bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationality in negotiations: a systematic review and propositions for future research
Authors: Cheng Junjun , Huang Yimin , Su Yong
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematically review and analyze the important, yet under-researched, topic of relationality in negotiations and propose new directions for future negotiation research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a systematic review of negotiation literature related to relationality from multiple disciplines. Thirty-nine leading and topical academic journals are selected and 574 papers on negotiation are reviewed from 1990 to 2014. Based on the systematic review, propositions regarding the rationales for relationality in negotiations are developed and future research avenues in this area are discussed.

Findings

Of 574 papers on negotiations published in 39 peer-reviewed journals between 1990 and 2014, only 18 papers have studied and discussed relationality in negotiations. This suggests that relationality as a theoretical theme has long been under-researched in negotiation research. For future research, this paper proposes to incorporate the dynamic, cultural and mechanism perspectives, and to use a qualitative approach to study relationality in negotiations.

Originality/value

This paper presents the first systematic review of the negotiation literature on relationality, and identifies new research topics on relationality in negotiations. In so doing, this research opens new avenues for future negotiation research on relationality.
Parents or peers, wealth or warmth? The impact of social support, wealth, and a positive outlook on self-efficacy and happiness
Authors: Aumeboonsuke Vesarach
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between family wealth, positive outlook, and support from significant others, including parents and friends, on self-efficacy and happiness.

Design/methodology/approach

The impact of family wealth, social support, and positive outlook on self-efficacy and one’s own happiness is analyzed through the partial least squared method.

Findings

There are five essential points that can be drawn from the statistical results. First, parents’ support tends to be more important than friends’ support for individuals’ happiness. Second, individuals that receive more support from parents tend to develop a higher level of self-efficacy. Third, individuals that are in a less wealthy family tend to develop a higher level of self-efficacy. Fourth, parents’ support plays a more important role in developing a higher level of self-efficacy for individuals that are in a less wealthy family than for individuals that are in a wealthier family. Finally, the positive link between happiness and self-efficacy was stronger for individuals in a wealthier family than for individuals in a less wealthy family.

Research limitations/implications

In particular, although individuals in a wealthier family tend to exhibit a lower level of self-efficacy, and happiness alone had no significant impact on self-efficacy, happiness significantly promoted self-efficacy more for individuals in a wealthier family than for individuals in a less wealthy family.

Social implications

In conclusion, the results from this research provide essential recommendations for individuals regarding the approach to happiness and self-efficacy. The results indicated how significant the role of parents’ support is in one’s happiness and that support from parents is more important for one’s self-efficacy and happiness than support from friends. Furthermore, individuals should be aware that money is not the ultimate answer for happiness and self-efficacy. Individuals in less wealthy families were able to enjoy a higher level of self-efficacy given that they were receiving sufficient support from their parents.

Originality/value

This study found that although individuals in a wealthier family tend to exhibit a lower level of self-efficacy, and happiness alone has no significant impact on self-efficacy, happiness significantly promote self-efficacy more for individuals in a wealthier family than for individuals in a less wealthy family. However, in the less-wealthier family, parents play more significant role and can generate high level of self-efficacy for their children.
Inequalities in economic and educational status among social groups in India
Authors: Awasthi Ishwar Chandra , Shrivastav Puneet Kumar
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the social and economic disparities across social groups in rural Uttar Pradesh. The paper demonstrates that the structure of the rural economy in India is characterised by deeply ingrained prejudices and social discrimination. The four-village study undertaken in one of the most populated states in India, Uttar Pradesh, clearly reveals that there is a huge disparity in terms of various social and economic indicators and that the so-called high growth has hardly helped in bettering their lives.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on primary data collected from the Census survey of villages exploring socio-economic disparities across social groups by using decomposition models.

Findings

The results evidently lend credence to the postulations that a large proportion of the disadvantaged groups are prone to multiple deprivations, both in the society and in labour markets. The inquiry reveals this phenomenon clearly.

