bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design optimization of Halbach array permanent magnet motor to achieve sensorless performance using genetic algorithm
Authors: Caner Murat , Gerada Chris , Asher Greg , Özer Tolga
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate Halbach array effects in surface mounted permanent magnet machine (SMPM) in terms of both self-sensing and torque capabilities. A comparison between a conventional SMPM, which has radially magnetized rotor, and a Halbach machine has been carried out.

Design/methodology/approach

The geometric parameters of the two machines have been optimized using genetic algorithm (GA) with looking Pareto. The performance of the machines’ geometry has been calculated by finite element analysis (FEA) software, and two parametric machine models have been realized in Matlab coupled with the FEA and GA toolboxes. Outer volume of the machine, thus copper loss per volume has been kept constant. The Pareto front approach, which simultaneously considers looks two aims, has been used to provide the trade-off between the torque and sensorless performances.

Findings

The two machines’ results have been compared separately for each loading condition. According to the results, the superiority of the Halbach machine has been shown in terms of sensorless capability compromising torque performance. Additionally, this paper shows that the self-sensing properties of a SMPM machine should be considered at the design stage of the machine.

Originality/value

A Halbach machine design optimization has been presented using Pareto optimal set which provides a trade-off comparison between two aims without using weightings. These are sensorless performance and torque capability. There is no such a work about sensorless capability of the Halbach type SMPM in the literature.
Minimization of cost and congestion management using interline power flow controller
Authors: Velayutham Uma , Ponnusamy Lakshmi , Venugopal Gomathi
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to optimally locate and size the FACTS device, namely, interline power flow controller in order to minimize the total cost and relieve congestion in a power system. This security analysis helps independent system operator (ISO) to have a better planning and market clearing criteria during any operating state of the system.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-objective optimization problem has been developed including real power performance index (RPPI) and expected security cost (ESC). A security constrained optimal power flow has been developed as expected security cost optimal power flow problem which gives the probabilities of operating the system in all possible pre-contingency and post-contingency states subjected to various equality and inequality constraints. Maximizing social welfare is the objective function considered for normal state, while minimizing compensations for generations rescheduling and maximizing social welfare are the objectives in case of contingency states. The proposed work is viewed as a two level problem wherein the upper-level problem is to optimally locate IPFC using RPPI and the lower-level problem is to minimize the ESC subjected to various system constraints. Both upper-level and lower-level problem are solved using particle swarm optimization and The performance of the proposed algorithm is tested under severe line outages and has been validated using IEEE 30 bus system.

Findings

The proposed methodology shows that IPFC controls the power flows in the network without generation rescheduling or topological changes and thus improves the performance of the system. It is found that the benefit achieved in the ESC due to the installation of IPFC is greater than the annual investment cost of the device. ISO cannot achieve minimum total system cost by merely rescheduling generators. Instead of rescheduling, FACTS devices can be used for compensation by achieving minimum cost. IPFC can be used to compensate the congested lines and transfer cheaper power from generators to consumers.

Originality/value

Operational reliability, financial profitability and efficient utilization of the existing transmission system infrastructure has been achieved using single FACTS device. Instead of using multiple FATCS devices, if a single FACTS device like IPFC which itself can compensate several transmission lines is used, then in addition to the facility for independently controlled reactive (series) compensation of each individual line, it provides a capability to directly transfer real power between the compensated lines. Hence an attempt has been made in this paper to incorporate IPFC for relieving congestion in a deregulated environment. However, no previous researches have considered incorporating compensation of multi-transmission line using single IPFC in minimizing ESC. Thus, in this paper, the authors indicate how much the ESC is reduced by installing IPFC.
Radiation pattern synthesis using a chaotic beamforming algorithm
Authors: Jovanović Ana , Lazović Luka , Rubežić Vesna
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use the proposed algorithm for the fast adaptation of the antenna array radiation pattern on the particular scenario of the incoming signals. The fitness function to be minimized includes the precise estimation of signals’ arrival angles, setting the deep nulls in the directions of the interfering signal, the reduction of the main lobe’s width and the reduction of side lobes.

Design/methodology/approach

Unlike conventional adaptive algorithms, the proposed algorithm allows synthesis of radiation patterns in the case of a larger number of incident desired and interfering signals. The proposed method also reduces the width of the dead zone.

Findings

In this paper a comparison of the results obtained from the chaotic beamforming algorithm with the results obtained by using the Sequential Quadratic Programming method is presented.

