bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chinese hedonic values and the Chinese classical virtues: managing the tension
Authors: Thompson Mike
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which Chinese classical virtues act as a restraint on consumerist hedonic values and the associated priority on profit maximisation by managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a literature review and adopts a reflective approach to the topic.

Findings

The paper considers how Chinese classical virtues are related to contemporary relational or indigenous values and how a social tension is created between these values and the hedonic values now present in Chinese urban society. Implications for management and management education are reviewed in the light of this tension.

Practical implications

The social unrest created by the privatisation of SOEs can be mitigated by the promotion of management education sensitised to the cultural norms and expectations of the Chinese people in relation to the role and responsibilities of managers. TheJunzi(gentleman‐leader) archetype and the virtues ofren‐yi‐liare offered as exemplary features of a management seeking to balance social responsibility with profitability.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the social turbulence created by the advent of market economics in China and the concomitant rise of consumerism and the privatisation of state‐owned enterprises.
Taoism and its model of traits of successful leaders
Authors: Bai Xuezhu , Roberts William
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims at building up a comprehensive framework for integrating existing leadership theories from the perspective of Taoism, the well‐known oriental philosophy, characterized by a dialectic thinking system. With sufficient evidence demonstrated, it argues that a Taoism‐oriented model of leadership offers a complementary lens, through which leadership insights can be deepened, and may serve as an effective tool for adaptive leaders in a world where change is the only constant.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an in‐depth analysis of the principles of Taoism, and the concepts of leadership studies, it establishes a Taoism‐oriented model of leadership to integrate the current major schools of leadership studies.

Findings

The model of traits of successful leaders based on Taoism has satisfactorily solved the conflicts between different perspectives of leadership studies and provided a dynamic framework to guide leaders to keep up with the organizational changes.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is only a rudimentary one that needs further exploration: for example, when external contexts of leadership are introduced, the current model would appear, in different patterns, to accommodate greater contextual complexities.

Practical implications

The model of traits of successful leaders based on Taoism will contribute to a greater understanding of an organization for different leadership styles. It will potentially serve as an effective tool for the selection of appropriate leaders for an organization and for building up an effective leadership team to accommodate the rapid changes of the organization.

Originality/value

This paper is an initial attempt to bridge leadership studies of east and west via the perspective of Taoism, which contributes to an integrating framework to accommodate different schools of leadership studies.
A Confucian approach to well‐being and social capital development
Authors: Zhao Lili , Roper Juliet
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss and demonstrate the synergies between the western concept of corporate social responsibility that is emerging from a background of individualism and market competition, and the traditional values of Chinese Confucianism, as applied to managerial practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is primarily theoretical in perspective. It also draws upon interview data derived from an in depth study of a large state‐owned corporate group in China in order to demonstrate the model that is known as modern Confucian entrepreneurship.

Findings

Adherence to Confucian values was demonstrated by both manager and employee interviewees. However, Chinese managers also need to reform some practices as they move into the international market place. As western managers, at the same time, increasingly seek to increase their social capital it is clear that Chinese and western managers can learn from each other.

Research limitations/implications

The examples drawn upon in this paper come from a state‐owned corporation. Indications are that smaller, privately owned companies in China are more aggressively adopting market models built upon competitive individualism. Further research is needed to develop comparisons.

Practical implications

The paper suggests a hybrid model of business management that combines aspects of both western and Confucian‐based management styles that are proven to be successful in building social capital. It also suggests that fundamental change needs to be effected through business school teaching.

Social implications

The paper urges a more collective view of management that is built upon trust and focuses on employee and social wellbeing. Indications are that increased wellbeing generates more cohesive, productive and happier societies.

Originality/value

The introduction of interview data provides unique insight to Confucian values in practice in a modern Chinese company.
Confucian nurturing doctrine ofxin(heart‐mind)
Authors: Wei Hongguo , Li Shaobing
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Confucian nurturing doctrine ofxin(heart‐mind) comprehensively illustrates the importance of emerging state of feelings, which are the antecedents of organizational and individual behaviors. This introductory paper seeks to provide meaningful references for the management education and research trends like organizational justice and emotional intelligence.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on Confucian nurturing doctrine ofxin(heart‐mind), this paper analyzes: the connotation ofxin,qing(emotions/feelings) as the manifestation ofxing(nature) byxin, and the cultivation ofxin.Accordingly, the authors propose the holistic man model based on emotions.