Research limitations/implications

From the policy point of view, it is therefore imperative to ensure the direct and focussed provision of basic human requirements in terms of education, employment and income of the state. The implementation of direct policy interventions is an absolute necessity if the state has to guarantee convergence and the inclusive growth process on a sustained basis.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to study the inequality among the social groups in terms of education, employment, income and livelihood opportunities in selected villages of four districts of Uttar Pradesh.
The willingness of undergraduate students to volunteer for NGO work: a Ghanaian case study
Authors: Okorley Ernest L. , Owusu Alberta A. , Akuamoah-Boateng Samuel
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Despite the increasing awareness on students’ volunteerism globally, and its potential benefit to national development, there is limited research information on the subject in developing countries including Ghana. The purpose of this paper is to assess the willingness of university undergraduate students in Ghana to volunteer for non-governmental organisation (NGO) work.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used a quantitative research approach using a descriptive survey design. The data were drawn from a survey of 678 students from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

Findings

The study shows high willingness of university undergraduate students to volunteer for NGO work. The motives relate more to students’ search for understanding of people and their context, values and career enhancement, than for their social, protection and recognition needs. The students are more likely to engage in NGO activities relating to peer education, counselling and environmental protection, than in administrative duties, relief and advocacy.

Practical implications

The study suggests that there is a great potential for students’ volunteerism in Ghana, and recommends that Ghanaian universities should integrate volunteerism into their curricula to prepare and link students to volunteer opportunities in NGO and the service sectors.

Originality/value

The case study provides new thought and suggestions on students’ volunteerism to developing countries and Ghana in particular. The evidence and context of likelihood to volunteer among tertiary students are lessons for developing countries with similar context to Ghana.
Ballistic-penetration resistance and flexural-stiffness optimization of a nacre-mimetic, B4C-reinforced, polyurea-matrix composite armor
Authors: Grujicic Mica , Snipes Jennifer , Ramaswami S.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to model a nacre-like composite material, consisting of tablets and polyurea tablet/tablet interfaces, B4C. This composite material is being considered in the construction of the so-called backing-plate, a layer within a multi-functional/multi-layer armor system.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the basic functions of the backing-plate (i.e. to provide structural support for the ceramic-strike-face and to stop a high-velocity projectile and the accompanying fragments) in such an armor system, the composite-material architecture is optimized with respect to simultaneously achieving high flexural stiffness and high ballistic-penetration resistance. Flexural stiffness and penetration resistance, for a given architecture of the nacre-like composite material, are assessed using a series of transient non-linear dynamics finite-element analyses. The suitability of the optimized composite material for use in backing-plate applications is then evaluated by comparing its performance against that of the rolled homogeneous armor (RHA), a common choice for the backing-plate material.

Findings

The results obtained established: a trade-off between the requirements for a high flexural stiffness and a high ballistic-penetration resistance in the nacre-like composite material; and overall superiority of the subject composite material over the RHA when used in the construction of the backing-plate within multi-functional/multi-layer armor systems.

Originality/value

This study extends the authors previous research on nacre-mimetic armor to optimize the architecture of the armor with respect to its flexural stiffness and ballistic-penetration resistance, so that these properties could be increased over the levels attained in the current choice (RHA) for the backing layer of multi-functional/multi-layer armor.
Experimental study on thermal effect of tilted roller pairs in rolling/sliding contacts
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Chen Wei , Liu Zhe
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study is to understand thermal effects and surface topography of roller bearings with misaligned load under combination of multifactors by an experimental method.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of orthogonal experiments would need to be planned and performed. A ranking of impact degree of factors on edge effect and eccentric load effect can be learned with multivariate analysis of variance by Statistical Product and Service Solutions software. Influence rules of each individual factor can also be obtained through more experiments. A roller surface phase diagram both before and after test can be observed with metallographic microscope. An axial profile data of roller can be measured by PGI 3D Profiler, then a roller generatrix contour can be achieved through filtering measured signal with empirical mode decomposition method.

Findings

Slip fraction has most impact on edge effect, whereas tilting angle plays a key role in eccentric load effect. For the case of low temperature, skidding damage does not occur. Inversely, because of the high pressure in partial elastohydrodynamic lubrication caused by roller tilt, running-in occurs and micro asperity flattening is observed on a rough surface. And, the larger the tilting angle, the more obvious the micro-flattening and the greater the reduction of roller surface roughness after the test.

