructuring work to support a virtual workplace, and providing extra social support systems to reduce alienation.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the study are limited by the company‐specific nature of the sample and number of responses.

Originality/value

This study should help managers and practitioners in planning and implementing the technical and human side of a virtual workplace programme. It shows that communication satisfaction can improve in a virtual workplace and describes some of the steps the sample firm took in their implementation. Academic researchers can benefit by having a basis for further research and building beyond the limitations of this study.
A preliminary study of service predispositions amongst hospitality workers in Australia
Authors: Lee‐Ross Darren , Pryce Josephine
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To assess the attitudes toward service delivery of employees in Australian hotels with a long‐term view of establishing job service “norms” against which candidates may be ultimately evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

Lee‐Ross's Service Predisposition Instrument (SPI) questionnaire was used to elicit information about the attitudes of front‐line hotel workers towards service delivery. This quantitative approach sought to identify the innate presence of service dimensions amongst workers previously found in other studies of service predispositions.

Findings

After initial analysis, the dimensionality of the SPI questionnaire was found to be less substantial than when tested in other studies. Indeed, a new dimension of “negative service” emerged. Hotel employees rated all “service dimensions” elicited by the SPI as important. However, competence and the provision of “extras” were ranked notably highly. Affinity was scored the lowest of all dimensions. This suggests that workers recognize the particular importance of technical and intangible skills associated with the service encounter. In tourist hotels, short periods of service delivery allow only limited opportunities for workers to establish affinity with customers.

Research limitations/implications

The SPI and the theory upon which it is based are relatively novel.

Practical implications

The posited innate worker dimensions or attitudes necessary for effective service delivery could provide a new focus for hospitality managers when recruiting staff. Achieving effective “job‐fit” for service employees should deliver higher levels of service quality and ultimately increased organizational productivity.

Originality/value

The theoretical originality of this paper rests on the idea that “proximal” attitudinal models are useful in predicting the behaviour of individuals in the workplace. The SPI is a new and applied construct based on this notion. However, given the moderate support found for the factor structure of the SPI, these results should be treated with caution and further research is recommended.
Preferred leadership behaviours: exploratory results from Romania, Germany, and the UK
Authors: Littrell Romie F. , Nicolae Valentin Lapadus
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To compare preferences of business managers for kinds of explicit leader behaviour from three European countries, and to determine similarities and differences, indicating requirements for management practices and expatriate management development and training.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples of managers from Romania, Germany, and the UK are compared using the factor scores of the Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire XII to determine the kinds of behaviour they prefer from leaders.

Findings

Significant differences are observed between all three samples, indicating different leader style preferences. Comparisons and discussions are made concerning the relationships with the Hofstede value dimensions.

Originality/value

Shows that different leader behaviours should be employed in business situations in different countries to successfully guide and motivate employees.
Evolutionary critical theory, metaphor, and organizational change
Authors: Abel Charles F. , Sementelli Arthur J.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Aims to consider what the best metaphor or set of metaphors might be in the organizational change process.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual discussion and approach are taken.

Findings

Metaphors have proven to be highly effective aids to understanding the circumstances, clarifying the direction and resolving the problems of organizational change. However, despite their efficacy, there is much debate over what the best metaphor or set of metaphors might be. This paper argues that this uncertainty is resolved by employing Veblen's metaphor of “endogenous evolution”, and that this claim is supported by current studies of organizational change.

Originality/value

The paper is of value to management professionals in helping to develop skills for facing the onset of, and consequences of, the processes of organizational change.
Cross‐cultural training of managers
Authors: Branine Mohamed
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to provide an evaluation of how Chinese managers perceive and respond to training and management development programmes that have been designed and delivered by Western experts, and of the extent to which such programmes have been successful in achieving their learning outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Data have been collected from experience of a management development programme for Chinese managers in 20 state‐owned enterprises, and from interviews with 45 senior Chinese managers and officials who had been involved in a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the training of Chinese managers.

Findings

It was found that although considerable efforts had been made to train the largest possible number of managers, there was still a gap between what Chinese managers could do and what they had been expected to do in order to meet the demands of increasing economic reforms. Limited resources, inadequate means, traditional ways of learning, power relationships, and political restrictions are examples of some of the apparent obstacles to the efficient implementation of Western‐designed and delivered programmes of management development in China.

Practical implications

Management development programmes that do not take into consideration the cultural context in which managers were brought up and taught to think and operate may not be successful. It is only when Western providers of management education understand the culturally and politically bound learning habits of the Chinese they may be able to introduce some change in management and contribute to the development of China's economic reform process.

