bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects for console game sales in Japan market
Authors: Kimura Makoto
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the respective effects of advertising, word of mouth (operationalized as “tweets” on Twitter), and serialization on sales of console game series in Japan.

Design/methodology/approach

– To do this, the author classified console game series into four categories on the basis of their sales, identified a singular case that corresponds to each category, and presented a performance calculation model that approximates variation in sales for the first and second titles of each series.

Findings

– Coupled with the results generated by the performance models a comparison of each game series showed that although word-of-mouth and backward serialization may influence sales performance for the first title in a console game series, sales of the second title in the series were most heavily influenced by forward serialization and advertising. The author further found that word-of-mouth via social networks was unlikely to affect the sales performance of a series’ second title.

Research limitations/implications

– The sales of first title video game console series permit the forecasting and evaluation of the sales’ second title performance through the performance calculation model incorporating the advertising, word-of-mouth, and serialization effect and vice versa.

Originality/value

– Taken together, these results demonstrate that the affordances of social networking can be used to improve sales performance for the first title in a series, and the use of backward serialization for subsequent titles could incite the purchase of over a million copies of the game(s).
Iron loss in FSPMM: 2D FEA-based comparative study between single and double-layer topologies
Authors: Masmoudi Asma , Masmoudi Ahmed
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to compare the study between two topologies of fractional-slot permanent-magnet machines such that: double-layer topology and single-layer one. The comparison considers the assessment of the iron loss in the laminated cores of the magnetic circuit as well as in the permanent magnets (PMs) for constant torque and flux weakening ranges.

Design/methodology/approach

– The investigation of the hysteresis and eddy-current loss has been carried out using 2D transient FEA models.

Findings

– It has been found that the stator iron losses are almost the same for both topologies. Whereas, the single-layer topology is penalized by higher iron loss especially the eddy-current ones taking place in the PMs. This is due to their denser harmonic content of the armature air gap MMF spatial repartition.

Originality/value

– The analysis of the iron loss maps in different parts of each machine including stator and rotor laminations as well as the PMs, in one hand, and the investigation of their variation with respect to the speed, in the other hand, represent the major contribution of this work.
Torque ripple reduction of synchronous reluctance machines
Authors: Wang K. , Zhu Z.Q. , Ombach G. , Koch M. , Zhang S. , Xu J.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of stator and rotor pole number combinations together with the flux-barrier layers number on the performance of synchronous reluctance machine with emphasis on output torque capability and torque ripple.

Design/methodology/approach

– AC synchronous reluctance machine (SynRM) or permanent magnet assisted SynRM presently receives a great deal of interest, since there is less or even no rare-earth permanent magnet in the rotor. Most of SynRM machines employ a stator that is originally designed for a standard squirrel cage induction motor for a similar output rating and application, or the SynRM machine with 24-slot, four-pole are often directly chosen for investigation in most of the available literature. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the influence of stator and rotor pole number combinations together with the flux-barrier layers number on the performance of SynRM machine with emphasis on output torque capability and torque ripple.

Findings

– The average torque decreases with the increase of the pole numbers but remain almost constant when employing different stator slot numbers but with the same pole number. In addition, the torque ripple decreases significantly with the increase of the stator slot number. The machine with double-layer flux-barrier in the rotor has the biggest average torque, while the machines with three- and four-layer flux-barrier in the rotor have almost the same average torque but their value is slightly smaller than that of machine with double-layer flux-barrier. However, the machine with three-layer flux-barrier has the lowest torque ripple but the highest torque ripple exists in the machine with double-layer flux-barrier.

Research limitations/implications

– The purely sinusoidal currents are applied in this analysis and the effects of harmonics in the current on torque ripple are not considered in this application.

Originality/value

– This paper has analyzed the torque ripple and average torque of SynRMs with considering slot/pole number combinations together with the flux-barrier number.
Torque ripple reduction of synchronous reluctance machines: using asymmetric flux-barrier
Authors: Wang K. , Zhu Z.Q. , Ombach G. , Koch M. , Zhang S. , Xu J.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to reduce the torque ripple but not to decrease the average torque of synchronous reluctance machines by using one step or more than two axially laminated rotors with asymmetric flux-barrier.