Findings

The holistic man model based on emotions contains natural, social, moral, and transcendental dimensions. Self‐cultivation is significant for management practices and education.

Research limitations/implications

As a conceptual essay, the statements in the paper need further argument and exploration.

Practical implications

A referential hypothetical model of human nature based on Confucian nurturing doctrine ofxincan make people have transcendent aspiration in their daily life and focus on the unity of individuals' natural feelings and moral cultivation. In this case, people can live an integrated, meaningful and healthy life based on their emerging state of emotions, which are the antecedents of the transactional, instrumental, and procedural regulations.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the notions of the holistic man based on emotions and emerging state of emotions by referring to Confucian nurturing doctrine ofxin(heart‐mind).
Structure and evolvement of leadership: a study based on Book of Changes
Authors: Gou Yan‐nan , Dong Jing
Published: July 2011

Purpose

By the re‐interpretation of the Book of Changes (I Ching), this article aims to build a framework for analyzing the structure and the evolvement of leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

There are 64 hexagrams in Book of Changes. This article focuses the discussion on Qian hexagram, which is the first and the most important one in all the hexagrams. By using metaphysical concepts, this article builds a dynamic leadership system. This leadership system is composed of the four virtues of Qian (with the meaning of heaven, force), which are as follows: Yuan (creation and origination), Heng (cooperation and development), Li (achievement and sharing), and Zhen (firmness and perseverance). Based on this framework, by using the metaphor of dragon, this article develops an evolvement route of leadership according to the six situations set by the Qian hexagram, which are humble stage, emerging from hiding, trying your best, going up or down, reaching excellence, and starting to fall, and discusses the proper leadership in different situations.

Findings

There are four elements or virtues in leadership. The importance of each virtue and the key points in each of them change as an organization or a venture evolves from one situation to another. Leaders should match their leadership with the specific situation they are in.

Originality/value

According to the knowledge of the authors, this article is the first one in the world trying to set up a leadership system based on Book of Changes, especially Qian hexagram. The implications provided by this article would be very valuable for leaders to more successfully evaluate their situations and change their leaderships according the different challenges they may face.
Compassion: Chinese and western perspectives on practical wisdom in management
Authors: Opdebeeck Hendrik , Habisch André
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The notion of compassion is a cornerstone in Chinese as well as western orientations for business practice. Spiritual and religious traditions, philosophical approaches and historical and present business practices outline this notion in a comparative perspective. This paper seeks to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Interdisciplinary paper, summarizing social science, philosophical and business literature.

Findings

With its focus on compassion, business ethics in the Chinese tradition highlights a notion, which variously resonates within western traditions. Based on this, multiple lines or thought consequences for management development are derived.

Practical implications

In terms of management development the call for compassionate management can be held as a common denominator of different traditions. Therefore, it will be important to include this aspect in our management development, cultural management as well as international strategy courses.

Originality/value

In a broad interreligious and intercultural overview some basic characteristics of compassionate management can be identified.
The importance of trust vis‐à‐vis reliance in business relationships: some international findings
Authors: Jiang Zhizhong , Henneberg Stephan C. , Naudé Peter
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the levels of trust and reliance in different international business markets. The paper aims to obtain empirical evidence regarding the importance of relational aspects (trust) vis‐à‐vis organisational ones (reliance) for building long‐term business relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory study to examine trust and reliance in the manufacturing and construction industries of four countries: UK, India, Pakistan, and Poland. Statistical analysis is based on a data sample of 501 responses collected through a survey of buying and selling relationships.

Findings

Although varying across countries, stable relationships with high levels of both trust and reliance exist widely in business markets. Exclusively trust‐based business relationships, i.e. those which are mainly driven by individual‐level aspects, are very rare. However, both trust and reliance are significant for building relationships with long‐term perspectives.

