bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Torque measurement methods for very high‐speed motors
Authors: Pfister Pierre‐Daniel , Perriard Yves
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a contactless torque measurement methods. The need for low‐weight, high‐efficiency and high‐power density motors has led to an increased research and development activity in the field of very high speed (VHS) motors or generators. Torque measurement methods are inherently linked with the target speed and power of the motor. Therefore, new torque measurement methods compatible with VHS need to be designed in order to apprehend this new area of electrical machines. In this paper, the target speed is 200,000 rpm.

Design/methodology/approach

The goal is to develop contactless torque measurement methods. Indeed, a mechanical connection between the motor shaft and the measuring device adds normal modes to the shaft. Also, if a measuring device is mechanically connected and held through bearings, then the whole design is hyperstatic. Both aspects can be critical at VHSs.

Findings

An indirect method based on the inertia of the rotor allows to measure high torques very rapidly. It is validated through a second method based on eddy currents. Also, a practical setup for measuring friction torque in VHS ball bearings is presented.

Originality/value

The presented methods are of high value for assessing a motor efficiency and useful to anybody confronted with the difficulties of torque measurements in the area of high‐speed machines.
Dynamic analysis method of spherical resonant actuator using 3D finite element method
Authors: Suzuki Satoshi , Yamaguchi Tadashi , Kawase Yoshihiro , Sato Koichi , Kakami Shuhei , Hirata Katsuhiro , Ota Tomohiro , Hasegawa Yuya
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a dynamic analysis method of a novel spherical resonant actuator. In this method, the magnetic field equation is coupled with the electric circuit equation and the motion equation with the mesh modification method using the Laplace equation applied to the rotation of the spherical actuator.

Design/methodology/approach

The static torque characteristics and dynamic characteristics of the spherical resonant actuator using the proposed method are clarified. The calculated results are compared with the measured ones.

Findings

The calculated static torque agrees well with the measured one. The validity of the computation using the proposed method is quantitatively clarified through the comparison with the measurement.

Originality/value

The paper proposes the dynamic analysis method of the complicated spherical resonant actuator using the mesh modification method by the Laplace equation.
Automated sizing of permanent magnet synchronous machines with respect to electromagnetic and thermal aspects
Authors: Hafner Martin , Schöning Marc , Hameyer Kay
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider thermal analysis as part of an automated sizing and design process. The temperature estimation at characteristic points of the machine, and in particular in permanent magnets, is essential to accurately simulate the electromagnetic behavior and avoid irreversible demagnetization.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, an electromagnetic dimensioning model, parameterized by finite element analysis, is coupled to a thermal lumped‐parameter model to constitute a fast and efficient design tool for electrical machines.

Findings

A parameterized and hybrid FE‐analytical electromagnetic model, which combines analytical and numerical advantages, to archive a fast and accurate electromagnetic simulation results is combined with a thermal lumped‐parameter model for water‐cooled and passive air‐cooled surface mounted permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSM).

Practical implications

Sizing, electromagnetic and thermal modeling aspects are integrated into an automated design process. The whole design process is demonstrated on two standard industrial servo motors for passive and active water cooling and afterwards compared with available measurements.

Originality/value

The proposed method allows considering thermal aspects during the iterative automated electromagnetic design process of PMSM.
In‐plane eddy current analysis for end and interior stator core packets of turbine generators
Authors: Yamazaki Katsumi , Yamato Yuki , Mogi Hisashi , Kaido Chikara , Nakahara Akihito , Takahashi Kazuhiko , Ide Kazumasa , Hattori Ken'ichi
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the distribution of in‐plane eddy currents in stator core packets of turbine generators, and to reveal the loss reduction effect by the slits in the stator teeth.

Design/methodology/approach

The in‐plane eddy currents are calculated by a 3D finite element method that considers lamination of electrical steel sheets. First, this method is applied to a simple model that simulates the stator core of the turbine generators. The calculated losses are compared with the measured losses in order to confirm the validity. Next, the same method is applied to a 250 MVA class turbine generator.

Findings

The validity of the calculation method is confirmed by the measurement of the simple model. By applying this method to the turbine generator, it is clarified that the considerable in‐plane eddy currents are generated not only at the end stator packets, but also at the top of the teeth of the interior packets due to the duct space. It is also clarified that the in‐plane eddy‐current loss decreases as nearly half by the slits of the stator teeth.