Originality/value

The paper is a further contribution to the ongoing debate on cross‐cultural training and could spark a useful discussion on the relevance of Western‐designed management development programmes in less developed countries in general and in China in particular.
Testing a path model for antecedents of accountability
Authors: Rutkowski Kelly A. , Steelman Lisa A.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this research paper was to examine the construct of accountability and its impact leadership development initiative in an upward feedback framework. Previous research has suggested that accountability may be an important moderator of the relationship between upward feedback and self‐development. However, there has been little research examining the construct of accountability and this study sought to modify that.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the context of upward feedback the present study examined the impact of two contextual antecedents of accountability (LMX and feedback environment) and self‐development initiative as an outcome of accountability in a path model framework. Survey methodology was used to assess the constructs of interest and the results were analyzed with regression‐based path modeling.

Findings

The results indicate the path model was partially supported by the data: the feedback environment and LMX were related to accountability and accountability was related to self‐development initiative.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of this study include the self‐report methodology and relatively small sample size.

Originality/value

The current study was unique in that it examined manager's perceptions of accountability for using upward feedback. Managers who utilize upward feedback for self‐development are role models for subordinates and others, potentially contributions to a favorable feedback environment.
Determinants of the brand equity
Authors: Atilgan Eda , Aksoy Şafak , Akinci Serkan
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This research study aims to examine the practicality and application of a customer‐based brand equity model, based on Aaker's well‐known conceptual framework of brand equity.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed structural equation modelling to investigate the causal relationships between the dimensions of brand equity and brand equity itself. It specifically measured the way in which consumers’ perceptions of the dimensions of brand equity affected the overall brand equity evaluations. Data were collected from a sample of university students in Turkey.

Findings

The study concludes that brand loyalty is the most influential dimension of brand equity. Weak support is found for the brand awareness and perceived quality dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

While it is acknowledged that student samples are normally an unreliable basis for conclusions and predictions to be applied to consumers in general, it is considered that they were an appropriate group for this study, given that the subject was beverages.

Practical implications

Implications for brand managers and marketing planners are discussed. Marketing managers should consider the relative importance of brand equity dimensions in their overall brand equity evaluations.

Originality/value

Branding plays an important role in contemporary marketing, and is the focus of much literature, both academic and professional. This study contributes to the body of knowledge.
International internet marketing
Authors: Eid Riyad
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to investigate empirically the drivers and barriers operation on the adoption of internet technology by business‐to‐business marketing companies that operate at the international level.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature concerning the diffusion and adoption of innovations precedes a triangulation study involving a questionnaire‐based survey of 123 companies (a 59 percent response rate) and case studies of four others, all located in the UK. Data were factor‐analysed, following testing for validity, reliability and adequacy of the research instrument.

Findings

The paper concludes that powerful drivers of international internet‐based marketing in business‐to‐business firms will generally outweigh significant barriers to its adoption in the future. It also explains how innovation‐diffusion theory identifies factors instrumental in the adoption of internet marketing.

Research limitations/implications

The study was confined to business‐to‐business marketers, based in the UK and operating internationally. Several suggestions are made for elaboration and extension, including investigation of business‐to‐consumer users and of other industry types.

Practical implications

The findings provide international marketing strategists with important marketing intelligence insights into the benefits of harnessing the power of the internet, the obstacles to be expected in practice, and plans for doing so both efficiently and effectively.

Originality/value

Much of what has been written about the application of the internet to marketing is speculative and exploratory. This study, based on responses from practising international marketers, offers something more substantial to marketing planners.
Closed‐loop control of switched reluctance generators
Authors: Kennedy E.P. , Murphy A.J. , Condon M. , Dowling J.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This paper deals with closed‐loop control of a switched reluctance generator (SRG).

Design/methodology/approach

The control objective when generating is to maintain the dc link voltage at the required value while achieving maximum efficiency. Three possible control schemes are presented and their performance is examined by testing on an experimental 12/8 three‐phase SRG.

Findings

A very simple control scheme that requires no prior characterisation of the SRG, an approach based on the use of an inverse machine model and finally, a control scheme that is aimed at achieving optimal efficiency are described and experimental results for all three are presented.

Research limitations/implications

The inverse machine model control scheme and the optimal efficiency control scheme require operation at a constant voltage reference for accurate operation (although this is the case for many generator applications). Possible future research might include the expansion of these control schemes to operation with a variable voltage reference.

Practical implications

The importance of maximising efficiency is emphasised with a clear method of deriving the optimal efficiency firing angles described.