Practical implications

Managers in firms who want to build advantageous and sustainable business relationships need to be able to discern the difference between trust in people on the one hand, and reliance on the partner firms on the other. This research shows that to maintain sustainable relationships, firms should not only focus their relational capabilities on enhancing reliance aspects with their business partners, but also aim to build good levels of trust in the interaction.
Network intermediaries in the internationalisation of new firms in peripheral regions
Authors: O'Gorman Colm , Evers Natasha
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to draw on the network perspective of firm internationalisation to study how an intermediary network actor, such as an export promotion organisation (EPO), can influence the internationalisation of new ventures located in peripheral regions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs case analysis and the critical incident technique to study the influence of the Irish Government's support agency for the seafood industry, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), on the internationalisation of three new ventures in the seafood sector in the West of Ireland.

Findings

The EPO played an important role in information mediation: identifying foreign opportunities and customers; facilitating introductions to international customers; and by providing foreign market knowledge; and as a resource provider developing the firm's export capacity.

Research limitations/implications

The choice of sector and method may impact on the ability to generalise the findings to firms in other contexts.

Practical implications

This study identifies a number of important implications for managers. It identifies a dilemma for policy‐makers: do efforts to develop strong support agencies come at the expense of developing strong firms?

Originality/value

This study advances the understanding of the role of an intermediary network actor in influencing new‐firm internationalisation. It identifies a set of conditions that, it is argued, are necessary if an EPO is to facilitate firm internationalisation.
External auditors' reliance on internal auditing: further evidence
Authors: Munro Lois , Stewart Jenny
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether internal audit's reporting relationship with the audit committee and the client's business risk environment impact external auditors' reliance on the work of internal audit.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment is conducted using a 2×2 between‐subjects design where we manipulate the above two factors at strong and weak levels. Participants are 66 audit partners, managers and seniors, all experienced with clients having internal audit functions.

Findings

The results indicate that both factors affect external auditors' reliance on work already undertaken by internal audit and their use of internal auditors (IA) as assistants. The results also indicate that external auditors are more likely to use internal audit for control evaluation tasks than for substantive tests of balances. The study does not find any significant interaction effects between the two factors.

Originality/value

No prior studies have examined the influence of reporting relationship and client business risk on external auditors' reliance decisions in the current governance environment. Further, the paper examines the impact of these factors on reliance on work already undertaken by internal audit and on using IA as assistants, with respect to both control evaluation work and substantive testing of balances.
Materiality in the context of audit: the real expectations gap
Authors: Houghton Keith A. , Jubb Christine , Kend Michael
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to focus on the issue of materiality judgements and the need for public disclosure of materiality levels. Insights about the concept of materiality are drawn from the words of users of audited financial reports, auditee managements, suppliers to the market for audit services and auditing standard setters and regulators.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports findings arising from face‐to‐face office interviews with individuals representing identified groups of stakeholders in the market for audit services about the issue of “materiality” as this concept is applied in auditing. The interviews canvassed many issues related to audit as part of a larger project entitled “The future of audit”.

Findings

In general, stakeholders perceive that the concepts involved in audit materiality are not well understood and they point to the difficulty in providing educative materiality about it, especially in relation to qualitative materiality, to retail investors in particular. There are mixed views as to whether the actual level of tolerable error, as per one of the meanings of materiality in the audit space, should be disclosed, with some feeling that it might be detrimental or dangerous.

Practical implications

If incremental information about materiality is to be disclosed, the issue of where, what to whom, by whom and when arise. Various suggestions are made by stakeholders in respect of these questions.

Originality/value

The paper concludes by drawing from the insights gained by the authors through the comments of participant stakeholders to make recommendations that deal with the issue of audit materiality.
Corporate governance and no fraud occurrence in organizations
Authors: Law Philip
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine empirically the organizational factors that are associated with the absence of fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

Factor analysis using principal component extraction was first employed. Logistic regression was then performed to analyze the survey responses of 253 chief financial officers (CFOs) in Hong Kong. A total of 20 semi‐structured interviews were also carried out with CFOs to supplement the research results.

Findings

The results indicate that audit committee effectiveness, internal audit effectiveness, the tone at the top managerial level, and ethical guidelines and policies are positively associated with a lack of fraud within organizations. Neither auditors' prior success in fraud detection nor the type of auditor employed is an influential factor in the absence of fraud. These results are interesting and counter those of earlier studies conducted in the USA. Also contradicting prior research, the receipt of unqualified audit reports was not found to be significant in this study.