Originality/value

A lot of theoretical studies on thermal effect of roller bearings surface morphology have been published. However, there are little on relevant experimental study, especially on thermal effect with an integration of sliding, tilting and unbalance loading.
High-stress abrasive wear behavior of Al–Mg–Si hybrid composites using regression analysis
Authors: Kaushik N.C. , Rao R.N.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to analyze the wear behavior of developed aluminum hybrid composites under high-stress conditions through developed power law and quadratic equations.

Design/methodology/approach

The abrasive wear behavior of Al–Mg–Si (Al 6082) alloy reinforced with hard silicon carbide (SiC) and soft graphite (Gr) particulates fabricated by stir casting route was studied at loads of 5-15 N, sliding distance of 75 m and abrasive grit size of 100-200 μm. The power law and quadratic equations were developed to understand the wear behavior with respect to the load applied and the abrasive grit size. The worn surfaces of the test specimens and grit papers were examined under scanning electron microscope.

Findings

The density and hardness of the hybrid composites decreased when compared to Al–SiC composites, whereas the wear properties improved because of the presence of Gr. There was further improvement in the wear properties of the materials because of T6 heat treatment. The change in abrasive wear mechanism was observed at a grit size of 125 μm when traversed from alloy to hybrid composite as indicated in terms of exponents in the power law equation. The worn surfaces of hybrid composite pins were comparable with those of alloy pins.

Practical implications

In the automobile sector, components like cylinder liner, piston, crankshafts, brake drums, etc. also undergo abrasive wear along with sliding against the counter surface in working conditions.

Originality/value

The results prove that better wear resistance was obtained under the abrasion condition.
Tribology of Ge thin films on stainless steel
Authors: Krabac Lubomir , Pejaković Vladimir , Drinek Vladislav , Dörr Nicole , Badisch Ewald
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the friction and wear behavior of germanium (Ge) thin films deposited by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition method on a chromium (Cr)-nickel (Ni) stainless steel substrate after being exposed to relatively mild sliding conditions (low loads and sliding distances).

Design/methodology/approach

Wear and friction experiments were conducted with a 100Cr6 steel ball sliding against flat Ge thin-film-coated stainless steel sheets (ball-on-flat microtribometer, no lubricant, normal loads of 50-100 mN, initial Hertzian contact pressures of 385-485 MPa, total sliding distance up to 200 mm and room temperature).

Findings

Scanning electron microscopy results revealed that prepared Ge thin films consisted of two different morphologies: curved nanowires and cone-shaped nano-/microdroplets. Regarding friction and wear characteristics of the investigated samples, the substrates coated with Ge thin films did not affect the coefficient of friction significantly by load. The wear of the base material (Cr-Ni stainless steel) was not observed under the mentioned experimental conditions (see the “Design/methodology/approach” section); however, with increased sliding distance and/or applied load, a rupture of the Ge film and an exposure of the stainless steel substrate to the 100Cr6 ball can be expected. Furthermore, the observations suggest that the smearing of Ge nano- and microstructures, plastically deformed during tribotesting, over the surface exposed to the sliding contact is the dominant tribological process.

Originality/value

For the first time, the tribological interaction between Ge thin film and steel surface was investigated under dry sliding conditions using a ball-on-flat microtribometer, and the obtained results provide a useful base for the further research on tribology of Ge-based thin films.
Wear and corrosion characteristics of copper-based composite coatings
Authors: Calli Cagdas , Tazegul Onur , Kayali Eyup Sabri
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of reinforcing particles (B4C, TiB2 and TiC) on the physical, corrosion and wear behaviour of copper matrix composite coatings.

Design/methodology/approach

Coatings were produced by cold gas dynamic spraying process, and the contribution of reinforcements (B4C, TiB2 and TiC) to the coating characteristics was detected through microstructural examinations (scanning electron microscope examinations and X-ray diffraction analyses), hardness and electrical conductivity measurements, corrosion tests in Cl− environment with potentiostat/galvonostat apparatus and wear tests which were performed under dry conditions by reciprocating wear tester.

Findings

Coatings with high density, good bonding at the coating and substrate interface were obtained by cold gas dynamic spray process. The electrochemical polarisation test in a Cl− environment clearly indicated that the type of reinforcing particles did not significantly affect the corrosion performances of pure copper coating. In terms of the wear performances of the coatings, the best wear performance has been obtained for pure copper coating. Wear performance reduction of the composite coatings was related to the inhibition of continuous oxide layer formation on the worn surfaces due to third-body abrasion mechanism and delamination of oxide layer during wear tests.