Design/methodology/approach

– A 24-slot four-pole synchronous reluctance machine with overlapping windings and asymmetric flux-barrier in the rotor is, first, described and designed by finite element (FE) method for maximizing average torque. The dimensions of asymmetric flux-barrier including the pole span angle and flux-barrier angle will be optimized to minimize the torque ripple and its influence on the average torque is also investigated by FE analysis. The impact of current angle on the average torque and torque ripple are also analysed. The step laminations together with the asymmetric flux-barrier are employed for further torque ripple reduction which can consider the both rotation directions.

Findings

– The torque ripple of synchronous reluctance machine can be significantly reduced by employing asymmetric flux-barrier but the average torque is not reduced.

Research limitations/implications

– The purely sinusoidal currents are applied in this analysis and the effects of harmonics in the current on torque ripple are not considered in this application. The 24-slot/four-pole synchronous reluctance machine with single-layer flux-barrier has been employed in this analysis, but this work can be continued to investigate the synchronous reluctance machine with multilayer flux-barrier. This asymmetric flux-barrier can be easily applied to permanent magnet (PM)-assisted synchronous reluctance machine and the interior PM machine with flux-barrier in the rotor, since the space which is used for PM insertion is the same as the SynRM machines.

Originality/value

– This paper has analysed the torque ripple and average torque of synchronous reluctance machines with asymmetric flux-barrier and step laminations with asymmetric flux-barrier. The torque ripple can be reduced by this flux-barrier arrangement. The difference of this technique with the other techniques such as stator/rotor skew is that the average torque can be improved.
An algorithm for the fast estimate of the maximum power voltages in PV applications adopting microconverters
Authors: Balato Marco , Vitelli Massimo
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the main parameters influencing the performances of Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking (DMPPT) and to present an algorithm aimed at the maximization of the energetic efficiency of the grid-connected PhotoVoltaic (PV) systems. Such an algorithm is based on the estimate of the optimal operating range of the input inverter voltage and of the optimal operating voltages of the PV modules.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Fast Estimate of the Maximum Power Voltages algorithm, described in this paper, is based on the idea that the controllers of the DC/DC converters (DMPPT function) and the controller of the inverter (Central MPPT function) must be able to exchange useful data in order to carry out a suitable technique based on the jointed adoption of DMPPT and CMPPT function. Such a technique is essentially based on the knowledge, even if in approximate form, of the Power vs Voltage (P-V) characteristic of a string composed by PV modules and DC/DC converters and on the consequent fast identification of a set of operating points for the inverter and for the PV modules.

Findings

– The main advantage of the proposed algorithm is represented by the fast identification of a set of operating points for the inverter and for the PV modules, which allows to obtain a marked increase of the speed of tracking both of the inverter and of the DC/DC converters performing the DMPPT function.

Originality/value

– The simulation results, shown in this paper, confirm the validity of the proposed original approach.
Modeling and analysis of different control techniques of conductive battery chargers for electric vehicles applications
Authors: Hegazy Omar , El Baghdadi Mohamed , Van Mierlo Joeri , Lataire Philippe
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze and simulate the control techniques that can be used to control the on-board conductive battery chargers (OCBCs) for electric vehicles applications. This paper also provides a comparative study of these control techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

– Battery chargers would play an important role in the development of new battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The control techniques of these OCBCs can significantly influence the BEV performance during the charging mode from the ac grid. In addition, the proper selection of control systems of the OCBCs has a great impact on the power quality of the AC grid during the charging period. Therefore, this paper presents the analysis of different control techniques that are commonly used to control the battery chargers. In addition, a comparative study of different control techniques of the OCBCs for BEVs is provided.

Findings

– The results have demonstrated that it is possible to significantly improve the efficiency, power factor and total harmonic distortion by using proportional-integral control and proportional-resonant control. The digital control can be used to validate the selected control technique.