Practical implications

The lack of significance for certain variables, and the counterintuitive nature of some of the results offers opportunities for further research. The results provide auditors with practical insights that will prove useful in the course of their work.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical study of its nature to be conducted in Hong Kong, and its results will make an important contribution to the corporate governance and auditing literature, particularly that focused on the Asia‐Pacific region. These results also have important implications for the accounting profession and for the corporate governance process within organizations.
Indirect government controls over Australia's social security expenditure
Authors: Grose Robert J.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine how the use of indirect government control mechanisms is used as a means of holding government agencies such as job network providers and recipients of social security benefits accountable. The mechanisms of indirect government will be examined using Michel Foucault's discourses on disciplinary power, surveillance and normalisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The mechanisms of indirect government are investigated through a survey questionnaire and focus group interviews. The questionnaire is assessed and analysed using descriptive statistics and principal component analysis with varimax rotation.

Findings

It is found that the rationing and disciplinary mechanisms of the breaching regime, through a process of disciplinary power, surveillance and normalisation, combine to help hold government agencies and recipients of social security benefits accountable, which in turn helps control the level of social security expenditure.

Originality/value

The current study extends our understanding of the functions of indirect government by providing an applied example of how the process of government works indirectly through government agencies and the abundant rules and regulations that underpin such bureaucracies.
Organisations as emergent normative personalities: part 1, the concepts
Authors: Yolles Maurice , Fink Gerhard , Dauber Daniel
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Modelling the organisation to enable purposeful analysis and diagnosis of its ills is often problematic. This is illustrated by the unconnected non‐synergistic plurality of organisational models each of which relates to a particular isolated frame of thought and purpose. A cybernetic approach is adopted to create a generic psychosocial model for the organisation that is used to characterise its emergent normative personality. Organisations are often complex, and seeing them in terms of their normative personality can reduce the complexity and enable a better understanding of their pathologies. This paper seeks to do two things. The first is to show that it is possible to set up a generic model of the organisation as an agency, and the second is to show that this same model can also be represented in the alternative terms of the emergent normative personality. In order to do this, an understanding of what it is that constitutes generic criteria is required. In addition, the paper shall show that organisational and personality theories can be connected generically. One of the consequences of the theory is that the patterns of behaviour which occur in an agency have underlying trait control processes.

Design/methodology/approach

A meta‐systemic view of the organisation is adopted through knowledge cybernetics that enables more flexibility and formality when viewing organisational models. The paper develops a formal generic model of the organisation that should facilitate the exploration of problem situations both theoretically and empirically.

Findings

The outcome of the research formulates the cognitive processes of normative personality as a feasible way of explaining organisations and provide a capacity to analyse and predict the likelihood of their behavioural conduct and misconduct. As an agency trait model, agency explains the socio‐cognitive aspects of self‐organisation and the efficacy of connections between the traits. These traits control the personality, and inter‐trait connections are Piagetian intelligences that orient the traits and work through forms of first‐ and second‐order autopoiesis. The development of a typology of pathologies is also suggested as feasible.

Originality/value

There are previous metaphorical notions that link agency with traits. Here, metaphor is extended to produce a formal model for the emergent normative personality. This is the first time that socio‐cognitive and trait approaches are formally linked, as it is the fist time that a typology for organisational pathologies is proposed.
A new – 4th order cybernetics and sustainable future
Authors: Božičnik Stane , Mulej Matjaž
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report a further step in the authors' research and suggest a new – 4th order cybernetics, applying it to the issue of a sustainable future, that must unavoidably result from the current socio‐economic crisis surfacing in 2008 as the top of an iceberg, or humankind of the current civilization has poor chances to survive. One‐sided solutions do not prove to work; they make us think of systems and cybernetics.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research with application to real‐life cases.

Findings

While cybernetics is about steering, i.e. influencing, cybernetics of the 1st and 2nd order might be insufficient for solving the problem, and cybernetics of the 3rd order might serve us better, but not enough either. The authors' thesis reads: they might better be put in a new synergy with the (Universal) Dialectical Systems Theory and Cybernetics of Conceptual Systems to make a new kind of systems theory/cybernetics called cybernetics of the 4th order. It should help human beings to attain the requisite holism of the human approach and the requisite wholeness of outcomes of human action.