Originality/value

A reliable calculation method for the in‐plane eddy‐current loss in the turbine generators is developed. The results obtained by this method are valuable for the design of the generator from the viewpoint of heat conduction.
Analysis method of negative ion by electrostatic atomization
Authors: Okaue Yu , Yoshikawa Gaku , Miyasaka Fumikazu , Hirata Katsuhiro
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an analysis method of negative ion by electrostatic atomization. Because the electrostatic atomization includes large deformation of a drop of water, it is difficult to analyze with conventional fluid analysis methods such as the finite differences method, the finite element method (FEM) and so on.

Design/methodology/approach

In this method, electrostatic field equation is coupled with Navier‐Stokes equation of a drop of water, employing the moving particle semi‐implicit method and FEM. The validity of the method is verified through the measurement.

Findings

It was found that the difference between calculated and measured results becomes large as the voltage increases.

Research limitations/implications

In order to improve the accuracy, it is necessary to improve the way to calculate surface tension and the analysis condition.

Originality/value

This paper confirms the usefulness of the numerical method to elucidate electrostatic atomization.
Automatic HF model generation and impedance optimization for low voltage DC motors
Authors: Benecke Jens , Linde André , Dickmann Stefan
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to create a model to calculate the high frequency (HF) complex impedance of common low‐voltage DC motors from construction parameters to predict their electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) emission behaviour and perform sensitivity analyses, and an optimization routine is developed to find combinations of construction parameters which best match a desired impedance curve.

Design/methodology/approach

The motor is divided into components. For each component, its electrical behaviour including parasitics is derived from material and geometry, and the electromagnetic interactions between components are defined. These results are then reproduced using inductances, capacitances, and resistors where applicable. Mathematical expressions are given to calculate their value from the material and geometrical parameters.

Findings

The complex impedance of DC motors can be accurately constructed from geometry and material parameters within a small range. The optimization routine successfully finds parameters to match a desired curve within specified parameter ranges. This can help finding a motor with lower conducted electromagnetic interference.

Originality/value

This analytically parameterized model constitutes a new way to describe electrical motors from an EMC perspective and define critical parameters.
Comparative performance analysis of aluminum‐ and copper‐rotor induction generators in standalone wind power application
Authors: Hafiz Khurshid , Nanda Gaurav , Kar Narayan C.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

In order to assess the performance of an induction generator in standalone wind power application, it is imperative that mathematical models are developed that accurately represent the system and take into account various electromagnetic influences such as skin effect. The purpose of this paper is to utilize mathematical models to study the transient and steady‐state behaviour of the self‐excited induction generator (SEIG), in one case with an aluminum rotor, in another case, with a copper rotor, under various load conditions while taking the above factor into account.

Design/methodology/approach

Mathematical models of a SEIG in the d‐q axis frame have been developed based on the generalized machine theory. A relationship between the mutual inductance and the magnetizing current of the machine has been presented. The rotor impedances have been customized to include skin effect. Using these relations, the model has been extended to include the saturation and skin effects. In order to verify the accuracy of the models, numerical and experimental investigations have been carried out on two 7.5 hp aluminum‐rotor and copper‐rotor SEIGs.

Findings

It was found that the model that takes into account the saturation and skin effects produces numerical results that closely match experimental values for both the machines.

Originality/value

This paper describes how a model of an SEIG considering saturation and skin effect has been developed and applied to aluminum‐ and copper‐rotor machines of similar power ratings to analyze their performance.
Electric motor winding temperature prediction using a simple two‐resistance thermal circuit
Authors: Antunes Cezario Cassiano , Penha Silva Hilton
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a simplified thermal circuit to estimate the temperature rise in the winding of a totally enclosed fan cooled electric motor for different loads and/or cooling conditions since the motor has already been tested for a known condition.

Design/methodology/approach

The determination of the convection resistance is based on classical Nusselt correlations and the value of conduction resistance is provided from a known load condition and the corresponding temperature rise in the winding.

Findings

Predicted temperature values showed good agreement with the experimental results, demonstrating that the hypothesis of simplification to a punctual source of thermal energy is acceptable.

Research limitations/implications

It is necessary that the motor has already been tested for a known condition (losses, temperature, and ventilation). Although the basic idea of this methodology is based on the use of a reference test condition of the same motor, as a suggestion, with small modifications the same methodology can be used to estimate the thermal behavior of different sized motors, provided a similar motor has already been tested.