Originality/value

– The main objective of this paper is to analyze the different control methods that can be used to control the OCBCs during charging mode from the ac grid. In addition, this paper presents a comparative analysis between these control methods. In this paper, a digital control based on TMS320F2808 DSP is used to implement the proper control method for OCBCs.
Fuzzy logic based power management strategy using topographic data for an electric vehicle with a battery-ultracapacitor energy storage
Authors: Michalczuk Marek , Ufnalski Bartlomiej , Grzesiak Lech M.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide high-efficiency and high-power hybrid energy source for an urban electric vehicle. A power management strategy based on fuzzy logic has been introduced for battery-ultracapacitor (UC) energy storage.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper describes the design and construction of on-board hybrid source. The proposed energy storage system consists of battery, UCs and two DC/DC interleaved converters interfacing both storages. A fuzzy-logic controller (FLC) for the hybrid energy source is developed and discussed. Control structure has been tested using a non-mobile experimental setup.

Findings

– The hybrid energy storage ensures high-power ability. Flexibility and robustness offered by the FLC give an easy accessible method to provide a power management algorithm extended with additional input information from road infrastructure or other vehicles. In the presented research, it was examined that using information related to the topography of the road in the control structure helps to improve hybrid storage performance.

Research limitations/implications

– The proposed control algorithm is about to be validated also in an experimental car.

Originality/value

– Exploratory studies have been provided to investigate the benefits of energy storage hybridization for electric vehicle. Simulation and experimental results confirm that the combination of lithium batteries and UCs improves performance and reliability of the energy source. To reduce power impulses drawn from the battery, power management algorithm takes into consideration information on slope of a terrain.
User participation and stakeholder involvement in health care innovation – does it matter?
Authors: Bjørkquist Catharina , Ramsdal Helge , Ramsdal Kjetil
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss how and to what extent users can become involved in the process of selecting and implementing telecare and telehealth technologies in local health care services.

Design/methodology/approach

– The discussion is based on data from a project in one local authority in Norway. About 100 persons have participated in focus group interviews where issues regarding new telecare and telehealth technologies for the elderly were discussed. The focus groups involved different groups of product users and stakeholder groups, i.e. “older senior users” (over 65 years), “younger senior users” (55-65 years), relatives, health care professionals and general practitioners (GPs).

Findings

– Different user groups have different stakes in the technology. It is difficult to involve “older senior users” in the selection process due to their lack of information about potential solutions, while “younger senior users” are more informed and positive towards the introduction of telecare and telehealth technologies. The results also indicate that professionals are ambiguous towards new technologies; on the one hand they expect services to be better, but on the other they are concerned about ethical and working life issues that have not been fully explored as yet.

Originality/value

– This paper provides an understanding of how different groups of product users and stakeholder groups relate to and can be involved in an expanded implementation process of telecare and telehealth technology which allow older people to remain in their homes for longer.
The differentiated impacts of organizational innovation practices on technological innovation persistence
Authors: Le Bas Christian , Mothe Caroline , Nguyen-Thi Thuc Uyen
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to test the major determinants of technological (product and process) innovation persistence and provides evidence of the significant role of organizational innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data came from two waves of the Luxembourg Community Innovation Survey (CIS): CIS2006 for 2004-2006 and CIS2008 for 2006-2008. The longitudinal data set resulted in a final sample of 287 firms. A multinomial probit model estimates the likelihood that each firm belongs to one of three longitudinal innovation profiles: no, sporadic, or persistent innovators.

Findings

– The determinants have differentiated impacts on process and technological innovation persistence. Organizational innovation influences technological innovation persistence. In the analysis of detailed organizational practices, strong evidence emerged that knowledge management exerts a crucial effect on product innovation persistence; workplace organization instead is associated with process innovation persistence.

Research limitations/implications

– The relationships of innovation persistence, organizational innovation, and firms’ economic performance demand further exploration. The different persistence patterns of complex (process and product) and simple (process or product) innovators also are worth investigating.

Practical implications

– Organizational innovation matters for technological innovation persistence. However, the effects of non-technological innovation differ depending on whether the firm wants to innovate in processes or products. Managers must acknowledge these various effects and select appropriate strategies.

Originality/value

– Few works account for the impact of organizational innovation strategies on technological innovation. This study is the first, based on recent CIS data, to address the role of organizational innovation practices for technological innovation persistence, which appears necessary for the sustainable dynamics of firms, industries, and regions.
Balancing diversity in innovation networks
Authors: Sandberg Johan , Holmström Jonny , Napier Nannette , Levén Per
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Although the potential of innovation networks that involve both university and industry actors is great variances in cultures, goals and knowledge poses significant challenges. To better understand management of such innovation networks, the authors investigate different strategies for balancing diversity. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this multiple case study, the authors draw on network and trading zone theory to examine the strategies of four research centers that govern university-industry innovation networks.