Originality/value

Contrary to expectations, wear tests results of the study revealed the inverse effect of ceramic particle addition to the copper matrix in cold spray coating applications due to poor bonding between matrix and reinforcing particles.
Creating relationship continuity across projects in the construction industry
Authors: Havenvid Malena Ingemansson , Holmen Elsebeth , Linné Åse , Pedersen Ann-Charlott
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship continuity across projects among actors in the construction industry, and to discuss why and how such continuity takes place.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on the results from four in-depth case studies illustrating different strategies for pursuing relationship continuity. The results are analysed and discussed in light of the oft-mentioned strategies suggested by Mintzberg (1987): emergent, deliberate and deliberately emergent strategies. Furthermore, the ARA-model is used to discuss why the relationship continuity strategies are pursued, and which factors might enable and constrain the relationship continuity.

Findings

The main findings are twofold. First, the authors found that the strategy applied for pursuing relationship continuity may, in one-time period, contain one type of strategy or a mix of strategy types. Second, the type of strategy may evolve over time, from one type of strategy being more pronounced in one period, to other strategies being more pronounced in later periods. The strategies applied by construction firms and their counterparts can thus contain elements of emergent, deliberate and deliberately emergent strategies, in varying degrees over time. It is also shown that the strategies of the involved actors co-evolve as a result of interaction. Also, the main reasons for pursuing continuity appear to lie in the re-use and development of important resources and activities across projects to create efficiency and the possibility to develop mutual orientation, commitment and trust over time, and thus reduce uncertainty.

Research limitations/implications

Further empirical studies are needed to support the findings. For managers, the main implication is that relationship continuity can arise as part of an emerging interaction pattern between firms or as part of a planned strategy, but that elements of both might be needed to sustain it.

Originality/value

The authors combine Mintzberg’s strategy concepts with the ARA-model to bring new light to the widely debated issue of discontinuity and fragmentation in the construction industry.
Customer-driven supply chains under IMP lens
Authors: Martinelli Elisa Martina , Tunisini Annalisa , Guercini Simone
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper explores the most recent contributions to interpreting customer-driven supply chains (CDSCs) under the IMP lens, focusing on the main characteristics that emerged from a review of the relevant literature. The purpose of this paper is to offer a holistic interpretative framework of major topics covered by the CDSC literature, highlighting both some shared issues and emerging elements using the IMP conceptual framework’s ARA (actor bonds, activity links and resource ties) model.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviewed the literature by searching selected journals using a combination of specific keywords in order to find the most recent contributions on the CDSC theme. The presented analysis allowed an interpretation of the findings through a conceptual framework.

Findings

The findings suggest that the ARA model could be a useful method through which to structure an interpretation of the most recent contributions, in both IMP and the general literature, on the discipline. In particular, three streams of research were identified: the customer closeness strategy, relational strategy, and intra-organizational strategy.

Research limitations/implications

These clusters can be deeply analyzed using the major knowledge on CDSC dynamics. By studying these issues in an integrated way, the implications in terms of competition, generalization of results, constraints, problems, and difficulties of the customer-driven approach could be enhanced. Limitations are the restricted period of time and the absence of empirical research.

Practical implications

Each identified cluster presents the tools that have to be improved in order to implement the customer-driven orientation, which increases the performance and brings an added value for the same supply chain. For this reason, an emerging need is to develop studies on the empirical side that consider the implications in terms of an integrated framework among the three issues.

Originality/value

The paper increases the understanding of CDSCs by using conceptual and interpretative tools developed by the IMP literature. The ARA model allows the creation of a conceptual framework that clarifies, in a holistic way, the most important characteristics that have to be developed in order to improve the CDSC perspective. Recommendations and a research agenda for the implementation of the customer-driven view are derived.
Strategizing in horizons and verizons
Authors: Huemer Lars
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The study has two related objectives. At the firm level of analysis, the author proposes that a clearer distinction between firms’ mediating functions and mediators could enhance the understanding of business network strategizing. Whereas firms’ mediating functions have received attention in IMP research, less focus has been given to organizations whose core business is mediation. At the system level of analysis, the study complements the perception of a network horizon with that of a network verizon. Whereas the horizon is closely associated with work on firms’ mediating functions, the network verizon is of particular interest to mediators. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual study combines IMP insights with strategic management theory.

