bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gold nano-mesh synthesis by continuous-flow X-ray irradiation
Authors: Li Min-Tsang , Lai Sheng-Feng , Yang Shun-Min , Chen Yu-Sheng , Chen Ying-Jie , Tok Eng Soon , Margaritondo Giorgio , Hwu Yeukuang
Published: September 2019

X-ray irradiation has been extensively used in recent years as a fabrication step for nanoparticles and nanoparticle systems. A variant of this technique, continuous-flow X-ray irradiation, has recently been developed, and offers three important advantages: precise control of the irradiation dose, elimination of convection effects in the precursor solution, and suitability for large-scale production. Here, the use of this method to fabricate Au nano-meshes of interest as transparent and flexible electrodes for optoelectronics is reported. The study includes extensive characterization of the synthesis parameters and of the product properties, with rather encouraging results.
The crystal structure and phase stability of the zeta phase in the group VB transition metal carbides: a computational investigation
Authors: Weinberger Christopher R. , Thompson Gregory B.
Published: September 2019

The crystal structure and composition of the zeta phase in the group VB transition metal carbides are not completely understood despite decades of experimental studies. As such, the phase rarely appears on phase diagrams of the group VB transition metal carbides. There is currently renewed interest in this phase, as tantalum carbide composites exhibit high fracture toughness in the presence of this phase. This work extends the initial computational study using density functional theory of the phase stability of the zeta phase in the tantalum carbide system, where the tantalum carbide zeta-phase crystal structure and stability were determined, to the niobium and vanadium carbides. It is shown that the zeta phases in the three systems share the same crystal structure and it is an equilibrium phase at low temperatures. The carbon atom ordering in the three different phases is explored and it is demonstrated that the zeta phase in the tantalum carbides prefers to order carbon atoms differently than in the niobium and vanadium carbide zeta phases. Finally, the properties of this crystal are computed, including elastic constants, electronic densities of states and phonon dispersion curves, to illustrate that this crystal structure is similar to other transition metal carbides.
Establishing the concurrent validity of the Clinical Outcome in Routine Evaluation-Learning Disabilities scale
Authors: Briscoe Henry , Ashworth Sarah , Shelton Lyn
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Individuals with an intellectual disability (ID) develop mental health difficulties at similar rates to individuals in the general population. Using Patient Reported Outcome Measures can help track deterioration and improve the outcomes of individuals seeking help for their difficulties. The Clinical Outcome in Routine Evaluation-Learning Disabilities (CORE-LD) is a multi-trait measure of psychological distress which has shown moderate test-rest reliability. However, the CORE-LD is yet to be validated for the population it was designed for. Therefore the purpose of this paper is to establish the concurrent validity of the CORE-LD in a population of individuals with a diagnosis of mild–moderate ID.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants with a diagnosis of mild–moderate ID, as well as other co-morbidities, were recruited from two UK inpatient hospitals and asked to complete the CORE-LD and its general population counterpart the Clinical Outcome in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure (CORE-OM).

Findings

Statistically significant differences were found regarding the CORE-LD across gender, with females scoring higher on the CORE-LD than males. There was no significant difference between security levels. The overall mean scores on each measure were moderately correlated. The data from this analysis suggest a significant positive correlation (rs=0.68).

Originality/value

This initial study’s findings have demonstrated the CORE-LD may have concurrent validity, and further replication studies in larger and more diverse samples are needed.
Healing architecture: a spatial experience praxis
Authors: Asfour Khaled Sayed
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss architecture that produces spatial experience with which children and young adults are able to interact, giving them a great sense of positive energy that translates into actual healing. This type of architecture is few in number but can create a transition toward sustainable healing.

Design/methodology/approach

Spatial experience was evident in the architectural practice of the ancient world. Back then architects considered what moods should they give to spaces that best suit their functions. In our contemporary world, this trail of thinking is replaced by architecture that do not connect with the user’s psychology. The paper will prove that there are few architects today who are willing to exert an effort in providing the right moods for their buildings with a sustainable vibe. The paper will discuss this point by taking four examples of architecture specialized in healing young adults and children.

Findings

Through analysis of the case studies, the paper reveals the importance of spatial experience approach in producing meaningful architecture that connects with the user. The paper shows that it is through this approach that important moments of architectural history was made as well as the works of famous architects of our times.