Findings

– The authors provide empirically grounded descriptions of strategies for balancing diversity in innovation processes, extend previous theorizations by suggesting two types of trading zones (transformative and performative), and identify four strategy configuration dimensions (means of knowledge trade, tie configuration, knowledge mobility mechanisms and types of trust).

Research limitations/implications

– Further research is needed on transferability of results when, e.g. cultural collaboration and communication patterns change, and performance implications of different configurations. The research provides conceptual tools for future research on the impact of different diversity strategies.

Practical implications

– The findings point to the importance of identifying desired types of innovation outcomes and designing the appropriate level of diversity. To implement the selected strategy, managers need to configure communication channels and strength of relationships, establish associated capacity for knowledge transfer and build appropriate levels of trust.

Originality/value

– While extant research has provided a solid understanding of benefits from diversity in boundary spanning innovation processes, this paper outlines strategies for managing associated challenges.
A numerical method for two-dimensional inverse heat conduction problems
Authors: Li Xiuying
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce an effective method for two-dimensional inverse heat conduction problems.

Design/methodology/approach

– The variational iteration method (VIM) is used to solve two-dimensional inverse heat conduction problems and restore boundary conditions in heat conduction.

Findings

– Numerical results compared with other methods show that the present method is remarkably effective for solving two-dimensional inverse heat conduction problems. This method is a very promoting method, which will be certainly found wide applications.

Originality/value

– The VIM is applied to two-dimensional inverse heat conduction problems for the first time.
Three dimensional flow of an Oldroyd-B fluid with Newtonian heating
Authors: Ramzan M. , Farooq M. , Alhothuali M. S. , Malaikah H. M. , Cui W. , Hayat T.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the boundary layer flow of an Oldroyd-B fluid with Newtonian heating.

Design/methodology/approach

– Series solutions are found by homotopy analysis method.

Findings

– Temperature profile increases with an increase in conjugate parameter. Increase in parameter β and Prandtl number Pr decreases the temperature profile.

Originality/value

– This work does not currently exist in the literature.
An efficient algorithm based on Haar wavelets for numerical simulation of Fokker-Planck equations with constants and variable coefficients
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Pandit Sapna
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the application of the Haar wavelets for solving linear and nonlinear Fokker-Planck equations with appropriate initial and boundary conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Haar wavelet approach converts the problems into a system of linear algebraic equations and the obtained system is solved by Gauss-elimination method.

Findings

– The accuracy of the proposed scheme is demonstrated on three test examples. The numerical solutions prove that the proposed method is reliable and yields compatible results with the exact solutions. The scheme provides better results than the schemes [9, 14].

Originality/value

– The developed scheme is a new scheme for Fokker-Planck equations. The scheme based on Haar wavelets is expended for nonlinear partial differential equations with variable coefficients.
Direct expansion method of moments with n/3th moments for nanoparticle Brownian coagulation in the free molecule regime
Authors: Fangyang Yuan , Zhongli Chen
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop new types of direct expansion method of moments (DEMM) by using the n/3th moments for simulating nanoparticle Brownian coagulation in the free molecule regime. The feasibilities of new proposed DEMMs with n/3th moments are investigated to describe the evolution of aerosol size distribution, and some of the models will be applied to further simulation of physical processes.

Design/methodology/approach

– The accuracy and efficiency of some kinds of methods of moments are mainly compared including the quadrature method of moments (QMOM), Taylor-expansion method of moments (TEMOM), the log-normal preserving method of moments proposed by Lee (LMM) and the derived DEMM in this paper. QMOM with 12 quadrature approximation points is taken as a reference to evaluate other methods.

Findings

– The newly derived models, namely DEMM(4/3,4) and DEMM(2,6), as well as the previous DEMM(2,4), are considered to be qualified models due to their high accuracy and efficiency. They are confirmed to be valid and alternative models to describe the evolution of aerosol size distribution for particle dynamical process involving the n/3th moments.