Practical implications

This approach results in a fast methodology to estimate the thermal behavior of an electric motor in different loads and/or cooling conditions.

Originality/value

The differential of this circuit is the use of only two thermal resistances, one for the whole conduction and the other for the convection. This approach is a way to overcome the difficulties related to the determination of the thermal contact resistance and the equivalent conduction resistance between the winding and the different isolation systems inside the slots.
Analytical thermal models for small induction motors
Authors: Staton Dave , Popescu Mircea
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Thermal analysis is an important design aspect and becoming a more important component of the electric motor design process due to the push for reduced weights and costs and increased efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the accuracy of analytical thermal models depends on the accuracy of the thermal resistance computation and on the number of nodes in the equivalent thermal circuit.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, several thermal analytical models with different numbers of nodes are compared against with each other and with experimental data.

Findings

It is demonstrated that the more sophisticated and detailed model having a larger number of nodes can be used to calibrate the simpler but faster models with less nodes. The models are all for the same range of small totally enclosed non‐ventilated induction motors.

Originality/value

This paper shows that simplified and/or detailed analytical thermal models can be successfully used in predicting the temperature rise in small induction motors. The level of detail and accuracy of these models strongly depends on the number of nodes and how the thermal resistances are set up. The calibration process for various reduced nodal model has been successfully described. Once calibrated, the reduced node thermal models give both satisfactory accuracy and allow very fast and robust thermal calculations.
Analysis of a fault‐tolerant hybrid‐excitation DC motor
Authors: Bolognesi Paolo , Papini Francesco , Bruno Ottorino
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of hybrid‐excitation solutions, using contemporaneously permanent magnets and field coils, for DC machines intended to operate as the core of high‐reliability drives in critical applications supplied by batteries (e.g. fire‐extinguishing pumps, smoke blowers, etc.) where a roughly constant speed is required and a minimal use of electronic devices is prescribed to improve overall dependability.

Design/methodology/approach

A high‐reliability hybrid‐excitation DC motor, initially designed basing on theoretical considerations, is then analyzed using purposely developed 2D and 3D finite element method (FEM) electromagnetic models under static, dynamic, healthy, and faulty conditions.

Findings

The simulation results confirm that properly designed drives employing hybrid‐excitation DC motors may constitute an effective solution for applications requiring a very high reliability under DC supply with limited speed regulation capability.

Research limitations/implications

The methodology employed exhibits the usual limits concerning the accuracy of FEM analysis: hysteresis is neglected, 2D simulations neglect axial component of fields, in 2D dynamic analysis the electrically discontinuous laminated cores are modeled as orthotropic continuous parts, commutator operation is approximated by means of a position‐dependent resistors network, and the excitation current provided by choppers is approximately considered as constant.

Practical implications

Hybrid excitation DC motors, which may be easily manufactured using existing facilities and mature technologies, might provide an interesting solution for emergency drives requiring minimal regulation capabilities and very high reliability under direct DC supply.

Originality/value

Hybrid excitation is not much investigated in the literature especially for DC motors, although such solution may result potentially interesting especially when a limited flux adjustment capability is required.
A coupled‐circuit model for a DFIG operating under unbalanced conditions
Authors: Djurovic Sinisa , Williamson Steve
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the principles of a coupled‐circuit model for a doubly‐fed induction generator (DFIG) and to present evidence of the validity of this versatile and powerful technique and the advantages it offers when used for modeling and analysis of DFIG operation in unbalanced conditions. This paper also investigates the winding fault induced changes in the machine stator steady‐state current spectrum with a view to DFIG condition monitoring.

Design/methodology/approach

The presented model is based on the summation of harmonic winding inductances. It comprises of a set of standard induction machine electromechanical equations where a connection matrix that defines a particular balanced/unbalanced winding configuration of interest is conveniently incorporated in the expressions. This model is therefore capable of representing both open‐ and short‐circuit stator and rotor winding faults while also taking into account higher order air‐gap field harmonics. Model predictions are verified in this work through comparison with corresponding experimental data obtained from a purpose built 30 kW DFIG laboratory test rig. The paper involves a number of healthy and faulty operating scenarios.