Research limitations/implications

A more holistic concept of cybernetics is suggested.

Practical implications

Control of ecological problems of today might be made easier.

Originality/value

This is the first publication about the concept of the 4th order cybernetics, especially with application to issues of sustainability.
Hierarchy orientation in equity alliances: core capabilities perspective
Authors: Bertoncelj Andrej , Kavčič Klemen
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate whether protection of core capabilities requires a greater level of control, i.e. ownership, even if it is at the cost of lower flexibility. Despite the significant research interest in equity alliances, knowledge of strategic orientation of acquiring companies is still incomplete.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines two main generic organizational forms, hierarchy and market, their benefits and threats for acquiring companies while protecting their core capabilities in equity alliances.

Findings

The protection of core capabilities is becoming an important strategic objective in the processes of forging equity alliances which are based on ownership and legal relationships. Ownership brings more control over core capabilities which mean competitive advantage through hierarchical organizational structure on the one hand but less flexibility as otherwise benefited in market organizational structure on the other.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies are required in order to corroborate the assessment of presented organizational forms and to explore these relationships over a longer period of time.

Practical implications

The topic is relevant for designing strategies in acquiring companies or those companies becoming a part of global networks. Better understanding of strategic orientation and concept of control could significantly enhance the success rate in M&A activity.

Originality/value

The paper explores as to when and why a certain organizational structure, hierarchy or market, is the preferred one for companies. This paper intends to give executives practical, hands‐on advice for conducting M&A activity.
Creativity: relation to neural transmission errors
Authors: Fidelman Uri
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare creativity and psychometric IQ and to explain why creativity is often related to mental disturbances.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is that of theoretical analysis.

Findings

Psychometric IQ is found to be related to low probability of neural transmission errors. On the other hand, creativity is related to the existence of some neural transmission errors, and therefore to mental disorders.

Originality/value

The findings presented in the paper may be applied to education; to the increase of both psychometric IQ and creativity.
Excitable Delaunay triangulations
Authors: Adamatzky Andrew
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Delaunay triangulations provide a good alternative to existing approaches of modelling unstructured unconventional computers. Experimental research in novel and emerging computing paradigms and materials shows a great progress in designing laboratory prototypes of spatially extended computing devices. In these devices, computation is implemented by excitation waves and localisations in reaction‐diffusion chemical media, geometrically constrained and compartmentalized excitable substrates, organic molecular assemblies, and gas‐discharge systems. These unconventional computing substrates can be formally represented by Delaunay triangulations with excitable nodes. Thus, it is important to uncover most common types of excitation dynamics on the Delaunay diagrams. The purpose of this paper is to define excitable automata on Delaunay triangulation and demonstrate how to control a space‐time dynamics of excitation on the triangulation using absolute and relative excitability thresholds.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper modifies classical Greenberg‐Hasting model to topology of Delaunay triangulations and considers not only a threshold of excitation but also a ratio of excited neighbours as an essential factor of nodes' activation. Delaunay triangulations for various densities of nodes packaging are considered.

Findings

The paper defines excitable automata on Delaunay triangulation and demonstrates how to control a space‐time dynamics of excitation on the triangulation using absolute and relative excitability thresholds. The paper uncovers several interesting phenomena ranging from reaction of excitation waves by edge of triangulation to branching domains of activity guided by travelling localized excitations.

Originality/value

The findings reported in the paper will contribute towards designs of novel computing substrates in non‐crystalline structure. Also, automaton interpretation of activity dynamics on Delaunay triangulation can make a viable model of automaton‐network approaches to design of nano‐computing devices.
Taylor‐Galerkin method for advection‐diffusion equation
Authors: Dağ İdris , Canivar Aynur , Şahin Ali
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide numerical solutions of the time‐dependent advection‐diffusion problem by using B‐spline finite element methods in which Taylor series expansion is used for the related time discretization.

Design/methodology/approach

The solution domain is partitioned into uniform mesh. The collocation and the Galerkin methods where B‐spline functions are used as base functions are applied to advection‐diffusion equation.

Findings

Given methods are unconditionally stable and the obtained results are comparable with some earlier studies in terms of accuracy.