Originality/value

– The n/3th moments, which have clear physical interpretations when n stands for first several integers, are first introduced in the DEMM method for simulating nanoparticle Brownian coagulation in the free molecule regime.
Approximate solutions of multi-order fractional advection-dispersion equation with non-polynomial conditions
Authors: Liu Yanqin , Dong Lihua
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to apply a new modified homotopy perturbation method, which is effective to solve multi-order fractional equations with non-polynomial initial and boundary conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed algorithm is tested on multi-order fractional advection-dispersion equations. The fractional derivatives described in this paper are in the Caputo sense.

Findings

– Approximate results explicitly reveal the complete reliability, efficiency and accuracy of the new modified technique.

Originality/value

– It is observed that the approach may be implemented to other multi-fractional models with non-polynomial initial and boundary conditions.
The study of the temperature field in an infinite slab under line and plane heat source
Authors: Qing-Cheng Wang , Zhao-Chun Wu , Xiang-Ping Zhu
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to reveal the characteristics of the temperature field under different types of heat sources, which are significant to the temperature control encountered in practical manufacturing processes.

Design/methodology/approach

– The temperature fields in an infinite slab under line or plane heat source are calculated numerically by control volume approach and ADI scheme, and the numerical results of the temperature rise have been compared among the different types of the heat sources.

Findings

– The numerical results show the different changing patterns of temperature fields under line and plane heat source, respectively, and demonstrate that the magnitude of temperature rise depends strongly on the type of the heat sources. The order of temperature rise from high to low is point, line and plane heat source base on the same input heat.

Originality/value

– The study is original and findings are new, which demonstrate the different changing patterns of temperature fields and the magnitude of temperature rise under line and plane heat source. The numerical solution is significant for the temperature control in practical manufacturing processes.
Soret and Dufour effects in three-dimensional flow of Maxwell fluid with chemical reaction and convective condition
Authors: Hayat T. , Bilal Ashraf M. , Alsaedi A. , Alhothuali M. S.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to address the heat and mass transfer effects in three-dimensional flow of Maxwell fluid over a stretching surface with convective boundary conditions. Mass transfer is considered in the presence of first order chemical reaction. Conservation laws of energy and concentration are based upon the Soret and Dufour effects. Convergent series solutions to the resulting non-linear problems are developed. Effects of Biot and Deborah numbers on the Sherwood number are decreasing. Local Nusselt reduces with an increase in Eckert numbers. It is also interesting to note further that variations of Prandtl and Biot numbers on the Nusselt number are increasing while Sherwood number decreases with an increase in Prandtl number.

Design/methodology/approach

– The involved partial differential systems are reduced to the ordinary differential systems using appropriate transformations. Series solutions by homotopy analysis method are constructed and analyzed. Graphical results are presented and examined in detail.

Findings

– It is found that roles of Deborah and Biot parameters on the Nusselt number are opposite. However, the Sherwood number is qualitative similar for both Biot and Deborah numbers. It is also interesting to note further that variations of Prandtl and Biot numbers on the Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are similar.

Originality/value

– The purpose of present communication is to investigate the three-dimensional flow of Maxwell fluid over a stretching surface with convective condition. Analysis has been carried out in the presence of mass transfer with first order chemical reaction and Soret and Dufour effects.
The future of traceability within the U.S. food industry supply chain: a business case
Authors: Kumar Sameer , Heustis Dawn , Graham Jacqueline M
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the US food industry supply chain based on a case study of a leading US global processed food manufacturer to determine areas for improvement in the recall process to reduce the possibility of harming consumers with unsafe products.

Design/methodology/approach

– Current US Food and Drug Administration and US Department of Agriculture regulations were evaluated to understand the minimum requirements placed upon members of the supply chain within the US food industry. Thereafter, a situation analysis was conducted followed by a cause and effect analysis to illustrate weaknesses within typical recall procedures. Substantiation of the analysis was based on specific information provided by managers from various functional areas of the processed food manufacturer in their interviews and their perspective about the recall/traceability process and its complexities.

Findings

– Improvement concepts considered were: the implementation of Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID); the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Recall Portal; and standardized global regulations within the food industry. Various phases of RFID are being piloted within the US food industry, but are not yet being widely studied due to the lack of immediate implementation requirements. Specific results pertaining to the FMI Recall Portal are not available due to its recent launch. Research indicated various regulatory processes implemented in individual countries, but no global standards have been agreed upon and initiated.