Findings

The notion of a network horizon is important for business network strategizing, but also influences the perception of relevant network structures. These structures tend to be characterized by sequential interdependencies and a long-linked technology, often associated with physical products and production facilities. The notion of a network verizon highlights a network “depth” that has been unnoticed by previous work, which has focused on how narrow or wide a firm’s network horizon should be. The network horizon and the network verizon add strategizing options in terms of connecting key actors in the network to create additional value.

Originality/value

This paper concerns how IMP scholars understand boundaries and firms, and how perceptions of these influence business network strategizing. The study articulates a distinction between firms’ mediating functions and those organizations that fundamentally create value through mediating services. This distinction has system-level implications. In particular, the claim that the basis for a firm’s strategizing is its network horizon is discussed. The author proposes the notion of a “network Verizon,” providing a boundary perception of specific relevance to mediators. The network verizon portrays a network depth beyond both sequential tiers in a supply chain and links between different supply chains.
Robots that interact with humans: a review of safety technologies and standards
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to provide details of the safety considerations, technologies and standards associated with robots that interact with, or operate in proximity to, humans.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an introduction, this paper first considers collaborative robots and discusses their safety features and the new technical specification ISO/TS 15066, together with certain allied safety standards. It then discusses ISO 13482 and a range of assistive, personal care and service robots which comply with this and highlights new standards that are under development. Mobile warehouse and delivery robots are then considered, together with the safety technologies used and the associated standards. Finally, brief concluding comments are drawn.

Findings

The recent proliferation of robots that interact with humans or operate in proximity to them has led to the development of standards and specifications which seek to ensure safe operation. These allow robot manufacturers to design inherently safe products that will gain market acceptance and also help to inspire confidence among users. A number of new standards and specifications have been proposed or are being developed, and this trend is set to continue as new classes of robotic products emerge.

Originality/value

All manner of robots are being developed which interact with humans, and this provides details of the associated safety considerations, technologies and standards.
A path planning method of anti-jamming ability improvement for autonomous vehicle navigating in off-road environments
Authors: Chen Jiajia , Jiang Wuhua , Zhao Pan , Hu Jinfang
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Navigating in off-road environments is a huge challenge for autonomous vehicles, due to the safety requirement, the effects of noises and non-holonomic constraints of vehicle. This paper aims to describe a path planning method based on fuzzy support vector machine (FSVM) and general regression neural network (GRNN) that is able to provide a solution path for the autonomous vehicle navigating in the off-road environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors decompose the path planning problem into three steps. In the first step, A* algorithm is applied to obtain the positive and negative samples. In the second step, the authors use a learning approach based on radial basis function kernel FSVM to maximize the safety margin for driving, and the fuzzy membership is designed based on GRNN which can help to resolve the problem that the traditional path planning method is easily influenced by noises or outliers. In the third step, the Bezier interpolation algorithm is used to smooth the path. The simulations are designed to verify the parameters of the path planning algorithm.

Findings

The method is implemented on autonomous vehicle and verified against many outdoor scenes. Road test indicates that the proposed method can produce a flexible, smooth and safe path with good anti-jamming performance.

Originality/value

This paper applied a new path planning method based on GRNN-FSVM for autonomous vehicle navigating in off-road environments. GRNN-FSVM can reduce the effects of outliers and maximize the safety margin for driving, the generated path is smooth and safe, while satisfying the constraint of vehicle kinematic.
Gender comparisons of Israeli social work faculty using h-index scores
Authors: Panisch Lisa S. , Smith Thomas E. , Carter Tyler Edison , Osteen Philip J.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of gender and faculty rank to determine their contribution to individual variance in research productivity for doctoral social work faculty in Israel.

Design/methodology/approach

H-index scores were used to assess research productivity. Quantitative comparisons of the h-index scores were performed for a sample (n=92) of social work faculty from Israeli universities with social work doctoral programs. Average h-index differences were assessed between genders at each tenure-track faculty rank and between faculty ranks for each gender.