Originality/value

Quadratic and cubic B‐spline base functions are used with Taylor series expansion for the discretization of the equation.
Tension reduction by military power equalization: the USA‐USSR case
Authors: Tsaganea Doru
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present another historical case that supports the theory that power equality – and not power inequality – reduces international tension and makes the world more peaceful.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper refers to two mathematical models that back this theory and focuses on the case of the American and Soviet military expenditures during the last 25 years of the superpowers' rivalry. Both datasets are adjusted for inflation and expressed in constant US dollars. The 25‐year interval is divided into two main subintervals into the basis of data characteristics, and four regression lines are determined.

Findings

The regression lines of the US and USSR military expenditures corresponding to the first‐time interval intersect in 1971, when the main decisions regarding the SALT Treaty were made. The same lines for the second interval intersect in 1989, when the Cold War ended. The USA decided to escalate the Vietnam War during the period in which their military expenditures were significantly higher than the Soviet ones. Similarly, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan when its military expenditures were considerably bigger than the American ones. Subsequently, it is possible to affirm that the 1976‐1991 US‐USSR arms race is another important empirical case that supports the theory asserting that power equalization reduces international tension.

Originality/value

By using three simple statistical techniques – adjustment for inflation, determination of the relevant regression lines, and calculation of intersection points – the paper shows that two sets of highly significant empirical data reinforce the theory that power equalization reduces international tension.
Guiding conceptual design modeling based on product systems analysis
Authors: Cao Dongxing , Han Yanhui , Cui Chunxiang , Qi Kaicheng
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to implement the modeling of the design process in response to volatile market demands. It mainly focuses on design activities for product development towards the early stage.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the system of products from the systems engineering point of view, analyzes the attributes of products and components, studies the environment and its input/output relationship and implements product formal representation, respectively. This paper gives product structure and component connections, describes the process of structure generations and product decomposition by set representation, calculates the number of component connections and density of components; also it presents product module division and coupling degree analysis in accordance with axiomatic theory; coupling degree is calculated by considering the correspondence ratio and the cluster independence.

Findings

It describes the product as an engineering system, and analyzes product systems and product structures through using systems theory. Design process modeling is analyzed, and a strategic approach to decomposing product structure and calculating modularity is adopted for product development.

Research limitations/implications

Accessibility and availability mainly focus on product system development.

Practical implications

The paper offers useful advice for the modeling process of product conceptual design.

Originality/value

The new approach to conceptual design is based on set representation and systems analysis as well as axiomatic theory. The paper is aimed at understanding evolution mechanism of complexity product systems.
Design of agent‐based supply chain‐oriented virtual enterprise platform
Authors: Chen Dejun , Zhou Zude , Ma Yingzhe , Pham D.T.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to create a platform framework based on agent for virtual enterprise (VE) with the characteristic of supply chain by adopting multi‐agent technology.

Design/methodology/approach

According to the system hierarchy theory and the features of VE with the characteristic of supply chain, the conception and organization structure of supply chain‐oriented VE are proposed. Combined with characters of multi‐agent, a platform framework based on agent for VE with the characteristic of supply chain is created. Aiming at complexity of net node of running platform framework, two‐layer architecture mode, which are information alternation layer and basic function layer inside net node based on agent, are designed. The modes are proved to be reasonable in the management of the system and networks resources.

Findings

The theory base of realization of the VE based on agent with the characteristic of supply chain is found.

Research limitations/implications

The reasonable basic function design of various agents are main limitations.

Practical implications

The paper presents a very useful tool for the operation and management of VE.

Originality/value

A new approach and scheme for VE with the characteristic of supply chain is presented. This paper is aimed at researchers and engineers.
Research on the innovation system of China's software industry based on CAS theory
Authors: Dai Weihui , Chen Mingqi , Ye Nan
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define and analyze the innovation system of China's software industry in order to build its innovation capability.

Design/methodology/approach

From a complex adaptive systems (CAS) perspective, the authors researched the constitution and operating mechanism of China's software industry innovation system. By using methods and theories of CAS theory, the innovation problems of the software industry in China were analyzed and valuable suggestions put forth for its future development.

Findings

Innovation system is one kind of complex systems and it has the characteristics of CAS.

Research limitations/implications

Quantitative analysis of the software industry innovation system should be emphasized in the next stage of research.