Practical implications

– The improvement ideas have implications for timely communication among supply chain partners, resulting in less contaminated product in the hands of consumers. The ability to make these improvements will require collaboration among global suppliers through global regulations and top management support.

Originality/value

– Understanding the gaps within current regulations and emphasizing the global footprint of how the food industry truly transformed itself into a global marketplace. Future studies need to focus on the cost impact of full RFID implementation across the entire food industry, with an understanding of cost burden ownership and worldwide integration.
Key observations from a survey about Six Sigma implementation in Brazil
Authors: Jesus Abel Ribeiro de , Antony Jiju , Lepikson Herman Augusto , Cavalcante Carlos Arthur M. Teixeira
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a survey on Six Sigma and key observations on which variables/management practices are the most important for a successful Six Sigma implementation, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the practices observed in companies in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

– Five research questions were proposed, and an exploratory field study was carried out. A sample of 103 questionnaires was obtained. In total, 26 independent variables were analyzed, with a factor analysis reducing this number to 14, for which three main constructs were observed.

Findings

– Large manufacturing industries are implementing the Six Sigma program in Brazil. Three main constructs were observed to be critical for the success of Six Sigma. The strengths and weaknesses of the 14 independent variables studied within each construct were found.

Practical implications

– This paper has practical implications in that companies can use the conclusions of this study to improve their implementation of the Six Sigma program.

Social implications

– This research may initiate cooperation between the companies within the study and academia, which may lead to a better understanding of Six Sigma within these organizations.

Originality/value

– The originality of this study is that the survey was conducted with companies in Brazil, a country that suffers from a lack of information on Six Sigma programs. A robust methodological strategy was used that determined the three most important constructs for successful implementation of Six Sigma.
Advancing performance measurement
Authors: Manes Rossi Francesca , Aversano Natalia
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse the implementation of performance measurement tools by medium-to-large size Italian Local Governments (ILGs) with the aim of establishing their position in comparison with the content of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board’s (IPSASB’s) Consultation Paper (CP) on Reporting Service Performance Information and the points of views of other countries.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey of all ILGs with more than 50,000 inhabitants has been carried out with the objective of evaluating which kind of performance management tools are implemented; moreover, these results are compared with the content of the IPSASB’s CP to evaluate the role of this guide as well as the main differences between the IPSASB’s approach and the current situation in Italy.

Findings

– Data collected highlight that several performance measurement tools required by law are generally prepared in ILGs even if a limited use of them for decision-making or accountability purposes occurs. Moreover, in accordance with the opinions of the countries that submitted letters of comment to IPSASB’s CP, Italian results reveal that information on the scope of the service performance information, on the entity’s objectives and their achievement, including a narrative discussion of this achievement, are perceived as relevant.

Originality/value

– The research investigates the future development of the CP by analyzing the points of view of the countries that submitted letters of comments to IPSASB. It also examines whether the current Italian situation is in line with the IPSASB’s position.
Improving productivity with self-organised teams and agile leadership
Authors: Parker David W , Holesgrove Melanie , Pathak Raghhuvar
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Many organisations remain adverse to self-organised teams. The reasons are non-trivial and complex, but it is suspected that not willing to let go to direct control by senior management is at the root cause. There is a perceived security in following traditional, hierarchical chains of command under the guise of reducing risks and maintaining efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a research agenda that will empirically test in the field a range of widely held assumptions around leadership of self-organised teams. In total, 23 companies have agreed to participate in the proposed longitudinal research.

Design/methodology/approach

– An extensive literature review has identified extant theories, frameworks, and methodologies adopted by researchers to gain greater understanding of self-organised teams. This knowledge will be used as the basis for generating hypotheses for subsequent testing in the field.

Findings

– There is a considerable knowledge base established for self-organised teams. However, there is limited understanding of the benefits or detrimental effects of self-organised teams on organisational productivity and the appropriate style of leadership. This initial research has identified several hypotheses that will be used to develop questionnaires and instruments for information collection.

Research limitations/implications

– The tools and techniques presented in this article need to be adapted to the organisation’s specificities as well as to the contextual situation.