Originality/value

The chaotic beamforming algorithm is proposed here. It is based on the optimization of the least mean square and on the variable step-size least mean square algorithms, using chaos theory for synthesis of the radiation pattern of the linear antenna array.
Grey wolf optimization based parameter selection for support vector machines
Authors: Eswaramoorthy Sathish , Sivakumaran N. , Sekaran Sankaranarayanan
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to tune support vector machine (SVM) classifier using grey wolf optimizer (GWO).

Design/methodology/approach

The schema of the work aims at extracting the features from the collected data followed by a SVM classifier and metaheuristic optimization to tune the classifier parameters.

Findings

The optimal tuning of classifier parameters lowers errors due to manual elucidation and decreases the risk in human perceptions and repeated visual dignosis.

Originality/value

A novel, GWO based tuning algorithm is used for SVM classifier, which is implemented in classifying the complex and nonlinear biomedical signals like intracranial electroencephalogram.
Particle swarm optimization for the design of square loop frequency selective surfaces considering a model of dielectric effective permittivity
Authors: Rodriguez Barrera Mario A. , Carpes Jr Walter Pereira
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a particle swarm optimization (PSO) method applied in the design of a square-loop frequency selective surface (FSS) via the equivalent circuit model (ECM), considering the dielectric effective permittivity as a variable in the optimization problem.

Design/methodology/approach

In the optimization process considered, besides the FSS square loop geometric parameters, the thickness and relative permittivity of dielectric material used as support are included as variables in the search space, using for this a model of dielectric effective permittivity introduced by the authors in a previous work.

Findings

Square loops were designed and the obtained results were compared with designs reported in literature for applications in wireless local area network and long-term evolution 4G systems. The low computational cost is remarkable as well as the acceptable accuracy obtained with the proposed approach. The PSO method results were implemented with the ECM and compared with those obtained via Ansys – high frequency structure simulator commercial software simulations.

Originality/value

The lack of a model of dielectric effective permittivity for the ECM causes a restricted search space in the stochastic FSS design process limited to only geometric parameters, as it is reported in the available literature. The proposed approach simplifies and makes more flexible the design process, and allows guiding the FSS design to unit cell surface and/or dielectric thickness of small dimensions.
Design of a high gain equilateral triangular microstrip patch antenna array (ETMPAA) on FR4 substrate using microstrip feed
Authors: Alagarsamy Manikandan , Sangareswaran Uma Maheswari , Dhanaraj P.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss and analyze a microstrip feed equilateral triangular microstrip array antenna (ETMPAA) that is proposed for S band (3 GHz) applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The ETMPAA comprises three equilateral triangular patches with equal distance. The size of the antenna is 49.4 mm (0.0494 m)×18.4 mm (0.184 m). The proposed antenna has been designed by etching triangular shape structure on glass epoxy substrate (FR4).

Findings

The simulated result shows that ETMPAA has the impedance bandwidth of 900 MHz and the bandwidth can be achieved by controlling the gap between the patch antennas. The antenna is fed by microstrip feeding technique. Design of an antenna using advanced design system (ADS), based on finite element methods (FEM) has been used to analyze and optimize the antenna. Based on the measurement results an antenna proposed with maximum efficiency and maximum gain.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to study a microstrip feed ETMPAA is proposed for S band (3 GHz) applications.
An approximate solution of the MHD flows of UCM fluids over porous stretching sheets by rational Legendre collocation method
Authors: Saadatmandi Abbas , Sanatkar Zeinab
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an efficient method for solving the magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) boundary layer flow of an upper-convected Maxwell (UCM) fluid over a porous isothermal stretching sheet.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applied a collocation approach based on rational Legendre functions for solving the third-order non-linear boundary value problem, describing the MHD boundary layer flow of an UCM fluid over a porous isothermal stretching sheet. This method solves the problem on the semi-infinite domain without transforming domain of the problem to a finite domain.

Findings

This approach reduces the solution of a problem to the solution of a system of algebraic equations. The numerical values of the skin friction coefficient are presented and analyzed for various parameters of interest in the problem. The authors also compare the results of this work with some recent results and show that the new method is efficient and applicable.

Originality/value

The method solves this problem without use of discrete variables and linearization or small perturbation. Also it was confirmed by the theorem and figure of absolute coefficients that this approach has exponentially convergence rate.
Body-force modeling for aerodynamic analysis of air intake – fan interactions
Authors: Thollet William , Dufour Guillaume , Carbonneau Xavier , Blanc Florian
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore a methodology that allows to represent turbomachinery rotating parts by replacing the blades with a body force field. The objective is to capture interactions between a fan and an air intake at reduced cost, as compared to full annulus unsteady computations.