Practical implications

The paper provides a new perspective and useful advice for technology policymakers.

Originality/value

The paper applies CAS theory to the area of social management and provides a new approach to study industrial innovation systems.
Dynamical model and analysis of cascading failures on the complex power grids
Authors: Ding Lijie , Cao Yijia , Wang Guangzeng , Liu Meijun
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the failures spread in complex power grids, and what topology of power grids is best for preventing or reducing blackouts.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the study of cascading failure models of complex power networks, an extended dynamical cascading failure model is proposed. Based on this model, two representatives of the complex power grids, the small‐world network and the scale‐free network, were simulated for line cascading failure. The power loss caused by cascading failures and the spreading speed of cascading failure are discussed.

Findings

Power loss caused by cascading failures in the small‐world network is much larger than that in the scale‐free network, and the speed of cascading failure propagation in the small‐world network is much faster than that in the scale‐free network.

Research limitations/implications

The establishment of the dynamical cascading failure model considering other protection devices needs further study.

Practical implications

The results of this study can be beneficial in system planning and upgrading.

Originality/value

An extended dynamical cascading failure model is proposed and cascading failures in different topology of power grid are discussed.
Broad‐spectrum analysis and pansystems methodology
Authors: Chuan‐bin Duan , Peng Chen
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship of broad‐spectrum analysis and pansystems methodology from the fundamental questions of the study of broad‐spectrum analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

By means of structure analysis and comparison method, the paper gives an introduction to the inner features and connections of broad‐spectrum analysis and pansystems methodology, respectively.

Findings

The opinion that pansystems methodology applies in the two features of broad‐spectrum analysis is put forward, and three aspects in the application of broad‐spectrum analysis in pansystems methodology are analyzed.

Research limitations/implications

The details of the structural models in this paper have to be worked out.

Practical implications

The paper contributes to understanding the features of broad‐spectrum analysis and pansystems methodology.

Originality/value

The paper reveals the original relationship between broad‐spectrum analysis and pansystems methodology, which embodies the value of pansystems methodology to broad‐spectrum analysis.
Pricing decisions for reverse supply chains
Authors: Qiaolun Gu , Jianhua Ji , Tiegang Gao
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the collecting price decisions of used products in reverse supply chains based on the following cases: manufacturer for collecting and processing, third party for collecting and manufacturer for processing, retailer for collecting and manufacture for processing, and third party for collecting and processing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers a recycling channel whereby a manufacturer collects and processes the used products or delegates collecting (or processing) to the retailer or a third party; characterizes the steps of processing a returned used product; gives a collection function of used products which is an increasing function of the collecting price, since the quantity of returned used products is affected by the end customer's willingness and the end customer's willingness is affected by the collecting price. The optimal results were obtained by game theory.

Findings

By investigating the pricing decisions for different cases, the manufacturer prefers to collect the used products rather than delegate to others if manufacturer for processing, and a third party joining the reverse supply chains hopes to collaborate more deeply, not only collecting but also processing the used products.

Research limitations/implications

The main implication is that the reusing ratio of the returned used products and the remanufacturing ratio of the key parts have impacts on the optimal pricing decisions of reverse supply chains.

Practical implications

The paper describes a very useful method for managers to make collecting price decisions for reverse supply chains.

Originality/value

The paper provides the optimal results of collecting price decisions. The paper contributes to the reverse supply chains researches and managers who are responsible for the reverse supply chains.
Criteria for omnibearing imbalance of macroeconomic system structures and their strategic optimization
Authors: Tao Lixin , Guo Yingfan , Du Weiwei
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose and demonstrate criteria for omnibearing imbalance of macroeconomic system structure (regions, industries, urban and rural areas, departments, ownership, etc.) and their strategic optimization, for structural optimization of the global regional macroeconomic system, providing universal application of the formula for calculating, and quantitative basis.

Design/methodology/approach

Relevant statistical data will compare receipts (GBC) model calculation to quantitatively determine structural imbalance and the formation of structural optimization and direction and intensity of the strategic program.

Findings

Contemporary system science believes that all things take the form of systems, and that the output function depends on the internal structure of systems. Therefore, the system structure must be judged by the output benefit. Although the output benefit of a society's macroeconomic system is enslaved to the system's external environment (the peripheral environment, international economy, or even global economy), the state of the system's internal structure directly determines its output benefit. In reverse, the output benefit of the macroeconomic system is also the reference to evaluate its internal structure.