Originality/value

The research redefines how should we look at architectural history through spatial experience analysis. It also gives us an insight into how architects become famous today through their unique design process that continue to be successful and admired by ordinary users not just specialists. The research is not limited to this paper, but currently expanding to include other case studies of different building types.
Performative interventions to re-claim, re-define and produce public space in different cultural and political contexts
Authors: Yaghi Amro , Petrescu Doina , Nawratek Krzysztof
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to ask how forms of “performative” interventions can prompt processes of re-thinking, which can, in turn, instigate the critical production of public space. Most importantly, it also asks how this methodology can manifest within various cultural and political contexts. Today, public spaces tend to be controlled either by the state or by private corporations. Neoliberal policies promote commercial interests, which subsequently drives inequality and determines what can and cannot be accessed by the public. The public spaces that are currently present in the neoliberal cities are, in fact, “pseudo” public spaces.

Design/methodology/approach

In an attempt to form new understandings of this problem, the authors’ approach is rooted in feminist theories of performativity, which focus on how identities are persistently re-produced through performance. These theories consider how the “self” is always entangled within everyday life interactions and how it is shaped by both societal and bodily practices. Framing spaces as shapable, informed by the embodied dialectic relations between spaces and social relations, the study uses forms of performative methodology to create productive disruptions and “constructed situations” (Debord, 2012). This methodology consists of intervention within these spaces in order to produce alternative public space and forms of publicness. Based on research conducted at the Sheffield School of Architecture, as well as a four-day invited workshop at the Floating University Berlin, this study investigates applications of performative practice methodology in the cities of Amman and Berlin.

Findings

The paper will begin by exploring how the two cities are regulated through various political and planning policies that affect public spaces. This line of enquiry will also involve questioning physical, social and political access to public space in these contexts and analysing the various actants, performative actions and processes that were involved in producing performative interventions.

Originality/value

The paper will conclude by discussing the potential and limitations of applying and translating such approaches in public spaces within different cultural and political contexts. As such, the study proposes a new methodological framework for re-thinking and provoking the critical production of public space through forms of performative spatial practice.
The growing (good) bubbles: insights into US consumers of sparkling wine
Authors: Lerro Marco , Vecchio Riccardo , Nazzaro Concetta , Pomarici Eugenio
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate sparkling wine consumption behavior and preferences of a large sample of US consumers (n=1,096) exploring the differences among genders and generational cohorts.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample has been drawn from Wine opinions, a specialized market research company with a large online panel of US wine consumers. Data were collected through a survey mailing model, administering a structured questionnaire.

Findings

Findings reveal that consumption frequency between genders is not statistically different and women generally prefer sparkling wines priced below $15. Baby Boomers is the generation with the lowest sparkling wine consumption frequency. Furthermore, Generation X and Baby Boomers have the highest consumption frequency in the price range $15–$19.99, while Millennials in the $10–$14.99 one.

Originality/value

The study sheds light on the changing consumer attitudes to create competitive advantages for wineries. Specifically, it provides valuable marketing insights into the peculiarities of sparkling wine consumption for each generation (e.g. price-point preferences and type of wine).
A dining table without food: the floral experience at ethnic fine dining restaurants
Authors: Chen Yen-Cheng , Tsui Pei-Ling , Chen Hsin-I , Tseng Hui-Ling , Lee Ching-Sung
Published: September 2019

Purpose

A high-end ethnic restaurant is a tourism experience that can increase the attractiveness and brand recognition of a tourism destination. The restaurant environment is a key element that affects consumer visits. The purpose of this paper is to adopt Schmitt’s experience module to analyse tourist preferences and experiences with respect to floral styles in ethnic fine dining restaurants. The results of this study are intended to serve as a reference for operators of fine dining establishments in designing flower arrangements.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a quantitative research method. A sample was developed using tablet computers to simulate flower arrangements in restaurants. The research tools included a floral style preference scale and a tourist floral experience scale.

Findings

Based on the results, the test subjects preferred European floral design styles in restaurants. Restaurant environments with floral arrangements were best at relaxing the test subjects. A restaurant’s floral style was positively correlated with various aspects of the tourist experience. Gender, age, Chinese flower styles, Japanese flower styles, European flower styles and other variables enabled forecasting the degree of the tourist experience.