Findings

Advantages and validity of the employed model are illustrated in time and frequency domain for different steady‐state balanced/unbalanced winding DFIG operating conditions. It is also shown in both predicted and measured data that the considered winding asymmetries give rise to additional harmonic components in the stator current spectrum.

Research limitations/implications

The importance of considering higher order air‐gap field harmonics when modeling induction machine behavior is outlined in this work.

Practical implications

This paper identifies changes in the DFIG stator current harmonic content spectra that are winding fault induced. These may have the potential to constitute reliable fault indicators.

Originality/value

The paper discusses a harmonic conductor distribution‐based modeling method aimed predominantly at frequency domain analysis of DFIG electrical quantities. It is shown that DFIG stator current spectrum is rich in higher order harmonic components and that manner in which these are manifested is heavily influenced by the presence of winding unbalance.
Contribution of inorganic pigments to the formation of paint films from oxypolymerising drying paints
Authors: Kalendová A. , Veselý D. , Kalenda P.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate the drying effect exhibited by pigments combined with a Co(II) salt of 2‐ethylhexanoic acid (Co(II)) in an alkyd resin modified by soya bean oil.

Design/methodology/approach

Paint hardening was studied by means of a method that follows the progress of alkyd film drying. Another important method was employed to monitor the gradually increasing hardness of the drying films. Hardness of thin films was measured by the Persos method. ZnO, ZnO nanoparticles, V2O5, ZnS and TiO2 were used to study the effect of solid inorganic pigments on alkyd film drying. The pigment particles were characterised by scanning electron microscopy. The investigated pigments were combined with a constant amount of the Co(II) drier that acts in the system as a homogeneous catalyst, while the investigated pigments played the role of heterogeneous catalysts.

Findings

Using certain pigments as catalysts in drying, alkyd resins brings about new findings concerning the function of fillers and pigments in paint films. ZnO nanoparticles substantially accelerate film drying and moreover, the resulting films exhibit substantially higher hardness than films containing other inorganic pigments. To prepare films exhibiting higher hardness within a shorter time, one may also use ZnO microparticles or ZnS. TiO2 and V2O5 were identified as pigments that either do not take part in the drying process or reduce the hardness of the resulting film.

Practical implications

The investigated catalytic system pigment/Co(II) drier can be advantageously used to accelerate the formation of alkyd paints modified by natural oils both for industrial and decorative purposes. It was established that hardness of paint films containing ZnO nanoparticles is twice as high as that of films containing only the Co(II) drier without any pigment. This finding makes new applications of alkyd paints possible in all instances where higher hardness is required.

Originality/value

Considering pigments as heterogeneous catalysts in systems producing films by the oxypolymerising mechanism is a new approach that gives rise to new and original solutions.
Water absorption and ion exchange properties of some derivatives of peroxyacid viscose grade pulp
Authors: Nada A.M.A. , El‐Masry A.M.M. , El‐Torky A.M.M. , Abd El‐Aziz Yehia E.A.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study some chemical reactions of viscose grade pulp (alpha cellulose around 96 per cent) prepared by preoxyacetic acid pulping of bagasse for the preparation of some cellulose derivatives.

Design/methodology/approach

Viscose grade pulp was prepared by using ecological chemicals. The viscose grade pulp was subjected to some chemical reactions (e.g. carboxymethylation, cyanoethylation and phosphorylation reactions). The pulping and bleaching which are two important stages involved in the complex process of converting fibrous raw material (bagasse) into viscose grade pulp are also investigated in this paper.

Findings

The viscose pulp prepared by peroxyacid pulping of bagasse was subjected to a number of chemical reactions such as: hydrogel and fibrous carboxymethyl cellulose; cyanoethyl cellulose, in which this cyanoethylcellulose (of gel properties) was prepared, the hydrophobic character of the cyanoethylcellulose was changed into hydrophilic character via hydrolysis by NaOH (2.5 per cent w/v) which converts some of the CN groups into COOH; and cellulose phosphate. Infrared spectroscopy of these derivatives was studied. New bands were observed at 3,120, 2,251, 1,200 and 980 cm−1 which characterised to groups, respectively.