Findings

Scholarly impact varied as a function of faculty rank. There was little indication of variance due to gender or the interaction of gender and rank. The average h-index of male faculty was higher than the mean h-index for women at the rank of lecturer and full professor. Women had a higher mean h-index than men at the rank of senior lecturer and associate professor. H-index means varied most at the full professor level.

Originality/value

Results were congruent with previous studies demonstrating that male faculty in the social sciences have higher overall h-index scores than women. However, this study was unique in its finding that this gap was reversed for Israeli social work faculty at the senior lecturer and associate professor. Further research is needed to examine the differences in publication patterns of social work faculty in different countries.
Assessing oral presentation performance
Authors: Van Ginkel Stan , Laurentzen Ramona , Mulder Martin , Mononen Asko , Kyttä Janika , Kortelainen Mika J.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a rubric instrument for assessing oral presentation performance in higher education and to test its validity with an expert group.

Design/methodology/approach

This study, using mixed methods, focusses on: designing a rubric by identifying assessment instruments in previous presentation research and implementing essential design characteristics in a preliminary developed rubric; and testing the validity of the constructed instrument with an expert group of higher educational professionals (n=38).

Findings

The result of this study is a validated rubric instrument consisting of 11 presentation criteria, their related levels in performance, and a five-point scoring scale. These adopted criteria correspond to the widely accepted main criteria for presentations, in both literature and educational practice, regarding aspects as content of the presentation, structure of the presentation, interaction with the audience and presentation delivery.

Practical implications

Implications for the use of the rubric instrument in educational practice refer to the extent to which the identified criteria should be adapted to the requirements of presenting in a certain domain and whether the amount and complexity of the information in the rubric, as criteria, levels and scales, can be used in an adequate manner within formative assessment processes.

Originality/value

This instrument offers the opportunity to formatively assess students’ oral presentation performance, since rubrics explicate criteria and expectations. Furthermore, such an instrument also facilitates feedback and self-assessment processes. Finally, the rubric, resulting from this study, could be used in future quasi-experimental studies to measure students’ development in presentation performance in a pre-and post-test situation.
Exercise and work-family conflict: a field experiment
Authors: Clayton Russell W. , Thomas Christopher H. , Schaffer Bryan S. , Stratton Micheal , Garrison Ellen , Mathews Leah Greden
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Recent research along with anecdotal evidence suggests that exercise may play a role in mitigating perceptions of work-family conflict (WFC). However, the temporal effects related to this relationship have been ignored. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue by testing for the effects of acute and long-term exercise on the work-family interface.

Design/methodology/approach

Employed females (N=46) were randomly assigned to a treatment (exercise) or control group (no exercise) and data were gathered at three points in time, over four weeks. Linear Mixed Model processes were conducted.

Findings

The authors found that there is a statistically significant long-term exercise effect on strain-based work interference with family and family interference with work.

Research limitations/implications

The sample was restricted to sedentary females, was predominantly white/Caucasian, and held white-collar jobs, limiting the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

Results from the current study suggest that exercise assists individuals in managing the work-family interface. While this is not a broad-sweeping call for all employers to offer on-site exercise facilities, the authors suggest that employers consider offering accommodations to individuals seeking to utilize exercise as a way to reduce WFC and general stress.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical study that examines the temporal impact of exercise on the work-family interface.
A useful shift in our perspective: integrating social movement framing into social marketing
Authors: Daellenbach Kate , Parkinson Joy
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The elaboration of framing in social movement theory offers a different perspective than is typically taken in social marketing. This paper explores how social marketing may benefit from this alternate lens.

Design/methodology/approach

The construction, features and processes associated with collective action frames in social movements are examined and explored via two social causes: obesity and disaster preparation.

Findings

A social movement perspective on framing highlights the need to better understand variations in how groups may perceive a problem and its solutions. It suggests a range of considerations and options in constructing and participating in the development of collective action frames, which are suggested to benefit social marketing initiatives and, thus, society.

Research limitations/implications

Further research in societal well-being and the meso-level of social change should consider adopting a social movement framing perspective. A list of questions is provided to guide future research.

Practical implications

Mobilising a group into action is often a necessary and effective step in realising social change. The questions raised in social movement framing will equip practitioners and researchers with greater understanding of the issue, the context and potential solutions, ultimately to encourage positive social movements and social benefit.