Originality/value

When a consumer exhibits higher preference for a restaurant’s floral style, the level of the tourist experience increases. This study investigates the aesthetic experience of restaurants and restaurant atmosphere as a marketing tool. Sensory stimulation within the restaurant atmosphere can be based on the five senses such that tourists may, through the design of the restaurant environment, have specific emotional reactions that improve their tourist experience and reinforce the restaurant’s brand image.
The notion of Mosel wine and its controversies
Authors: Aspøy Håkon
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The concept of terroir is institutionalized through geographical indications (GIs) in large parts of the wine-producing world. GIs in wine are associated with certain taste characteristics. Mosel wine is said to be slender and fresh. However, external sources of pressure are recognized as challenging this notion. The purpose of this paper is to explore the narrative construction of Mosel wine and how institutions, markets and climate are presented as having implications for its taste.

Design/methodology/approach

Ethnographic fieldwork was carried out over ten weeks during the fall of 2016, consisting of three weeks of participant observation and 12 in-depth interviews. Post-fieldwork, data were interpreted as collective narratives. Additionally, a wide range of written sources on Mosel wine has been analyzed.

Findings

It is found that a development toward big-bodied wines was considered a threat to the region’s stylistic image, in which light-bodied wines represented the cornerstone. Consequently, this had triggered introspection and greater discursive attentiveness to “lightness” to preserve the credibility and identity of Mosel as a GI. Findings show that these aesthetic controversies functioned to recreate and consolidate the notion of Mosel wine and its sense of terroir.

Originality/value

Focusing on how taste in wine is narratively produced, this paper utilizes an inductive approach rarely employed within terroir research.
Factors influencing tourist’s satisfaction, loyalty and word of mouth in selection of local foods in Pakistan
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Puah Chin-Hong , Ayob Norazirah , Raza Syed Ali
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Local foods from the perspective of tourism play a significant role to attract tourists. Surprisingly, empirical evidence on food tourism is quite scarce. The purpose of this paper is to develop and investigate a conceptual framework on tourist satisfaction, loyalty and word of mouth (WOM) to select local foods in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a quantitative approach while convenience (non-probability) sampling is used to collect a sample of 286 final responses using a survey-based questionnaire. The study employed exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis to stabilize the factor structure. The conceptual model is then tested under the assumptions of structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings indicate that food quality, perceived environmental quality, perceived value and service quality has a significant impact on the tourist’s satisfaction. However, interpersonal interaction quality shows an insignificant influence on satisfaction. Moreover, satisfaction has a significant impact on loyalty while loyalty further shows a significant effect on tourist WOM. Overall, the authors found satisfaction and loyalty are the major contributors to the hypothesized model.

Practical implications

The conceptual framework and study findings will support practitioners and researchers to understand the factors that influence a tourist’s selection of local foods. Additionally, the study provides a useful policy to gain long-term economic benefits for the tourism sector in Pakistan.

Originality/value

To the authors’ best knowledge, this study is the first attempt to explore WOM behavior in tourism research focusing on the critical role of satisfaction and loyalty. The authors are certain that the findings will contribute significantly to the existing body of knowledge.
Capabilities for managing business processes: a measurement instrument
Authors: Van Looy Amy
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Well-founded measurements are of high value because a better connection between business process management (BPM) and maturity models (MMs) improves an organization’s performance. Although MMs are appropriate tools for organizations to manage their business processes and, therefore, enjoy popularity, most of these models suffer from their foundation, validation and/or capability coverage. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue by providing metrics to measure and manage business processes.

Design/methodology/approach

A high-standard and multistaged procedure was followed to systematically develop and validate the measurement instrument involving international academics and practitioners across four continents. Different rounds were used for item identification, item selection, item revision, instrument preparation (pretest and pilot) and instrument application using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The instrument measures 4 main capability areas, 13 subareas and 62 items. The work explains how to conduct BPM assessments in a more theoretically sound way and reports on the instrument’s development to show high levels of construct validity, content validity and reliability.

Research limitations/implications

The author provides a rigorous and more evidence-based instrument, facilitating the BPM discipline’s need of empirical research.

Practical implications

The author proposes parameters to configure the instrument.