Originality/value

The paper documents the preparation of some cellulose derivatives which have high water absorption and can be used as hydrogel materials such as carboxymethyl and hydrolysed cyanoethyl cellulose and ion exchange properties.
Cointegration and error correction modelling of wheat consumption in Pakistan
Authors: Mukhtar Tahir , Tariq Javed Muhammad , Ilyas Muhammad
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the short and the long run wheat demand elasticities in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Using cointegration and vector error correction model (VECM) techniques, the main objective of the study has been achieved.

Findings

The estimated long run and the short run elasticities suggest that income is the most significant determinant of wheat consumption in the long run while price of wheat is the major affecting factor of wheat consumption only in the short run.

Practical implications

The estimated demand elasticites may be used for framing any future food security policy in Pakistan. The less elastic nature of wheat demand both in the short and the long run suggests that under the likely Doha Round agricultural trade liberalization, wheat price rise will harm the poor consumers.

Originality/value

Wheat demand elasticities are estimated within the framework of cointegration and VECM to differentiate short run and long run elasticities in Pakistan.
Reproductivity, capital theory, and objectivist ethics
Authors: Touchstone Kathleen
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how reproductivity (child‐rearing) fits into ethics. It aims to use objectivist ethics (OE) specifically as the framework for considering this.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is conceptual in nature. Economic concepts are used to analyze and extend an ethical issue and the cardinal values within OE, which includes productive purpose, are reviewed.

Findings

The paper argues that reproductivity is sufficiently different from productivity to be a separate category. Then using the trader principle, the objectivist case for inheritance, and capital theory, the case is made that reproductivity is required of each person in the same sense that productivity is.

Originality/value

This is an original argument made by the author in Then Athena Said: Unilateral Transfers and the Transformation of Objectivist Ethics. In that work, reproductivity is linked to human capital replacement, depreciation, the sinking fund, and Irving Fisher's conception of standard income. This paper also relates it to permanent income. Also, the conclusions are more inclusive than those in the previous work in that other forms that the replacement of human capital can take in addition to reproduction are considered.
Retail e‐learning assessment: motivation, location, and prior experience
Authors: Hansen Jared M. , Levin Michael A.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a more complete theoretical model of retail e‐learning assessment module use. The location (i.e. onsite versus offsite) of assessment and prior experience is treated as moderators between motivation/intention, uses, and value; and differences between subjective and objective value are investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory, semester‐long, single‐course experiment was conducted using students (n=37) from Mexico and the USA enrolled in a retail‐focused marketing course at a university located near the border between the two countries.

Findings

Extrinsic and intrinsic motivations predict participants' use of e‐learning assessment modules. The objective and subjective value of assessment is strongly impacted by the individual's prior performance. Location of assessment moderator is significant.

Research limitations/implications

In addition to focusing on intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, retailers should also consider the possibility that prior experience and location of assessment can affect use and value. Prior experience levels of the participants were found to affect use. Retailers are cautioned not to assume mistakenly that increased use of e‐learning assessment modules results in lower performance. Rather, people that performed better in the past are less likely to use the modules. It is also found that when individuals can take the assessments offsite (e.g. at home, on the road), there is a positive impact on both objective and subjective performance. Retailers should examine the potential of permitting employees to take assessments from home (over the internet) or other remote locations.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the fact that many retailers have adopted e‐learning assessment technologies that include options for either onsite assessment (e.g. kiosks/PCs in human resource/training rooms) or offsite assessment that operations management and corporate staff can perform outside the office. However, little is known about what motivates people to use e‐learning assessment, and how it affects performance across these two locations for assessment. Moreover, knowledge of how location of use influences the relationships is currently missing.
Projective techniques in US marketing and management research
Authors: Soley Lawrence
Published: September 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the use of projective techniques for published marketing and management research in the USA. The paper emphasizes the influence that McClelland, Atkinson, Clark and Lowell's study, The Achievement Motive (1953), has had on subsequent research. That work applied quantitative analysis to responses obtained using projective techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The approaches used in this paper consist of descriptive historical methods and a literature review. The historical analysis was conducted using Kuhn's 1967 conception of paradigms, showing that the paradigm from which projective techniques emerged – psychoanalysis – failed to gather many adherents outside the discipline of psychology. The paradigm failed to gain adherents in US colleges of business, although there are some exceptions. One exception is managerial motivation research, which built on the traditions of The Achievement Motive. The literature review suggests that, despite lacking institutional bases that could be used to develop new adherents to the paradigm, projective techniques were used by a number of researchers, but this research was marginalized, criticized or misunderstood by adherents of the dominant paradigm, positivism.