Practical implications

– The work is of significant practical use. The research will be completed in a number of companies. There will be continuous input from operational and executive management. The findings from the work will be disseminated through various channels including workshops and conferences. Companies implementing and using self-organised teams will benefit from the knowledge generated.

Social implications

– Self-organised teams are used in a variety of settings – commercial businesses, not-for-profit, NGOs. The work will explore issues around behavioural networks and inter- intra-team relationships.

Originality/value

– There is much rhetoric around the adoption and uses of self-organised teams, yet there appears to be little understanding of the effect of leadership style of these teams and effect on productivity. This work will therefore contribute to the understanding of self-organised teams. While prior research has been conducted in the motivational and behavioural implications of self-organised teams, the knowledge is at best scant when leadership models for self-organised teams and operational factors are explored.
Participative work design in lean production
Authors: Lantz Annika , Hansen Niklas , Antoni Conny
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore job design mechanisms that enhance team proactivity within a lean production system where autonomy is uttermost restricted. We propose and test a model where the team learning process of building shared meaning of work mediates the relationship between team participative decision-making, inter team relations and team proactive behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

– The results are based on questionnaires to 417 employees within manufacturing industry (response rate 86 per cent) and managers’ ratings of team proactivity. The research model was tested by mediation analysis on aggregated data (56 teams).

Findings

– Team learning mediates the relationship between participative decision-making and inter team collaboration on team proactive behaviour. Input from stakeholders in the work flow and partaking in decisions about work, rather than autonomy in carrying out the work, enhance the teams’ proactivity through learning processes.

Research limitations/implications

– An investigation of the effects of different leadership styles and management policy on proactivity through team-learning processes might shed light on how leadership promotes proactivity, as results support the effects of team participative decision-making – reflecting management policy – on proactivity.

Practical implications

– Lean production stresses continuous improvements for enhancing efficiency, and such processes rely on individuals and teams that are proactive. Participation in forming the standardization of work is linked to managerial style, which can be changed and developed also within a lean concept. Based on our experiences of implementing the results in the production plant, we discuss what it takes to create and manage participative processes and close collaboration between teams on the shop floor, and other stakeholders such as production support, based on a shared understanding of the work and work processes.

Social implications

– Learning at the workplace is essential for long-term employability, and for job satisfaction and health. The lean concept is widely spread to both public bodies and enterprises, and it has been shown that it can be linked to increased stress and an increase in workload. Finding the potential for learning within lean production is essential for balancing the need of efficient production and employees’ health and well-being at work.

Originality/value

– Very few studies have investigated the paradox between lean and teamwork, yet many lean-inspired productions systems have teamwork as a pillar for enhancing effectiveness. A clear distinction between autonomy and participation contributes to the understanding of the links between job design, learning processes and team proactivity.
Circulating power and in/visibility: layers of educational leadership
Authors: Mifsud Denise
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study circulating power and in/visibility. In the unfolding Maltese education scenario of decentralization and school networking, suffused with entrenched power, with added layers of leadership and more subtle levels of accountability, this paper explores the underlying power relations among the top educational leaders, namely, the College Principal and Heads of School, and among the Heads of School themselves.

Design/methodology/approach

– Foucault’s theories of power, governmentality and subjectivation are used as “scaffoldings” for the exploration of power relations. This case study research exploring one “college” is carried out through in-depth semi-structured interviews, participant observation of Council of Heads (CoH) meetings, as well as documentary analysis of the policy mandating this reform, explored through narrative analysis.

Findings

– Analysis shows that layers of hierarchical leadership do translate into layers of “visibility”, with the Principal being rendered the most “visible” actor according to role designation and policy rhetoric. Struggles in the dynamics between tiers of leaders are a reality. Despite a deeply felt presence of the circulation of power, it is the Principal who has the final say.

Originality/value

– This is expected to contribute to educational leadership literature with regards to the relationship among top educational leaders. Through its provision of a diverse reading of leadership, it is deemed to be of particular relevance to professional work and learning in areas of leadership, of interest to budding scholars, seasoned Foucauldians and practicing educational leaders.
Mentoring in the rail context: the influence of training, style, and practice
Authors: Naweed Anjum , Ambrosetti Angelina
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate workplace learning in the context of the rail industry, specifically for the type of learning required to become a train driver. It examines the impact of changes to the traditional learning model, and explores the potential of mentoring in the learning/training model.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper uses a participative research approach to examine training experiences with trainee drivers and driver trainers (n = 61) in six Australian rail organisations. The data are synthesised based on an inductive thematic analysis from focus groups, interviews and cab-rides.