Originality/value

Serving as a reference framework, the instrument strengthens BPM’s empirical and theoretical foundations. Since the instrument is free for scholars and practitioners, the author illustrates the research streams and business situations in which the instrument can be applied (in full or in part). This paper paves the way for transforming the instrument into an optimization MM with advice or improvement paths, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Blockchain technology in corporate governance: disrupting chain reaction or not?
Authors: Singh Harjit , Jain Geetika , Munjal Alka , Rakesh Sapna
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the stakeholders’ acceptance on blockchain and to investigate the model fit by using “Technology Acceptance Model” with special reference to corporate governance through cryptography to resolve the decades-old problems of financial record-keeping.

Design/methodology/approach

The whole analysis has been performed in the two steps, i.e. confirmatory factors analysis and structural equation modeling, to prove model fit between behavioral intention and actual behavior for using blockchain technology. Total 223 respondents have been selected, and the selection of the respondent is primarily on the basis of their previous experience with trading corporate equities.

Findings

The study determines empirically all the mentioned relationships of attitude, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness with the behavioral intention as per the conceptual model to prove the relationship. The results of the manuscript shows the model fit indexes for various constructs are prove the model fit as per the theorized model. The values of the various indexes are found to be under the permissible range which explains the relationship of various constructs based on the theorized model.

Research limitations/implications

Despite, the limitations in terms of selection of sampling methods, outcome and the interpretation, the results proves the fit with the theoretical framework. The major implication is to understand the real-time use of blockchain technology for the transfer of shares from one party to other.

Practical implications

Stakeholders in corporate governance namely customers, creditors, suppliers, community, employees, owners, investors, trade unions and social activists could benefit in different ways. Investors could benefit from being able to purchase equity at low price and to sell them into a market with greater liquidity, but they would found it difficult to camouflage their trades.

Social implications

The study opines that virtually all aspects of the corporate governance can be improved through the adoption of this technology resulting in greater transparency, improved liquidity and lowering costs.

Originality/value

This study will be a reference for global players in the financial industry that have started investing in this innovative technology vis-à-vis recent announcement of adoption of blockchain by global exchanges including NASDAQ, NYSE and Deutsche Borse, as a new method for trading, tracking ownership and monitoring systemic risk for strengthening corporate governance mechanism. This study will have a significant index for future reference where the technology adoption will be tested to have better corporate governance which will be useful for academics and professionals.
Challenges of attracting construction workers to skill development and training programmes
Authors: Johari Sparsh , Jha Kumar Neeraj
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that discourage construction workers from undergoing skill development training, and to suggest steps for making the training programmes more attractive to them.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used an exploratory approach of unstructured interviews with construction workers (bottom-up approach), and the guided group brainstorming technique with the help of experienced industry professionals (top-down approach).

Findings

From the unstructured interviews, five inhibiting factors were identified which discourage construction workers from undergoing training. Furthermore, to recognise the causes of the inhibiting factors, 13 possible causal attributes (PCAs) were identified from the brainstorming approach. Subsequently, these PCAs were classified into five possible causal factors (PCFs) on the basis of those concerned stakeholder(s) that are most closely involved and most responsible for fixing them.

Research limitations/implications

The research provides recommendations to practitioners for pragmatic and permanent resolution of each of the PCFs, which serves as a framework for the construction industry to reduce the scarcity of trained workers in the industry. Also, the results may serve as a model for the planning and successful implementation of any new skill-training programme for the construction workers in any developing economy, such as India.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature by highlighting the views of construction workers on the training establishments, which very few studies have considered in the past. Also, the research provides a detailed process of brainstorming approach, which will help the research community to appreciate its use in studies related to the construction industry.
Synthesising performance in the construction industry
Authors: Mellado Felipe , Lou Eric C.W. , Becerra Christian L. Correa
Published: September 2019

Purpose

There is a long-standing interest in performance improvement within the construction industry. Approaches based upon cost, time and quality (often called the Iron Triangle), have been the focus of attention despite criticism of the validity of the Iron Triangle as a performance measure due to its simplistic approach. Furthermore, little emphasis has been placed on synthesising performance to understand whether this concept has evolved from the traditional view. An analysis of prominent literature was reviewed by classifying performance indicators which establish criteria for measuring performance in the construction industry. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature (1998–2018) on performance at a project level to determine a final rank of key performance indicators (KPIs) which will establish how projects are currently being measured.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a combined qualitative and quantitative approach – a comprehensive literature review on overall performance at a project level and the statistical Kendall’s W test to find concordance among the authors on performance in the construction industry to determine a final rank of KPIs.