Originality/value

This paper provides a good overview of SRG operation through the experimental implementation of three separate closed‐loop voltage control schemes, each of which is described in detail.
On robustness of edge‐based FE analysis using algebraic multigrid method
Authors: Watanabe Kota , Igarashi Hajime
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This paper discusses the robustness of the algebraic multigrid (AMG) method as well as geometric multigrid (GMG) method against mesh distortion in edge‐based finite element analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Analyzes a simple magnetostatic problem, in which the model consists of a cubic iron and the surrounding air region. Prepares three meshes which have same number of elements to evaluate the robustness of multigrid against the distortion of mesh.

Findings

The AMG method is shown to be more robust against mesh distortion than the GMG method.

Originality/value

Shows that the AMG is more robust than the GMG. This result is of practical interest to the researchers in this field.
Statistical analysis in robust design of superconducting magnets
Authors: Cioffi Marco , Formisano Alessandro , Martone Raffaele
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To present a robust optimal design technique in the presence of system parameters uncertainties.

Design/methodology/approach

The properties of normally distributed random variables are exploited, together with surface response fitting techniques, with the aim to reduce the computational cost in assessing the effect of uncertainties.

Findings

A fast approximate method for computing statistical average is presented together with its implementation for the design of magnets for magnetic resonance imaging.

Research limitations/implications

Future research will be focused to multi‐dimensional problems and to the best choose of closed form expressions to evaluate statistical moments fitting.

Practical implications

Robust optimal design methodologies are receiving an increasing interest in both academic and industrial research, due to their capability of coping with construction uncertainties and tolerances.

Originality/value

The effectiveness of the simplified method has been demonstrated for an analytical example and on a simplified superconducting magnet design. The proposed strategy is quite general and it can be applied to a wide class of optimal design problems.
Using domain decomposition techniques for the calculation of low‐frequency electric current densities in high‐resolution 3D human anatomy models
Authors: Barchanski Andreas , Clemens Markus , De Gersem Herbert , Steiner Till , Weiland Thomas
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Improved numerical calculation techniques for low‐frequency current density distributions within high‐resolution anatomy models caused by ambient electric or magnetic fields or direct contact to potential drops using the finite integration technique (FIT).

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of calculating low‐frequency electromagnetic fields within high‐resolution anatomy models using the FIT is extended by a local grid refinement scheme using a non‐matching‐grid formulation domain. Furthermore, distributed computing techniques are presented. Several numerical examples are analyzed using these techniques.

Findings

Numerical simulations of low‐frequency current density distributions may now be performed with a higher accuracy due to an increased local grid resolution in the areas of interest in the human body voxel models when using the presented techniques.

Originality/value

The local subgridding approach is introduced to reduce the number of unknowns in the very large‐scale linear algebraic systems of equations that have to be solved and thus to reduce the required computational time and memory resources. The use of distributed computation techniques such as, e.g. the use of a parallel solver package as PETSc follows the same goals.
Algebraic properties of BEM‐FEM coupling with Whitney elements
Authors: Auchmann B. , Kurz S. , Rain O. , Russenschuck S.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To introduce a Whitney‐element based coupling of the Finite Element Method (FEM) and the Boundary Element Method (BEM); to discuss the algebraic properties of the resulting system and propose solver strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The FEM is interpreted in the framework of the theory of discrete electromagnetism (DEM). The BEM formulation is given in a DEM‐compatible notation. This allows for a physical interpretation of the algebraic properties of the resulting BEM‐FEM system matrix. To these ends we give a concise introduction to the mathematical concepts of DEM.

Findings

Although the BEM‐FEM system matrix is not symmetric, its kernel is equivalent to the kernel of its transpose. This surprising finding allows for the use of two solution techniques: regularization or an adapted GMRES solver.

Research limitations/implications

The programming of the proposed techniques is a work in progress. The numerical results to support the presented theory are limited to a small number of test cases.

Practical implications

The paper will help to improve the understanding of the topological and geometrical implications in the algebraic structure of the BEM‐FEM coupling.

Originality/value

Several original concepts are presented: a new interpretation of the FEM boundary term leads to an intuitive understanding of the coupling of BEM and FEM. The adapted GMRES solver allows for an accurate solution of a singular, unsymetric system with a right‐hand side that is not in the image of the matrix. The issue of a grid‐transfer matrix is briefly mentioned.
Coupled field models in electromagnetic solids
Authors: Badics Zsolt , Cendes Zoltan J.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To develop new and existing coupled thermal and mechanical models of electromagnetic solids for the simulation of coupled field problems based on a consistent theoretical and computational framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite element computational models we describe involve the combination of classical electrodynamics, continuum mechanics, and thermodynamics. In order to create consistent coupled models, we employ the fundamental principles of thermodynamics as a common framework.