Research limitations/implications

Research on the macroeconomic system structural imbalances and optimization with universal applicability.

Originality/value

The paper is of great significance with regard to the theory, methodology, and practice for structural optimization of the global regional macroeconomic system.
Optimal multiperiod scheduling of multiproduct batch plants under demand uncertainty
Authors: Zhu Jin , Gu Xingsheng , Gu Wei
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to set up a two‐stage stochastic integer‐programming model (TSM) for the multiperiod scheduling of multiproduct batch plants under demand uncertainty involving the constraints of material balances and inventory constraints, as well as the penalty for production shortfalls and excess.

Design/methodology/approach

Scheduling model is formulated as a discrete‐time State Task Network. Given a scheduling horizon consisting of several time‐periods in which product demands are placed, the objective is to select a schedule that maximizes the expected profit for a single and multiple product with a given probability level. The stochastic elements of the model are expressed with equivalent deterministic optimization models.

Findings

The TSM model not only allows for uncertain product demand correlations, but also gives different processing modes by a range of batch sizes and a task‐dependent processing time. The experimental results show that the TSM model is more appropriate than another model for multiperiod scheduling of multiproduct batch plants under correlated uncertain demand.

Research limitations/implications

The choice of penalty parameter of demand uncertainty is the main limitation.

Practical implications

The paper provides very useful advice for multiperiod scheduling of multiproduct batch plants under demand uncertainty.

Originality/value

A stochastic model for the multiperiod scheduling of multiproduct batch plants under demand uncertainty was set up. A test problem involving 12 correlated uncertain product demands and two alternative models verified the availability of the TSM.
Edge detection for highly distorted images suffering Gaussian noise based on improve Canny algorithm
Authors: Kuang Tai , Zhu Qing‐Xin , Sun Yue
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to detect edge of image in high noise level, suffering Gaussian noise.

Design/methodology/approach

Canny edge detection algorithm performs poorly when applied to highly distorted images suffering from Gaussian noise. In Canny algorithm, 2D‐gaussian function is used to remove noise and preserve edge. In high noise level, 2D‐gaussian function cannot meet the needs. In this paper, an improving Canny edge detection algorithm is presented. The algorithm presented is based on local linear kernel smoothing, in which local neighborhoods are adapted to the local smoothness of the surface measured by the observed data. The procedure can therefore remove noise correctly in continuity regions of the surface, and preserve discontinuities at the same time.

Findings

The statistical model of removing noise and preserving edge can meet the need of edge detection in images highly corrupted by Gaussian noise.

Research limitations/implications

It was found that when the noise ratio is higher than 40 percent, the edge detection algorithm performs poorly.

Practical implications

A very useful method for detecting highly distorted images suffering Gaussian noise.

Originality/value

Since an image can be regarded as a surface of the image intensity function and such a surface has discontinuities at the outlines of objects, this algorithm can be applied directly to detect edge of image in high noise level.
The e‐derivative of Boolean functions and its application in the fault detection and cryptographic system
Authors: Li Weiwei , Wang Zhuo , Huang Jinglian
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that the e‐derivative is of great significance when revealing cryptographic characteristics of Boolean functions and assurance of the safety of the cryptographic system.

Design/methodology/approach

A new definition is introduced in this paper.

Findings

After introducing the e‐derivative, the authors obtain some relevant cryptographic properties and theorems which can fully reveal the relationships between characteristics and structures of Boolean functions. In logic circuit fields, the authors conduct the test to all the signals with numerical value 1 in the transmission line using the e‐derivative, which improves the ability of the test. In addition, when there is no expression of the transmission line the authors will obtain it through the vector, and then do troubleshooting.

Research limitations/implications

Logic circuit is the main limitation in the fault detection.

Practical implications

A very useful method for assurance of the safety of cryptographic systems.

Originality/value

This paper is the first time, in cryptology fields, that the e‐derivative of Boolean functions as a new definition is introduced to fully reveal the relationships between characteristics and structures of Boolean functions. In addition, they can also be applied to the locating test of the breakdown, which improves the ability of the test.