Findings

The results demonstrate there is no congruent correlation on what performance is and the traditional iron triangle of “cost-time-quality” is still the preferred method of analysing performance, despite it being proven to be ineffective.

Originality/value

Performance in the construction industry is an ambiguous concept that can be interpreted differently by the construction industry’s stakeholders. Despite this lack of concordance, a starting point on the definition of performance can be obtained from the literature. The paper presents a final rank of KPIs.
Aryan cabs: leveraging it for rural connectivity
Authors: Verma Rajeev , Sharma Anuj , Verma Jyoti
Published: September 2019

Learning outcomes

The learning outcome is that it will help to sustain your startups in the ever-changing business environment especially in the context of emerging markets.

Case overview/synopsis

The present case is about Dilkhush Kumar from village Bangaon, India who developed a cab booking platform “AryaGo”, an innovative platform completely dedicated for rural road transport connectivity. AryaGo is the service line of Aryan Cabs and Rural Trans-solution Pvt. Ltd., a Startup founded in the year 2016 under Startup Bihar, a seed capital support scheme of State Government. The idea was to provide comfort, convenience, safety and affordability to all the commuters travelling from or within far-off villages. The biggest challenge during implementation in villages includes availability of updated geo-mapped images for app development and vehicle tracking. Company was foremost in providing the kiosk-based booking facility for its customers. It took the decision based on the profiling of customers and their preferred booking methods. When a customer booked a cab using IVR, they did not had access to app-based customer panel and hence they could not avail services such as, location tracking, SoS, real time tracking of vehicle. However, heavy invest in IT has put the company in financial stress and Kumar is wondering whether to expand fast or penetrate in the given target market. Should he re-design his business model so as it can really make a difference in terms of service delivery?

Complexity academic level

Post Graduate/ MBA.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing
Employee engagement antecedents and consequences in Vietnamese businesses
Authors: Van Huyen Thi Minh , Nafukho Fredrick Muyia
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the antecedents and consequences of employee engagement (EE) in global research and Vietnamese business context.

Design/methodology/approach

This review was conducted in the following order: an integrative review for garnering drivers and outcomes of EE in global research, followed by a narrative review for selecting variables relevant to Vietnamese businesses.

Findings

In EE global research, a 3 × 3 findings framework was devised. Three antecedent clusters included the internal environment, job-related and employee-related factors. EE resulted in three outcome clusters: intra-role behaviors, extra-role behaviors and personal development and growth. In Vietnamese businesses, few studies existed on organizational learning and organizational support as EE antecedents, whereas turnover intention was examined the most as an EE outcome.

Research limitations/implications

The search was limited to EE-related peer-reviewed articles in Business Source Complete and Google Scholar. Literature on Vietnam EE was restricted to ProQuest Dissertations and Theses and Google Scholar because of a lack of literature availability on this topic in Business Source Complete.

Practical implications

Knowing that leadership, HR practices and working environment are important antecedents of EE in Vietnam (Table II) would prompt enterprise leaders and managers to improve the company’s conditions for engaging its employees. This is an important finding because Vietnamese businesses are suffering increasing turnover. Creating favorable organizational support evidenced via career growth opportunities, pay and benefits, company culture, job fit and effective management will stimulate employees to stay and engage.

Originality/value

This study emphasizes the organizational and employee factors in EE research and calls for combined research application to inform EE in Vietnamese businesses, thus providing ground for human resource development researchers and practitioners in their respective work.
Evaluation of healthcare service quality factors using grey relational analysis in a dialysis center
Authors: Aydemir Erdal , Sahin Yusuf
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relative influences of technical and functional quality levels of service quality and patient satisfaction. In this context, the healthcare service quality and the factors affecting customer satisfaction were evaluated using the grey relational analysis (GRA) method.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a survey-based study which involves 15 patients in a dialysis center, so the GRA is applied to clarify the uncertainty on service quality level with a limited number of patients without any statistical distribution. In order to reveal whether service quality and customer satisfaction are two different structures, a GRA model is built with ten different quality factors.

Findings

Results show that each quality factor has a different effect on the quality of service. Another important finding is that service quality and customer satisfaction are different structures for customers.