Findings

Our procedure requires the necessary thermodynamical considerations for building consistent multiphysics models and develops some novel implementation issues that are important from the designers' point of view. Additionally, efficient numerical algorithms for solving the arising static and dynamic nonlinearities are discussed.

Research limitations/implications

The paper targets the simulation of coupled problems in macroscopic electromagnetic continua.

Practical implication

The application areas of the coupled field models are identified and illustrated by the solution of complex industrial problems.

Originality/value

We introduce new computational models and techniques for the solution of some coupled field problems in electromagnetic solids. While some elements of these computational models and techniques have been used for decades, the complete theoretical and computational framework is presented for the first time here.
Validation of a 3D macroscopic model for superconductors
Authors: Rubinacci Guglielmo , Villone Fabio , Zamboni Walter
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To provide a validation of a three‐dimensional (3D) macroscopic model for superconductors comparing numerical to experimental AC losses of a BSCCO‐2223 tape subject to an orthogonal magnetic field and a transport current.

Design/methodology/approach

We solve in 3D geometries the eddy current problem in presence of superconductors, represented by a power‐law characteristic rewritten into a variational form. An integral formulation of the magneto‐quasistatic Maxwell's equations is used. The solution of the problem is found by an unconstrained minimization of a suitable functional. The numerical results on AC losses computation are compared to experimental data.

Findings

The agreement between numerical and experimental data is good in a wide range of currents and magnetic fields.

Research limitations/implications

The magnetic field is assumed to be orthogonal to the tape. Different incidence angles should be taken into account.

Practical implications

It is possible to extend the range of validity of the engineering formulae for AC losses used in the work.

Originality/value

The paper provides a validation of a numerical code against experimental results: this is always challenging in the field of applied superconductivity.
Reconstruction of the anisotropic complex conductivity distribution in 3D
Authors: Wagner B. , Hollaus K. , Magele Ch.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The aim of the work is to reconstruct the anisotropic complex conductivity distribution with the common Gauss‐Newton algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

A cubic region with anisotropic material properties is enclosed by a larger cube with isotropic material properties. Numerical simulations are done with tetrahedral nodal finite elements of second‐order.

Findings

It can be shown that it is possible to reconstruct anisotropic complex conductivity distribution if the starting values are chosen sufficiently close to the true values of the complex conductivity.

Originality/value

In this paper, the anisotropic electric conductivity and the anisotropic permittivity are reconstructed in 3D.
Simulation of the quasi‐static electric field by an electric current vector potential approximated by edge elements
Authors: Hollaus K. , Wagner B. , Bíró O.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The aim of the present work is to find an efficient solution concerning the computational effort of quasi‐static electric field (QSEF) problems involving anisotropic conductivity and permittivity in the frequency domain.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical simulations are carried out with tetrahedral nodal finite elements of first‐ and second‐order and with Withney elements. The solution of the boundary value problem with the aid of the electric scalar potential approximated by nodal finite elements is compared with those by the electric current vector potential represented by edge finite elements.

Findings

The simulation with an electric current vector potential approximated by the edge elements of first‐order prevail over that by the electric scalar potential approximated by nodal elements of second‐order concerning the memory requirements and the computation time at comparable accuracy.

Originality/value

The application of edge finite elements to solve QSEF problems considering an anisotropic complex conductivity in 3D.
A new procedure for reconstructing the aged regions of the ferromagnetic bodies
Authors: Florea Hantila Ioan , Petre Mihai Cleante , Ifrim Costin , Leuca Teodor
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This paper presents an efficient procedure for reconstructing the aged region of ferromagnetic material.

Design/methodology/approach

The aging of the ferromagnetic material leads to changes of B ‐H relationship. This property may be used for detection of the degraded parts of ferromagnetic pieces. In numerical procedures the region with a possible aged zone is described by a finite number of subdomains where the flaw vector is defined with binary entries.

Findings

Because of the small B ‐H changes, the magnetic field modifications linearly depend (matrix T) by the flaw vectors. Using a double Gauss pivotation scheme, an enough well conditioned and invertible submatrix is extracted from the matrix T. The unknowns associated with this submatrix (called main unknowns) can be easily obtained by a linear relationship from the rest of the unknowns (called minor). In the set of the minor unknowns we search for that vector which gives the smallest error of the principal unknowns in comparison with the values 0 or 1.

Originality/value

This procedure leads to a spectacular increasing of the efficiency in comparison with the known procedures.