Design/methodology/approach

The blade effects on the flow are taken into account by adding source terms to the Navier-Stokes equations. These source terms give the proper amount of flow turning, entropy, and blockage to the flow. Two different approaches are compared: the source terms can be computed using an analytic model, or they can directly be extracted from RANS computations with the blade’s geometry.

Findings

The methodology is first applied to an isolated rotor test case, which allows to show that blockage effects have a strong impact on the performance of the rotor. It is also found that the analytic body force model underestimates the mass flow in the blade row for choked conditions. Finally, the body force approach is used to capture the coupling between a fan and an air intake at high angle of attacks. A comparison with full annulus unsteady computations shows that the model adequately captures the potential effects of the fan on the air intake.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, it is the first time that the analytic model used in this paper is combined with the blockage source terms. Furthermore, the capability of the model to deal with flows in choked conditions was never assessed.
Influence of a plasma actuator on aerodynamic forces over a flat plate interacting with a rarefied Mach 2 flow
Authors: Coumar Sandra , Joussot Romain , Parisse Jean Denis , Lago Viviana
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe experimental and numerical investigations focussed on the shock wave modification induced by a dc glow discharge. The model is a flat plate in a rarefied Mach 2 air flow, equipped with a plasma actuator composed of two electrodes. The natural flow without actuation exhibits a shock wave with a hyperbolic shape. When the discharge is on, the shock wave shape remains hyperbolic but the shock wave is pushed forward, leading to an increase in the shock wave angle. In order to discriminate thermal effects from purely plasma ones, the plasma actuator is then replaced by an heating element.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental study is carried out with the super/hypersonic wind tunnel MARHy located at the ICARE Laboratory in Orléans. The experimental configuration with the heating element is simulated with a code using the 2D full compressible Navier-Stokes equations adapted for the rarefied conditions.

Findings

For heating element temperatures equal to the flat plate wall surface ones with the discharge on, experimental and numerical investigations showed that the shock wave angle was lower with the heating element, only 50 percent of the values got with the plasma actuator, meaning that purely plasma effects must also be considered to fully explain the flow modifications observed. The results obtained with the numerical simulations are then used to calculate the aerodynamic forces, i.e. the drag and the lift. These numerical results are then extrapolated to the plasma actuator case and it was found that the drag coefficient rises up to 13 percent when the plasma actuator is used, compared to only 5 percent with the heating element.

Originality/value

This paper matters in the topic of atmospheric entries where flow control, heat management and aerodynamic forces are of huge importance.
Particle shape effects on Marangoni convection boundary layer flow of a nanofluid
Authors: Ellahi R. , Zeeshan A. , Hassan Mohsan
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the particle shape effects on Marangoni convection boundary layer flow of a nanofluid. The paper aims to discuss diverse issues befell for the said model.

Design/methodology/approach

The work undertaken is a blend of numerical and analytical studies. Analytical and numerical solutions of nonlinear coupled equations are developed by means of Mathematica package BVPh 2.0 based on the homotopy analysis method.

Findings

The velocity of nanofluid decreases by increasing particle volume friction and similarity parameters. With the increase in particle volume friction and similarity parameter, temperature profile is correspondingly enhanced and decline. The lowest velocity and highest temperature of nanofluid is cause by needle- and disc-shaped particle. Consequence for interface velocity and the surface temperature gradient are perceived by numeric set of results. It is found that the interface velocity is declined by increasing particle volume friction and volume concentration of ethylene glycol in the water. The minimum interface velocity is seen by needle-shaped particle and 30 percent concentrations of ethylene glycol. With increase in volume friction and size of particle, the behaviors of surface temperature gradient are found decreasing and increasing function, respectively. The maximum heat transfer rate at the surface is achieved when we chose sphere nanoparticles and 90 percent concentrations of ethylene glycol as compared to other shapes and concentrations.

Originality/value

This model is investigated for the first time, as the authors know.
Beveridge and his pursuit of an ideal economics: why did he come to accept Keynes’s ideas?
Authors: Komine Atsushi
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine two (accidental and inevitable) reasons why W.H. Beveridge, who in 1936/1937 had rejected all of the elements of Keynes’s General Theory, came to accept it enthusiastically in the 1940s.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper answers this question in three steps. First, it distinguishes apparently changeable factors in Beveridge’s views, from consistent ones. Second, it looks for factors of the latter type in his three goals for economics. Third, it compares his goals with those of Keynes.