Practical implications

The results enable healthcare managers to understand the importance of patient care and the importance of service quality if they want to facilitate their use of their expectations in related factors.

Originality/value

The study is the first in terms of the application of GRA models in a private health institution operating in Turkey. Successful implementation of the GRA method allows a reasonable decision to be made with a limited number of data at hand. It is considered that the method can be used successfully in other health institutions in the Turkish Health System.
Measuring innovation through a crowd source initiative
Authors: Almeida Fernando , Kennedy Andrew John , Lin Brook , Nowak Irina V.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This study aims to demonstrate the values and effects of innovation becomes a challenge when selecting clear and correlating measures. While there is extensive research in the area of innovation measurement, there is a lack of consistent quantifiable measures that organizations can use. The International Association of Innovation Professionals (IAOIP) has partnered with Spigit to crowdsource innovation measures via the Innovation Measurement Standard (IMS) challenge with IAOIP members and the global public to determine the various ways innovation is measured across industries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a mixed-methods approach and a sequential exploratory design to analyze the data collected during the IMS challenge. In the first phase, the qualitative methodology was used to analyze innovation measures submitted during the IMS challenge and participants’ interactions and comments. In the second phase, the innovation measures were analyzed quantitatively to identify the most prominent measures.

Findings

A total of 73 innovation measures were collected during the challenge. In total, 18 top measures were ranked based on the participants’ votes, and the top five measures were selected as the winning measures of the challenge. These five measures included intelligent failure rate, financial results of innovation, the results brought to the company, the number of innovative ideas selected for action and innovation portfolio balancing.

Originality/value

This study is the first to select the innovation metrics while considering their relevance to the community of innovators that included academics, CEOs, consultants, innovation managers, etc. Another original factor of this work is the crowdsourcing approach used to identify innovation measures. This approach allowed us to explore multiple perspectives on the significance of each submitted measure.
Makespan of routing and security in Cross Centric Intrusion Detection System (CCIDS) over black hole attacks and rushing attacks in MANET
Authors: N. Rajendran , P.K. Jawahar , R. Priyadarshini
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply security policies over the mobile ad hoc networks. A mobile ad hoc network refers to infrastructure-less, persistently self-designing systems; likewise, there is a noteworthy innovation that supplies virtual equipment and programming assets according to the requirement of mobile ad hoc network.

Design/methodology/approach

It faces different execution and effectiveness-based difficulties. The major challenge is the compromise of performance because of unavailable resources with respect to the MANET. In order to increase the MANET environment’s performance, various techniques are employed for routing and security purpose. An efficient security module requires a quality-of-service (QoS)-based security policy. It performs the task of routing and of the mobile nodes, and it also reduces the routing cost by finding the most trusted node.

Findings

The experimental results specify that QoS-based security policy effectively minimizes the cost, response time as well as the mobile makespan (routing cost and response time) of an application with respect to other existing approaches.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper, the authors proposed an enhancement of Cross Centric Intrusion Detection System named as PIHNSPRA Routing Algorithm (PIHNSPRA).

Practical implications

It maps the security with the secure IDS communication and distributes the packets among different destinations, based on priority. This calculation is proposed for the purpose of routing and security by considering greatest throughput with least routing cost and reaction time.

Social implications

When the concept is applied to practical applications. Quality of Service introduced in the proposed research reduces the cost of routing and improves the throughput.

Originality/value

The proposed calculation is tested by NS2 simulator and the outcomes showed that the execution of the calculation is superior to other conventional algorithms.
Indoor and outdoor image classification
Authors: Velswamy Rajasekar , Devadass Sorna Chandra , Velswamy Karunakaran , Venugopal Jeyakrishnan
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to classify the given image as indoor or outdoor with higher success rate by mixing various features like brightness, number of straight lines, number of Euclidean shapes and recursive shapes.

Design/methodology/approach

For annotating an image, it is very easy, if the image is categorized as indoor or outdoor. Many methods are proposed to classify the given image in these criteria but still the rate of uncategorized images occupies considerable area. This proposed work is the extension of the existing works already proposed by experts in this field. Some of the parameters mainly focused to classify are color histogram, orientation of edges, straightness of edges, discrete cosine transform coefficients, etc. In addition to that, this work includes finding of Euclidean shapes i.e. closed contours and recursive shapes in the given image. When the Euclidean shaped object dominates the recursive shapes then it is classified as indoor object and if the recursive shapes dominates, it is categorized as outdoor object.