Findings

Some of the criticism directed at projective techniques research by positivists involves criticism of the paradigm's assumption that humans have an unconscious, and a belief that projective techniques are unreliable and invalid. This paper points out that a growing number of cognitive psychologists now accept the existence of an unconscious, and measure it using the “implicit association test.” This paper argues that the IAT is an associational test is the tradition of word association. Moreover, the literature review shows that projective techniques are much more reliable than critics contend, and exhibit greater predictive validity than many positivist instruments.

Research limitations/implications

As with all literature reviews, this one does not include every published research study using projective techniques. As a consequence, the conclusions may not be generalizable to the studies excluded from the analysis.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the few to assemble the literature on projective techniques used in several disciplines, and draw conclusions from these about the applicability of the techniques to market research.
Narratives and metaphors in service development
Authors: Helkkula Anu , Pihlström Minna
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The aim of this is to present a new combined, projective technique, the event‐based narrative inquiry technique (EBNIT), and analyze how it adds to traditional interviewing techniques in service development contexts for yielding new service ideas and evaluating current service.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes and tests the new EBNIT technique in three service development projects in the information and communication technology field. The technique combines principles from the narrative inquiry technique and critical incident technique (CIT) as well as the use of projective elements in the form of metaphors.

Findings

Metaphors combined with lived critical and imaginary events helps to generate creative new service ideas. Customer experiences may be employed to interpret unspoken, tacit knowledge, which is beneficial when companies want to learn and create something new with the customer.

Research limitations/implications

Metaphors are necessary in order to find truly new, customer‐oriented ideas. Through imaginary events, narratives are linked to lived experiences and make new ideas concrete and focused on issues that are relevant for customers in their daily lives in a broad context. In contrast to using solely CIT, narratives result in a dialogue that includes social and cultural aspects of events.

Originality/value

The narrative inquiry technique has not traditionally been used in service development. The paper suggests that when combined with the CIT and metaphors, narrative analysis becomes a manageable technique, which can be implemented in different service and product development settings.
Exploring consumers' reactions towards innovative mobile services
Authors: Broeckelmann Philipp
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how projective techniques – in particular cartoon tests – give useful insights when used as a tool for conducting marketing research into innovative products and services. The paper presents results from four studies on mobile services that were conducted with cartoon tests.

Design/methodology/approach

Using specially developed cartoon tests on four topics in the realm of innovative mobile services, 669 participants (mostly students) were individually and personally interviewed. Each participant was presented with exactly one cartoon test. Each cartoon test had three to four variations. Thus, consumers' reactions to different results of the confrontation with mobile services could be explored. Using content analysis, participants' projections were examined.

Findings

Cartoon tests are a useful research method for researching products and services that the general population are not yet familiar with. Furthermore, specific findings from consumers' confrontation with cartoon tests on mobile advertising, usage of mobile price comparison services and mobile shopping are presented.

Originality/value

A well‐known, but – for the purposes of marketing research – rather seldom used method is applied to research on innovations. The paper shows that using projective techniques is fruitful to gain an understanding of consumers' latent attitudes and behavioral intentions towards mobile service innovations.
The role of information and communication technologies in using projective techniques as survey tools to meet the challenges of bounded rationality
Authors: Bond Derek , Ramsey Elaine
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Normal “mixed method” approaches to research – using standard quantitative surveys supported by qualitative methods such as semi‐structured interviews, often fail to measure issues “outside of the fence”. The purpose of this paper is to consider whether the challenges of bounded rationality can, in part, be addressed by including projective techniques within the “mixed methods” approach. In particular, it discusses the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in such an approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The results of an international pilot study into the use of projective techniques in assisting the evaluation of policies is outlined. The study is concerned with the response of small businesses to governments' policies aimed at encouraging the adoption of ICT. This is used as the basis of a discussion of the appropriateness of using ICT in such an approach.

Findings

ICT could play an important role in the use of projective techniques – including design; improving reliability and validity; distribution; analysis and interpretation.

Research limitations/implications

Much more research is needed before the appropriateness of (ICT based) projective techniques can be assessed fully.

Practical implications

The lessons learnt from this pilot study about the use of projective techniques as part of a “mixed methods” survey methodology was explored. In particular, the paper provides some practical suggestions as to how ICT might be used to reduce the overheads involved in implementing projective techniques.