Originality/value

While calls have been made for broader perspectives in social marketing, little attention has been given to social movements. This paper offers a way forward with respect to framing.
Practice-theoretical possibilities for social marketing: two fields learning from each other
Authors: Spotswood Fiona , Chatterton Tim , Morey Yvette , Spear Sara
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce key concepts from practice theory (PT) to the social change agenda and draw on the unique contributions of the social marketing field. PT has underpinned a growing stream of research in pro-environmental studies seeking to reduce impacts of particular behaviours, but it remains theoretical. By drawing on social marketing’s applied roots, this paper introduces a practice-theoretical intervention planning process (P-TIPP) which frames the unique contribution of social marketing in behaviour change and foregrounds practice- not individual-level change.

Design/methodology/approach

The P-TIPP draws on the total process planning model, introducing the concept of “practice as entity” and “practice as performance” to frame intervention planning tasks. The process locates the contribution of social marketing within a transdisciplinary framework which emphasises transforming collective conventions.

Findings

This is a conceptual paper, but the possibility for PT to make a significant contribution to the world of social marketing is outlined.

Research limitations/implications

P-TIPP is untested. Also, practices can be difficult to identify and somewhat abstract. Finally, it can be challenging to introduce the approach to policy, funding and practitioner procedures.

Practical implications

The implications of P-TIPP are that social change interventions are devised, underpinned and planned using insights from PT, such as the way behavioural patterns fit into broader understandings of practice. The subsequent social change agenda will be inherently transdisciplinary, sustainable and reduce focus on individual power to change.

Originality/value

This paper is a first attempt at exploring what PT, and social marketing can learn from each other for the future effectiveness of social change activity.
Topology optimization-based design method of dual-band antennas
Authors: Wang Qi , Gao Renjing , Liu Shutian , Liu Chuan
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Recent development of wireless communication devices dictates that miniaturization, multi-functions and high integration are the important factors for antenna structures. This has resulted in the requirement of antennas with dual or multi-frequency operations. Although the dual-band antennas can be achieved through the experience-based configuration selection with the parameter adjustment, it is still a challenging problem to design an antenna with specific dual-frequency operations effectively. The purpose of the paper is to develop an effective design method to guide the design of antennas with specific dual-frequency operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The topology optimization is carried out through the material distribution approach, where the patch of the antenna is taken as the design domain. The optimization formulation is established with maximizing the minimum antenna efficiency at the target frequencies. The sensitivity of the antenna efficiency with the design variables is derived, and the optimization problem is solved by a gradient-based algorithm.

Findings

Based on the proposed design method, an example of a patch antenna design for specific dual-frequency operations is presented. The performance of the designed antenna is cross-verified by experimentation, where the reflection coefficients (S11) obtained by simulation and experiment show a good agreement. The simulation and the experimentation of the designed antenna show that two operational bands are optimized to occur around the target frequencies, which confirms the effectiveness of the proposed design method.

Originality/value

This paper presents a topology optimization-based design method for patch antennas operating at dual specific frequencies.
A symplectic Runge-Kutta method for the analysis of the tethered satellite system
Authors: Xu Nuan Fang , Deng Zi-Chen , Wang Yan , Zhang Kai
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the dynamic vibrations of the tethered satellite system (TSS).

Design/methodology/approach

The energy principle and the variational approach are used to establish the dynamic equations of the TSS. By introducing new generalized coordinates, the equations are transformed into the Hamiltonian system. Then, the symplectic Runge-Kutta (SRK) method is used to solve the canonical equations.

Findings

The influence of the tether length on the dynamic behavior of the TSS is very important.

Originality/value

The dynamic responses of the TSS are obtained by using the SRK method.
WIL and business graduate skill transfer to workplace
Authors: Sangwan Shweta , Garg Shalini
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand MBA skill transfer, employability and how work-integrated learning (WIL) can help in ensuring the availability of employable managers after the completion of MBA. India faces a major crisis in terms of finding employable workforce despite its huge population. The paper explores the question of employability. It focuses on how WIL can be used to facilitate transfer of skills, which ultimately leads to a more employable workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

Existing research was studied to establish linkages between WIL and skill transfer. The existing skill gaps in MBA education, which lead to unemployable business graduates, were also revealed.