Findings

This work is carried out on the standard image data sets. The data sets are Microsoft Research Cambridge (MRC) object recognition image database 1.0. and Kodak and Coral image data set. Totally 540 images are taken into account and the images are classified 95.4 percent correctly.

Originality/value

Many methods are proposed to classify the given image in these criteria but still the rate of uncategorized images occupies considerable area. This proposed work is the extension of the existing works already proposed by experts in this field. Some of the parameters mainly focused to classify are color histogram, orientation of edges, straightness of edges, discrete cosine transform coefficients, etc. In addition to that, this work includes finding of Euclidean shapes i.e. closed contours and recursive shapes in the given image. When the Euclidean shaped object dominates the recursive shapes then it is classified as indoor object and if the recursive shapes dominates, it is categorized as outdoor object. This work is carried out on the standard image data sets. The data sets are MRC object recognition image database 1.0. and Kodak and Coral image data set. Totally 540 images are taken into account and the images are classified 95.4 percent correctly.
Exploring lean generic and lean healthcare cultural clusters
Authors: Dorval Marc , Jobin Marie-Hélène
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Lean culture has been noted to be an underdeveloped concept. The purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding of Lean culture by determining its leading cultural clusters.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis was used to perform top relevant keywords exploration and qualitative analysis on main text of 33 reference books, 21 Lean generic and 12 Lean healthcare, consolidated as three cases (Lean general, Lean Liker et al. and Lean healthcare).

Findings

Four emergent Lean’s leading cultural clusters: operations, change, collectivity and humanity were identified inductively from ten 10 relevant keywords, namely, in order of importance: work, time, process, Lean, system, improvement, production, patient, people and team. Saliency of the word “time” is noteworthy. Cross-validation of these cultural clusters is demonstrated through sociotechnical systems theory.

Research limitations/implications

Content analysis is shown to be an effective research method enabling inductive analysis. Identification of four leading clusters should support productive further research on Lean culture.

Practical implications

The four cultural clusters indicate to healthcare and other domains managers, who wish to improve their Lean cultural transformation success rate, to focus their attention to what their organization actually does (operations), to how improvement happens (change) and to how everything (collectivity) and everyone (humanity) work together in their organization.

Originality/value

This work applies innovative content analysis on Lean reference books. It highlights the importance of time as an underappreciated Lean culture element. It provides evidence and additional support for link between Lean and sociotechnical systems theory.
Evaluation of labor hiring policies in construction projects performance using system dynamics
Authors: Abbaspour Soroush , Dabirian Shahin
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess different labor hiring policies for construction projects using system dynamics (SD) which have a considerable impact on project performance. Time intervals and work crew composition are two such policies. Through the implementation of a variety of policies, a managerial opportunity presents itself for the effective allocation of human resources and improvement in project performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study developed a dynamic model to assess different labor hiring policies using SD based on literature. To further distinguish between findings, the effects of the applied policies on performance were considered using earned value management. Based on a real case for validating the model, the paper discusses the potential benefits of the model, including: having a systematic and holistic view, considering dynamic the labor need and allocation, identifying alternative strategies for performance improvement and simulating the reality of the projects in a virtual model.

Findings

The achieved simulation results show how different hiring policies affect project performance. This research model can aid decision makers to assess labor hiring policies in various time intervals with different compositions and assist them in selecting the best policies for effective implementation of project.

Originality/value

The proposed model would be a major attempt using SD to model labor hiring policies more accurate in construction projects performance. In fact, an accurate estimate of labor needed, along with the proper planning and implementing of various labor hiring policies, presents a managerial opportunity whereby the effective allocation of workforces can be optimized leading to drastic improvement in project performance.
Relationship between governance mechanisms and contract performance
Authors: Maurya Dayashankar , Srivastava Amit Kumar
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the variation in the relationship between governance mechanisms and the effect of the relationship on contract performance, especially in controlling partner opportunism.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts a comparative case analysis of contract governance of “National Health Insurance Program” in India. The data are collected using field research through in-depth interviews and direct observation across three states in India.