Originality/value

For many people involved in traditional quantitative and qualitative research the usefulness and appropriateness of projective techniques have yet to be proven. This paper contributes some new thinking about how ICT might address some of the concerns over the suitability of projective techniques as part of a mixed methodology.
I spy with my little eye
Authors: Davidson Lorraine , Skinner Heather
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The paper arose from an experienced qualitative market researcher's desire to challenge her working methodologies in analysing and interpreting data for commercial clients. Faced with tight deadlines, and working largely on her own, the researcher wished to consider if alternative working practices might be worth the necessary time investment and if outputs could actually be enhanced.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper compares the results of projective techniques of qualitative data collection analysed manually with computer‐aided analysis of the same data. Four focus groups were set up. Various creative and projective techniques were incorporated into the groups in order to explore and test the boundaries of both the manual and computer‐based analysis data to the full.

Findings

The organisation of data was aided by the use of CAQDAS file management structure, but a general overview of the results was somewhat lost to the researcher. Moreover, visual rather than textual data do not lend itself to computer‐aided analysis, minimising their utility in analysing results from a wide range of projective techniques.

Research limitations/implications

While the objectivity of this introspective, reflective approach may be questionable, using a separate researcher to undertake different methods was neither deemed to enable a direct comparison of the process nor the experience, as seen reflectively through the eyes of the same researcher.

Practical implications

Insights can benefit other commercial market researchers who may be considering using CAQDAS.

Originality/value

The paper explores the analysis of data gathered using projective techniques – a recognised gap in the literature.
Corporate real estate management's credibility‐positioning status
Authors: Jalil Omar Abdul , Heywood Christopher
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce concepts of branding applicable to the corporate real estate management (CREM) service and present early results of a study of branding concepts to address a credibility‐positioning problem in CREM.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents case studies of CREM in Australia and Malaysia analysed from the branding perspective.

Findings

It is found that the CREM credibility‐positioning problem inside organisations depends not only on the technical performance of CREM service, but also involves the relationship between CREM and its customers.

Research limitations/implications

These are the early results of a study limited to a few case studies selected from four industry sectors in two different countries. Further findings might explain cross‐cultural perceptions for CREM's credibility‐positioning in emerging and mature real estate markets.

Practical implications

The research clearly identified the application of branding elements in CREM's relationship with customers. The findings of this paper are useful to CREM executives in increasing their credibility in their organisations.

Originality/value

The paper introduces branding theory as being useful and important in CREM practice.
Strategic infrastructure asset management: a conceptual framework to identify capabilities
Authors: Too Eric , Too Linda
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework that can be used to identify capabilities needed in the management of infrastructure assets.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilises a qualitative approach to analyse secondary data in order to develop a conceptual framework that identifies capabilities for strategic infrastructure asset management.

Findings

In an external business environment that is undergoing rapid change, it is more appropriate to focus on factors internal to the organisation such as resources and capabilities as a basis to develop competitive advantage. However, there is currently very little understanding of the internal capabilities that are appropriate for infrastructure asset management. Therefore, a conceptual framework is needful to guide infrastructure organisations in the identification of capabilities.

Research limitations/implications

This is a conceptual paper and future empirical research should be conducted to validate the propositions made in the paper.

Practical implications

The paper clearly argues the need for infrastructure organisations to adopt a systematic approach to identifying the capabilities needed in the management of strategic infrastructure assets. The discussion on the impact of essential capabilities is useful in providing the impetus for managers who operate in a deregulated infrastructure business landscape to review their existing strategies.

Originality/value

The paper provides a new perspective on how asset managers can create value for their organisations by investing in the relevant capabilities.
Road‐mapping the societal transformation potential of social media
Authors: Ahlqvist Toni , Bäck Asta , Heinonen Sirkka , Halonen Minna
Published: September 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to discuss the outcomes of a road‐mapping research on social media project completed at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. Social media refer to a combination of three elements: content, user communities, and Web 2.0 technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilizes socio‐technical road‐mapping to study the potential transformations of social media in the virtual and physical spheres.