Findings

Beveridge’s three goals overlapped with Keynes’s ideals for economics and economists, and this is not historically accidental: economics should be useful as a basis for verification by fresh observations (as an exact science); economic knowledge should be useful in business and policy-making processes (for new kinds of educated professions); and economic studies requires a wide range of related subjects (a liberal education).

Research limitations/implications

This paper attempts to clarify the cognitive assumptions of the two economists. This clarification can contribute to understanding the process and reasons behind Beveridge’s acceptance of Keynesian economic theory and policies on a theoretical level.

Originality/value

This paper examines previously ignored reasons for Beveridge’s acceptance of Keynesian economics. Moreover, it suggests certain pre-analytic assumptions concerning the co-existence of social insurance and full employment policies. This perspective will be useful for historians of economics and the welfare state.
Adam Smith: egalitarian or anti-egalitarian?
Authors: Niimura Satoshi
Published: September 2016

Purpose

There has been controversy about whether Adam Smith is an economic egalitarian because he expresses at least four distinct views on equality, in two of which, he approves of inequality, and in the other two, he claims otherwise. The purpose of this paper is to isolate and consider these four views carefully to understand Smith’s complete position on equality.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines Smith’s apparently contradictory views on equality as his evolving response to Hume and Rousseau’s critiques of inequality.

Findings

Hume and Rousseau criticize any income inequality that is disproportionate to industry between the rich and poor. Smith’s response to their critiques evolves over time. In his initial response in early writings, he defends inequality in a civilized society by comparing it with a poor primitive society. However, in his later response in The Wealth of Nations, he eventually accepts Hume and Rousseau’s critiques of inequality. According to Smith, an equal and opulent society will evolve. A primitive society is equal but poor. In contrast, an existing civilized society is opulent but unequal. In each society, equality and opulence are incompatible. However, Smith believes that a future civilized society will fully achieve both equality and opulence.

Originality/value

The paper analyses both historically and theoretically the comprehensive structure of Smith’s egalitarian views.
Transparency and accountability lost?
Authors: Haraldsson Mattias
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore the causes of variations in financial accounting and disclosure practices in a municipal setting highly influenced by governance reforms – the Swedish municipal waste management sector. This focus is motivated by the claim that recent governance reforms have made the organization of public services delivery more diversified and fragmented, which may have had a negative effect on transparency and accountability.

Design/methodology/approach

To document the accounting and disclosure practices of the Swedish solid waste management organizations, a questionnaire approach was selected. The study uses a conceptual theoretical framework that complements the basic variables considered to influence public sector financial accounting and disclosure practices with factors such as competition and municipal governance forms.

Findings

The results show that compliance accounting and disclosure transparency to some extent have different antecedents and that the external environment, including market competition, size and economic input, influences both. The governance forms, on the other hand, only influenced compliance accounting (negatively and positively) and not the willingness to disclose information in general. The overall conclusion is that changes to the economic and institutional context mixed with different municipal governance forms introduces a multiplicity of forces that makes the accounting practices themselves diversified and fragmented and not necessarily only in a “negative” direction.

Practical implications

From a policy perspective the results indicate that the changing institutional and organizational environment has not been matched by attention to, and regulation of, reporting structures that secure external vertical accountability processes. The general implication for future regulations should therefore be to recognize the influence of different economic and institutional forces and develop accountability models that enable and preserve the benefits of governance reform initiatives without losing accountability and transparency.

Originality/value

Few prior quantitative studies have theoretically related municipal accounting and disclosure practices to factors such as market competition and popular municipal governance forms (municipal corporation, regional cooperation, outsourcing, etc.). Knowledge of how reforms might influence municipal accounting practices might benefit future policy decisions on accountability models with aim of enable and preserve the benefits of governance reform initiatives without losing accountability and transparency.
Integrative contingency-based framework of MCS: the case of post-secondary education
Authors: Pomare Carol , Berry Anthony
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether and how changes in the management control systems (MCS) of post-secondary institutions (PSIs) in Western Canada can be described and explained in terms of formal and informal MCS; and whether and how changes in the MCS of PSIs in Western Canada can be described and explained in terms of an integrative contingency-based framework of MCS based on regulatory accountability systems, competitive markets and organizational culture?