Findings

The authors find that the governance mechanisms continue to complement and substitute, both in a dynamic manner, but until aligned with the nature of transaction, they are ineffective to mitigate opportunism, a critical dimension of contract performance. Inappropriate governance mechanisms inflate the gaps in incomplete contracts, resulting in partner opportunism.

Research limitations/implications

The study draws findings from healthcare context and service-based contracting; therefore, the applicability of this study may vary in other contexts.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the need for building flexibility in the governance structure while designing contracts. Further, managers need to combine both governance mechanisms dynamically to align with the nature of the transaction to control partner opportunism.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the existing debate on the conundrum of the relationship between governance mechanisms and provide a new explanation. The authors propose that it is not the specific governance mechanisms but the alignment of the governance mix with the nature of the transaction that determines the contract performance, especially control of partner opportunism.
Adverse selection analysis for profit and loss sharing contracts
Authors: Ajmi Hechem , Abd Aziz Hassaneddeen , Kassim Salina , Mansour Walid
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the optimal profit-and-loss sharing (PLS)-based contract when market frictions occur.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper opts for an adverse selection analysis and Monte Carlo simulation to assess the less risky contract for the principal and the agent when musharakah, mudarabah and venture capital financings are used in imperfect markets. Furthermore, this framework enables us to capture the level of market frictions that the principal can bear and the level of audit that he/she may undertake to mitigate bankruptcy.

Findings

The simulation results reveal thatMusharakahis the less risky contract for the principal compared toMudarabahand venture capital when the shock is low and high. Furthermore, our findings indicate that the increase of market frictions engender higher audit cost and profit-sharing ratios. The increase of the safety index in the case of high shock is most likely attributed to the increase of the audit parameter for all contracts to mitigate the selfish behavior of the agent. Accordingly, the principal tends to require a higher profit-sharing ratio to compensate for the severer information asymmetry.

Research limitations/implications

This paper has two main limits. First, the results were not compared to real data because the latter are not available. Second, this paper is a general framework to determine the less risky contract for the principal and does not consider the firm and sectoral characteristics. However, it can be extended in various ways where stress can be put on conflicts of interest between the principal and the agent with the aim to determine the contract that aligns their interests. In addition, the examination of firm dynamics in the case of equity and debt financing can provide further arguments for economic agents regarding the value of the firm, the growth rate and the lifetime of the project when information is asymmetrically distributed.

Practical implications

The findings shed some light on the necessity of the Islamic finance experts to re-think of the promotion ofMusharakahbecause it dominates the two other contracts when market frictions occur.

Social implications

Although Maghrabi and Mirakhor (2015), Alanzi and Lone (2015) and Lone and Ahmad (2017) among others showed that profit and loss sharing can ensure economic growth, findings may motivate economic players to considerMusharakahfinancing with the aim to reach financial inclusion and social, which is in line withShari’ahrequirements and Islamic values.

Originality/value

Although several papers highlighted the financial contracting theory fromShari’ahperspective, they ignored the financial issues that are associated to adverse selection. This paper provides theoretical evidence regarding the selection of the less risky financing mode in case of equity financing using Monte Carlo simulation.
Board composition and corporate risk-taking: a review of listed firms from Germany and the USA
Authors: Younas Zahid Irshad , Klein Christian , Trabert Thorsten , Zwergel Bernhard
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Corporate governance is a crucial factor when considering excessive corporate risk-taking. Since corporate boards play such an important role in corporate governance, the purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the impact of board composition and further board characteristics on excessive corporate risk-taking.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates listed firms from Germany and the USA from 2004 to 2015 based on data from Thomson Reuters Data Stream. The authors apply the fixed effect and random effect estimation method to demonstrate the impact of board composition on corporate risk-taking.

Findings

This study provides empirical evidence that an increase in the proportion of independent directors is associated with less corporate risk-taking. These effects are stronger among German firms. Lastly, the effects of board size and audit committee effectiveness (AUCE) on risk-taking have mixed results.

Research limitations/implications

The results favor continued efforts to strengthen the composition of corporate boards and improve the effectiveness of audit committees to curb unhealthy corporate risk-taking. The recommendations from the research will provide regulators and corporate management with the necessary information needed to design an appropriate independent board structure, and board size (BOSI). The research will, furthermore, fortify the indispensability of financial experts on audit committees.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the agency theory debate with these findings. Stronger board independence enables a better monitoring of the CEO, which leads to decision making based on a more appropriate level of risk.