Findings

Road‐maps were constructed in three thematic areas: society, companies, and local environment. The results were crystallized into five development lines. The first development line is transparency and its increasing role in society. The second development line is the rise of a ubiquitous participatory communication model. The third development is reflexive empowerment citizens. The fourth development line is the duality of personalization/fragmentation vs mass effects/integration. The fifth development line is the new relations of physical and virtual worlds.

Originality/value

The study of social media has been focusing mainly on its technological aspects from the current perspective. This paper forms a future‐oriented perspective to social media in a wider societal context.
Foresight on Taiwan nanotechnology industry in 2020
Authors: Su Hsin‐Ning , Lee Pei‐Chun , Yuan Benjamin J.C.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to create a vision and obtain a consensus on Taiwan's nanotechnology industry in three dimensions (the 2007 situation, the R&D maturation time, and the 2020 scenario). It then seeks to foster a set of development strategies for Taiwan in 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

A Delphi‐based foresight study together with an expert discussion meeting has been conducted to obtain a consensus for Taiwan nanotechnology in 2020.

Findings

The paper provides the results of the first Delphi‐based survey on Taiwan nanotechnology development. The Nano Bio Medicine domain has greater maturity; the maturation time of most techniques will be 2010‐2015; Nanocomposite Material Technique, Nano Optoelectronic and Optical Communication, and Nano Storage show relatively high competitiveness. Self‐R&D and Technology introduced from overseas are the major development methods in 2020.

Practical implications

The paper is of interest to foresight practitioners and policy makers at the industrial and government levels in Taiwan.

Originality/value

The paper is the first publication to identify Taiwan's 2020 nanotechnology development by Delphi‐based foresight investigation.
Future strategy for reducing violence against women: the Italian experience
Authors: Di Zio Simone
Published: September 2010

Purpose

This paper proposes the use of martial arts as a means to combat aggressiveness and, at the same time, to provide a concrete and preventive answer to the problem of violence against women.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper suggests the teaching of martial arts in school for both sexes, with a double positive effect: the reduction of the tendency to violence for boys and an increase in the defensive potential for girls. In both cases, looking to the long term, these synergistic effects could contribute to a reduction in violence against women.

Findings

The paper describes the Italian experience in teaching karate and judo at school. The Italian federation of judo, karate, fight and martial arts (FIJLKAM) was one of the first sports federations to have obtained the approval of a project for teaching its disciplines in schools. Thus, a lot of clubs of martial arts have been entering primary and secondary schools and they are teaching martial arts to children between 5 and 14 years old. During the school year 2008/2009 there were: 400 sports clubs implementing the project; 500 schools involved; 60.000 students participating.

Research limitations/implications

In the paper two important points are proposed in order to achieve the goal: the obligatory inclusion of martial arts in school education programs by the government; and a scientific monitoring of the effects of these programs on the improvement of pupils' school performances and on the reduction of violence among boys.

Practical implications

In many cases some parents and school administrators still think that including martial arts in school programs may lead to incidents and instigating violence. But, the Italian experience shows that after the implementation of right projects in the schools, both parents and school administrators radically change their opinions on martial arts. Most cases have shown that after the first year just the parents who were initially dubious about the project ask the school for the reactivation of similar projects for the following years.

Originality/value

The paper identified a long‐term strategy to combat the problem of violence against women.
The implementation paradox: intellectual property regulation in the Arab world
Authors: El Said Mohammed
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Although a large number of Arab countries are members of the World Trade Organisation and the Agreement on Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, most of these countries were unable to structure a national intellectual property protection regime which takes into consideration their development plans. The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the history of Arab countries' participation in multilateral trade and intellectual property negotiations and calls for the maximum utilisation by these countries of the intellectual property policy space available to them under international law.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws from the texts of international agreements and from the available literature on intellectual property. The paper also makes use of various international reports and studies on intellectual property and development.

Findings

The paper argues that due to the minimal participation and involvement by Arab countries in international trade and intellectual property negotiations, officials in these countries lacked deep knowledge and understanding about the technical and legal issues engulfing the regulation and implementation of intellectual property. The paper finds that those countries mostly active in negotiations were more able to capitalise on the system and to benefit from the available policy space in terms of national development. Finally, the paper provides recommendations aimed towards enhancing the policy space and utilising intellectual property for development purposes.

Originality/value

These findings are important for policy makers, officials and those interested in understanding the relation between intellectual property protection and development and how developing and Arab countries would be able to maximize the benefits from the international protection regime.