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical research was undertaken with an exploratory mixed design. The first phase involved descriptive univariate and bivariate statistics as well as non-parametric statistics computed on data from annual reports and financial statements of 46 PSIs in Western Canada to quantitatively explore MCS. The second phase involved the grounded theory (GT) analysis of annual reports of 46 PSIs in Western Canada to qualitatively explore formal MCS in relation to changes in contingencies. The third phase involved the GT analysis of 20 semi-structured interviews of senior managers from PSIs in Western Canada to qualitatively explore informal MCS in relation to formal MCS and changes in contingencies.

Findings

The research showed that emphasis on formal MCS in Western Canadian PSIs resulted in biased compliance within informal MCS. The exploratory research also demonstrated that the distinction between formal and informal MCS was better understood in a wider framing of MCS in terms of regulatory accountability systems, competitive markets and organizational culture.

Originality/value

This research led to the elaboration of an exploratory theoretical framework to subsume the distinction between formal and informal MCS into an integrative contingency-based framework of MCS.
Developing a screening tool for offenders with intellectual disabilities – the RAPID
Authors: Ali Salma , Galloway Scott
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline and report on the initial development of a screening tool for offenders with suspected intellectual disability (ID) known as the rapid assessment of potential intellectual disability (RAPID).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper summarises the wider literature in relation to screening tools and methodology, indicating that quick and easy screening measures for this population are sparse. It outlines the processes involved in the early stages of developing an evidence-based screening tool for ID offenders, and an overall pathway approach to the identification, assessment and diagnosis of ID.

Findings

It is possible to develop a tool that can be used to identify potential ID with relative ease. The RAPID screening tool provided practitioners with a simple and easy measure to identify such individuals so that they may be referred for further specialist assessment. It has also demonstrated that it is an effective measure in identifying offenders with a possible ID.

Research limitations/implications

Formal statistical validation of this tool will serve to establish and measure its overall effectiveness and utility, further encouraging the timely identification of ID offenders.

Originality/value

This paper responds to current extensive literature about the variability of screening measures, and provides an effective solution to the identification of vulnerable offenders. Those who may benefit from an assessment of ID, and thereafter reasonable adjustments and alternatives to custodial sentencing are considered.
The impact of DNA on criminal investigation
Authors: Dale Colin
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the discovery of the application of DNA profiling to the criminal justice system.

Design/methodology/approach

Researching the origins of the discovery of the application of DNA to the criminal justice system via an analysis of the first case in which it was applied to.

Findings

It was discovered that the first application of DNA profiling to the criminal justice system meant that a young man with intellectual disabilities was saved from wrongful prosecution. The case study also raises ethical issues concerning the mass screening of targeted populations by way of DNA.

Originality/value

The case study is descriptive in nature and draws from earlier work describing the events which unfolded.
Working towards co-production in rehabilitation and recovery services
Authors: Freeman Laura Rachel , Waldman Michelle , Storey Judith , Williams Marie , Griffiths Claire , Hopkins Kevin , Beer Elizabeth , Bidmead Lily , Davies Jason
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the work of a service provider, service user and carer group created to develop a strategy for service user and carer co-production.

Design/methodology/approach

A reflective narrative account is given of the process through which the group formed and began to develop a working model aimed at shaping a cultural shift towards more co-produced services. The paper has been co-produced and includes the collaborative voices of service users, carers, multi-disciplinary staff, third-sector representatives, managers and colleagues from associated services.

Findings

The model developed outlines three stages for services to work through in order to achieve meaningful and sustainable co-produced services. The importance of developing associated policies related to such areas as recruitment, payment, support and training is also outlined. Challenges to co-production are noted along with suggested approaches to overcoming these.

Originality/value

The ethos of co-production is relatively new in the UK and so knowledge of the process and model may help guide others undertaking similar work.
The transpiring journey of customer engagement research in marketing
Authors: Islam Jamid Ul , Rahman Zillur
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To understand how customer engagement has been researched in the last decade, the purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic review of customer engagement research in the existing literature, derive a comprehensive definition of customer engagement and summarize few important and basic issues that future research should address.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive literature review was carried out on customer engagement spread over 38 journals identified from online academic databases of Scopus, Emerald, EBSCOS and Science Direct. A total of 66 conceptual and empirical articles on customer engagement research spanning from 2005 to 2015 were analyzed based on different classification schemes.