Findings

The literature studied suggests that there is a positive impact of obtaining an MBA degree on the employability of business graduates. However, there is no concrete evidence to show that the impact is big enough to cover the cost and time spent on pursuing the degree. The paper also reveals the various types of WIL modules being followed by some universities to improve skill transfer and to ensure that graduates are work-ready.

Research limitations/implications

Though the question of employability poses a serious threat to the Indian education as well as the industry, little has been done to assess the ways in which the graduates can be made employable. WIL is also being practiced in a very narrow sense and only by institutes of repute. WIL is being practiced in certain countries and the Indian business schools can use these programmes as a guide.

Originality/value

The paper studies the question of employability from the point of view of the Indian economy and educational institutions. It draws from the experiences of other countries in trying to include WIL into the degree programme to facilitate skill transfer.
Visual cues and innovation adoption among bottom of the pyramid consumers
Authors: Hasan Md Rajibul , Lowe Ben , Rahman Mizan
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how visual comprehensibility of a product can affect innovation adoption among the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) consumers in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory qualitative study based on interviews with eight managerial respondents involved in the design and marketing of innovative products targeted at BOP consumers in Bangladesh and three respondents who are consumers of these products.

Findings

One key finding from this research, in comparison to innovation adoption research in developed contexts, is the distinct importance that BOP consumers attach to visual cues in learning about and understanding a new product.

Practical implications

This research provides guidance for private and public sector organisations selling products and services to BOP consumers explaining the role of visual cues in generating better product comprehension. It also identifies the role of social relations in facilitating the adoption of new products within this segment.

Social implications

By enhancing the adoption of so-called pro-poor innovations, this research can assist in bringing about positive social change and developmental benefits in this burgeoning segment of the market.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to consider innovation adoption of pro-poor innovations in BOP markets and one of the first studies to collect data on the role of visual comprehensibility for consumers in BOP markets.
Brand adoption by BoP retailers
Authors: Sinha Piyush Kumar , Gupta Suraksha , Rawal Saurabh
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework to understand how bottom of the pyramid (BoP) retailers adopt brands who sell to a very different set of customers and are served through long indirect channels.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, 60 retailers belonging to different villages of Central and North Gujarat were interviewed. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analyzed. A grounded theory-based analysis was carried out.

Findings

The analysis brought out six criteria used by the retailers in selecting brands with demand for the brand as the most dominant factor. Other criteria included brand adoption by other retailers, profitability, influence of wholesaler/distributor and packaging.

Originality/value

Previous studies with regard to brand adoption by retailers have focused on large retailers who are approached directly by the brands. There is a lack of studies on how BoP retailers adopt brands. Most studies have approached the subject from a distribution perspective of reaching these markets.
Management control facing the challenges of overall performance
Authors: Travaillé Denis , Naro Gérald
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the role of management control function in the strategies of corporate social responsibility adopted by companies. Since the years 1980/1990, multidimensional models appeared that give an integrated or balanced representation of performance. In parallel, facing the challenges of sustainable development (SD) and taking them into account in the management of companies, the concept of overall performance has developed. But, at the same time, research based on neo-institutional sociology suggests on the contrary the existence of a loose coupling between a management control oriented towards the search for legitimacy and the internal practices of management control.

Design/methodology/approach

The study took place between 2010 and 2015. In 2010, the authors conducted a primary exploratory survey of a sample of 40 management controllers. The study was continued in 2015 by a survey of 60 management accountants. The questionnaires were administered electronically. Sorting and cross-sorting, along with tests of independence based on the χ2 test, were carried out.

Findings

The results of the surveys have allowed us to observe the absence of significant links between proactive strategies displayed by companies in SD and the missions and instruments of management control. These latter would focus solely on measurement, monitoring and reporting of an exclusively economic and financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

This is an exploratory study among French controllers. This study could be deepened by an international survey of a larger sample and by case studies with different managers involved in SD steering.

Practical implications

The study highlights the need to involve management controllers in steering SD.

Social implications

While the literature in management control highlights the role of management accountants in the strategic alignment of SD, this study has shown the weakness of this role.

Originality/value

The article shows the weak involvement of management controllers in the implementation of SD, while the latter would want to become more involved in the steering of SD.