Findings

– Current driver-learning approaches contain a number of haphazard elements that provide an unfavourable learning experience. Mentoring practices appear to be happening incidentally, despite train drivers wanting mentoring experiences.

Practical implications

– In the designing and planning of new driver-learning frameworks, it is important to identify the unintended consequences of implementing a condensed “classroom” curriculum. The condensed and accelerated driver-learning model currently used could be enhanced through the incorporation of a mentoring process.

Originality/value

– The article fills an important research gap in the space of workplace learning and mentoring in the rail industry. The themes and findings provide a basis for why mentoring should be integrated as part of the training process. It draws attention to the importance of the situational context, and contributes to communities of practice by outlining important considerations for a holistic model of mentoring in the rail industry.
Consumers’ environmental behaviour towards staying at a green hotel
Authors: Mohd Suki Norazah , Mohd Suki Norbayah
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between returning consumer environmental behaviour and tourists’ propensity to stay in a green hotel, particularly in the Malaysian context. Next, the influence of a moderating variable (i.e. green hotel knowledge) on returning tourists’ propensity to stay in a green hotel is also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research used a hierarchical regression for data analysis across a sample of 400 young respondents who stayed at a green hotel at least once in a year. Their participation was purely voluntary.

Findings

– Empirical analysis via hierarchical regressions confirmed that returning tourists’ intention to stay at a green hotel was influenced positively by perceived behavioural control and attitude. However, the subjective norm was found to be not significantly related to returning tourists’ intention to stay at a green hotel.

Research limitations/implications

– The current data were only collected from respondents within one area which may not represent the entire population of Malaysia. Hence, it is imperative that sample size be expanded, and wider geographical areas with different cultural values covered to improve generalizability of findings.

Practical implications

– These empirical results may benefit the hotel industry involved in green initiatives and activities in formulating effective marketing strategies to review the demand of returning consumers to stay in green hotels and evaluate the acceptance level of the returning consumers towards green behaviour. The hotel industry should take its environmental and social responsibility seriously and uphold aspects of energy efficiency, natural resources and environment and indoor environmental quality in business operations in a sustainable manner besides focusing on maximizing profit.

Originality/value

– The results of this study offer a new forward motion to the findings of prior studies on environmental behaviour, which is not much covered in the literature in the Malaysian context by providing additional information in narrowing the research gap with regard to understanding returning consumers’ intention to stay in green hotels. Next, the proposed framework could be the basis for further research investigating returning consumers’ intention to stay in green hotels, within the Malaysian context.
Environment challenges in Africa: further dimensions to the trade, MNCs and energy debate
Authors: Osabuohien Evans , Efobi Uchenna R. , Gitau Ciliaka M.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the linkage between environmental challenges, multinational corporations (MNCs) activities, trade and energy in Africa; and further elaborate on the role of institutions, as an intervening variable.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, the authors extended the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) model by including indicators of the presence of MNCs, trade and energy in the basic EKC model that has measures of environmental pollution (CO2), economic growth (gross domestic product per capita) and its squared value. The role of institutions was also considered and included as an inter-mediating variable. This model was tested on a sample of 27 African countries, for the period 1996-2010. The systems GMM was applied for the empirical analysis. This approach was aimed at circumventing the possibility of reverse causality and endogenous explanatory variables-such as institutions.

Findings

– Trade and MNCs’ activities may not have much contemporaneous impact on the environment. However, their lagged values have adverse and significant influence on the current values of environmental challenge. This implies that environmental policies regarding trade and MNCs require time response lag. Energy was significant only at contemporaneous value but not at its lagged value. Institutional development helps to suppress the negative excesses (like pollution) from the activities of trade, MNCs and energy, and consequently reduce environmental pollution.

Originality/value

– This paper included the role of institutions in the environmental pollution, trade, MNCs and energy debate. Empirical studies in this regard have inadvertently excluded this variable, but have, at best, included it as part of policy recommendations.