Findings

Customer engagement is becoming a key concept in marketing. Customer engagement is a multi-dimensional concept comprising of cognitive, emotional, behavioral and social dimensions. The theoretical foundations of this concept predominantly lie with relationship marketing and service-dominant logic. Research on customer engagement has gained a significant pace in the last six years (2010-2015) but most of the articles on customer engagement have come from developed countries.

Research limitations/implications

By providing the distribution schema of customer engagement articles based on different criteria and by highlighting the future research avenues, this study is believed to serve as a valuable tool for researchers to understand the current scenario of customer engagement research in the marketing discipline and take this research area forward. This study acknowledges limitations with respect to its exclusive search criteria, which might affect its generalizability.

Practical implications

This study exhibits the favorable outcomes organizations can derive by building and managing an engaged customer base. The more an organization knows about how to engage its customers, the better adept it will be to enact so. Therefore, understanding customer engagement is imperative in that regard; this review will help organizations comprehend that better.

Originality/value

This is the first systematic review of customer engagement that provides a detailed understanding of the current state of customer engagement research on a single platform and also draws a comprehensive customer engagement conceptualization.
Toward a typology of exit strategies
Authors: Xie Xuanli , Ma Hao , Lu Xiaohui
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance a proactive perspective on business exit and develop a typology of exit strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a research paper, which builds on extant theoretical and empirical research.

Findings

Business exit, along with entry, is an integral part of corporate strategy that a firm could utilize to reshuffle its business portfolio and embrace new opportunities. In today’s changing environment characterized by high uncertainty and high velocity, it becomes increasingly important for firms to manage business exit deliberately and proficiently. The traditional perspective which generally perceives exits as failures or responses to failures is no longer sufficient. A proactive perspective on exit could be advanced to better inform exit research and practice. Adopting the dynamic capabilities approach, this paper develops a typology of four exit strategies – retreat, redeploy, realign, and reconfigure – and examines the essential tasks of these strategies as well as the corresponding dynamic capabilities required for their successful implementation.

Originality/value

The proactive perspective advanced in this paper systematically coalesces and elaborates on extant research and formally advocates the importance and feasibility of proactive exit. The typology offered not only helps integrate the dynamic capabilities approach with exit research but also helps better inform exit practice.
Social networks, vertical core competencies and sales management in Korea
Authors: Horak Sven , Nihalani Katrin
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of informal Korean social networks (Yongo) on sales activities in Korea, by focussing in particular on required vertical core competencies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on expert interview data gathered in Korea in two waves (2009 and 2012). Whereas first-wave interviews served to identify the influence ofYongoon sales management in general, second-wave interviews data – gathered from a Korean auto maker, a Korean supplier, and an international supplier – served to derive vertical core competencies vital for sales executives in Korea.

Findings

The authors findYongoto be an indispensable aspect of relationship management in Korea. Further, the authors propose ten vertical core competencies and skills sales managers in Korea need to possess, e.g., respecting strong hierarchical supplier-customer relations, the ability to engage in relational contracts, establish trustful relationships, and perform in a risk-taking manner in a dynamic environment.

Originality/value

So far neitherYongonor its impact on successful sales management in Korea has been analyzed. Hence, this research provides initial insights into the modes of action ofYongoin sales management, which is of particular importance for management consultants and international sales managers and executives.
Dispensing pleasantries? Responding to legitimacy and reputation in online medical marijuana marketing
Authors: Washburn Mark , Klein Kenji
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop theory regarding reputation and legitimacy signaling by organizations in contested emerging fields characterized by category ambiguity. Because impression management becomes increasingly important as category boundaries become fuzzy, the authors examine how highly participatory audiences in contested emerging fields respond to organizational attempts to seek acceptance and manage impressions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a database of web-based advertisements by 1,226 medical marijuana dispensaries, the authors test the effect that dispensary attempts to signal either legitimacy or reputation have on audience approval.

Findings

The authors find that audiences react differently to communication strategies intended to build reputation vs those intended to build legitimacy. Under conditions of highly contested category legitimation, audiences respond positively to signals of legitimacy but negatively to signals of reputation.

Originality/value

This study advances the understanding of category emergence and category building under conditions of contestation. The study adds to the growing body of work that suggests category creation involves unique collaborative processes between organizations and audiences, and the authors show that these processes constrain organizational attempts at impression management.
Preparation of waterborne P-N containing epoxy resin curing and its performances
Authors: Li Wei , Xu Guilong , Xu Buqin , Wang Yi , Yang Jin , Hu Jian
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The flammability of epoxy resin is a major disadvantage in applications that require flame resistance. Epoxy monomers and hardeners containing flame-retardant elements are molecularly incorporated in the resin network are expected to exhibit better flame resistance than those borne on an additive approach. In recent years, because of health and environmental regulation, the use of waterborne coatings has received many attentions. However, waterborne epoxy resin curing agent with excellent flame retardancy has been seldom reported. The paper aims to study the preparation of waterborne P-N-containing epoxy resin curing agent and its performances (P-N – phosphorous and nitrogen).

Design/methodology/approach

Waterborne P-N-containing epoxy curing agent was prepared in this study using reactive flame retardant 10-(2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-9,10-dihydro-9-xa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide, liquid epoxy resin, triethylenetetramine and butyl glycidyl ether at the mole ratio of 1.0:2.0:2.0:2.0.

Findings

The results show that the epoxy thermoset from the prepared P-N-containing curing agent presents good flame retardancy and can pass the V-1 rating, and the cured epoxy thermoset film presents excellent performances such as water resistance, adhesion, impact resistance and pencil hardness. This study provides useful suggestions for the application of the water-borne flame retardancy epoxy resins in coating industry.

Research limitations/implications

Each step of products during the preparation of waterborne P-N-containing epoxy curing agent cannot be accurately tested.

Originality/value

This method for synthesis of waterborne P-N-containing epoxy curing agent is novel and could be used for various applications in epoxy coating industry.
Preparation of PEG-rosin derivative for water soluble rosin flux
Authors: Phaphon Kanlaya , Wacharasindhu Sumrit , Petsom Amorn
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This study aims to synthesize polyethylene glycol (PEG)-rosin derivatives from rosin and PEG for the production of solid soldering fluxes. The PEG-rosin derivatives would be water soluble, and the resulting solid soldering fluxes would have reasonable wetting ability when combined with a low-halide-content activator.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a synthetic process for PEG-rosin derivatives. The reaction conditions (including catalyst type, catalyst concentration, reaction temperature and PEG type) were optimized for the synthesis of PEG-rosin derivatives. The chemical and physical properties of PEG-rosin derivatives were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry and gel permeation chromatography. The production and characteristics of water-soluble rosin fluxes (WSRFs) were studied according to the standards of the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) Committees.

Findings

WSRs were successfully synthesized from rosin and PEG using 2 per cent ZnO as a catalyst, with a 2:1 molar ratio of rosin:PEG at 250°C over 9 h. The resulting WSRs were completely soluble in water. As the PEG3000-rosin had the highest melting point (55.2°C), it was chosen for the preparation of the WSRFs. Activators such as succinic acid, glutaric acid, ethylamine hydrochloride and diethylamine hydrobromide were selected for use in the production of the fluxes. It was found that WSRF 09 and WSRF 04 gave the best performance with the lead-free Sn-0.7Cu solder alloy in terms of good solderability, low halide content (less than 1,500 ppm), high insulation resistance and low corrosion. These fluxes were applied to produce solder pastes with Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu alloy and they passed the performance tests as expected for solder paste.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies are necessary on large-scale production and to compare the performance of these fluxes to those from conventional water-soluble fluxes currently available in the market. Application of these fluxes on low-temperature solder alloys such as SnZn and SnBi (Renet al., 2016) worth further study.

Originality/value

The classification of flux systems according to the JIS 3283 standard does not specify PEG-rosin derivatives in the flux; nevertheless, ranking of the flux systems based on the halide content and corrosion properties of activators would be useful information when selecting flux systems for electronics soldering in water-washable applications. The application of these fluxes in solder paste gave very promising results and is worth investigating into more detail, as well as field test.
Human activities and biodiversity opportunities in pre‐industrial cultural landscapes: relevance to conservation
Authors: Fuller Robert J. , Williamson Tom , Barnes Gerry , Dolman Paul M.
Published: September 2016

Conservation practices in Europe frequently attempt to perpetuate or mimic the ‘traditional’ forms of management of semi‐natural habitats, but with a limited understanding of what these entailed.

We review the emerging understanding of ecological processes, structures and management interventions that enhance biodiversity (wildlife) at diverse scales. These are then examined in the context of pre‐industrial (c. 1200–1750) land management systems in lowland England, in order to identify historic practices which are likely to have provided important wildlife resources, but which are relatively neglected in current conservation management.

Principles enhancing alpha and beta diversity and the conservation status of threatened species include structural complexity and heterogeneity at nested spatial scales; physical disturbance and exposure of mineral substrate; nutrient removal; lengthened successional rotations; and spatial variation in grazing regimes.

The available evidence suggests that pre‐industrial land management was generally characterized by intense resource exploitation and significant levels of biomass harvest; complex nested structural heterogeneity both between and within landscape elements; overlaying of multiple land uses; and spatial and temporal variability in management, rendering the concept of long‐lived ‘traditional’ practice problematic. Grazing patterns are poorly understood, but intensive grazing was probably the norm in most contexts, potentially resulting in simplified sward structures and suppressed ecotonal vegetation.

In much of the pre‐industrial period, early‐successional and disturbed microhabitats were widespread, but ungrazed or lightly grazed herb‐rich vegetation may have been limited, the converse of current conservation management. The key change since then has been homogenization at multiple scales, coupled with reduction of specific niches and conditions.

Synthesis and applications. In adopting perceived ‘traditional’ management practices, modern conservation rarely achieves the range and complexity of conditions that were present in the past. A better understanding of past practices allows more favourable management of those surviving semi‐natural habitats where historic assemblages persist – with greater emphasis on physical disturbance and variability in prescriptions both temporally and spatially. When creating or restoring habitats, after interruption of management sufficiently long for dependent assemblages to be lost, better appreciation of historic management encourages novel forms of intervention to enhance biodiversity, with emphasis on complex structural and spatial heterogeneity at nested scales, biomass removal and nutrient reduction. These strongly management‐based approaches are complementary to the use of large herbivores to create and maintain dynamic ecotonal mosaics in the manner advocated by some proponents of ‘rewilding’.
An occupation‐based, metacognitive approach to assessing error performance and online awareness
Authors: Doig Emmah , Fleming Jenny , Ownsworth Tamara , Fletcher Stephanie
Published: September 2016

Background/aim

Online awareness is the ability to self‐monitor, identify and self‐correct errors while engaged in an activity. Current assessments of online awareness involve observing and classifying error behaviour during structured, uniform tasks. However, during rehabilitation, practitioners typically work towards improving performance in individually meaningful tasks unique to the client. This article presents a metacognitive, task analytic approach to assessing online awareness involving observation and classification of errors during meaningful occupations determined after client‐centred goal setting with two male clients with severe traumatic brain injury (aged 22 and 23). Study aims were to describe the approach, evaluate its feasibility and determine inter‐rater agreement for error detection and error categorisation by two experienced occupational therapists. Furthermore, the error profiles and cognitive impairments of the participants on standardised neuropsychological assessment were examined to explore the validity of the assessment.

Methods

Individualised assessment tasks included snack preparation, budgeting, timetabling, hot‐drink preparation and use of a computer program, which were administered repeatedly over two to three months and audio‐visual recordings taken. Independent ratings of two trained occupational therapists were compared using exact percent agreement.

Results

Overall agreement about errors was 76%, for which there was 65% agreement about error categorisation and 100% agreement about error correction.

Conclusions

There was fair inter‐rater agreement between two trained occupational therapists of error behaviour and error correction when using the described occupation‐based approach to assessing online awareness. This approach has promise, particularly when combined with standardised, neuropsychological assessments, for providing an in‐depth understanding of error behaviour and awareness of errors during meaningful occupations.
Preventing Dysfunction and Improving Policy Advice: The Role of Intra‐Departmental Boundary Spanners
Authors: Carey Gemma , Buick Fiona , Pescud Melanie , Malbon Eleanor
Published: September 2016

It is well established in the public management literature that boundary spanners – people or groups that work across departments or sectors – are critical to the success of whole of government and joined‐up working. In studying recent unprecedented change to central government agencies in the Australian context, our research identified that intra‐departmental boundary spanners also play a critical role in the functioning of government departments, particularly during restructuring. Although most contemporary literature in public management concentrates on boundaries across formal organisational entities (departments, agencies, sectors), boundaries also exist within departments. Our research has found that without dedicated intra‐departmental boundary spanners, significant role confusion and dysfunctional practices arise. In turn, this has serious implications for the quality of policy advice given to Cabinet. Further research needs to be undertaken into both the role of intra‐departmental boundary spanners and how to nurture and manage the practice of intra‐departmental boundary spanners. This is especially the case if changes in Australia represent a fundamental shift more broadly in the way central government agencies operate.