bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial turnaround of Indian Railways (A)
Authors: Singhania Monica , Sharma Sanjeev
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Financial management, strategic management.

Study level/applicability

The study can be used by business schools, companies/organizations, individuals, students of business management, in the area of financial and strategic management to study and analyse management strategies by a Government organization that has to balance social objectives and commercial viability.

Case overview

Indian Railways (IR) is one of the world's largest employers and there was a significant improvement in its financial performance during the period 2004-2008 without any reductions in its workforce. The main reasons for the poor performance of IR prior to this period were attributed to severe competition from other modes of transport, rigid pricing, investment in un-remunerative projects and other such practices. Various recommendations, including restructuring/corporatizing, reorganization, increasing passenger fares, unbundling of non-core activities, downsizing, and outsourcing, had been suggested by various management experts and it was declared that only major reform could rescue IR. However, IR met the challenges and attained unprecedented growth in traffic and earnings through certain strategic decisions. The study analyzes the strategies adopted by IR to improve its poor financial performance.

Expected learning outcomes

These include: understanding the challenge of sustaining the current market growth and capturing additional traffic by IR with its peculiar product-mix (transport mix) and limited resources; understanding the main reason for the downtrend of IR finances; acquiring an understanding of the advantage of adopting a volume-focused strategy by IR instead of the existing tariff-focused policy of revenue generation; and understanding the turnaround phase of IR and innovative strategies to get back to the path of growth.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available; please consult your librarian for access.
To die with dignity — hospice care for the poor in India
Authors: Shyam Kamath , Jyoti Bachani
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Non-profit management and corporate strategy.

Study level/applicability

The case is appropriate for teaching undergraduate students, executive MBAs and graduate students. The case is useful for an overview of hospice and palliative care in the developed and developing world, and for class room discussions of external analysis of non-profit organizations' ecosystems, funding needs and industry analysis.

Case overview

Hospice care in the developed parts of the world is well established but in most developing countries, there are no organized hospice care facilities. This case focuses on a charitable organization, Brthya – Add Value to Life (Brthya – AVTL), that established and operates hospice care in Chennai, India. The Indian context for hospice care, and the ecosystem needed to sustain ongoing operations, are described along with a summary of four different models of hospice care used in other parts of the world.

Expected learning outcomes

The case will help students to understand: what hospice care is and its various forms; management issues related to funding and operating hospice care in particular and a non-profit in general; ecosystems that make non-profits sustainable in emerging economies; and managing expansion and growth in non-profit organizations, in emerging economies and globally.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available; please consult your librarian for access.
Yongye Group: trust-based management
Authors: Cardona Pablo , Bao Jiming , Ng Isabel
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Leadership.

Study level/applicability

The case is suitable for MBA, Executive level courses.

Case overview

Yongye Group is a biotechnological enterprise in Inner Mongolia, China. In China, people lack trust in economic transactions due to the transitional state of the economy, especially regarding food safety. To respond to this situation, Wu Zishen, the chairman of the Board of Directors of Yongye Group, was determined to build trust among employees, distributors, farmers, and consumers towards the company. To this end, he started using a creative incentive system with employees and stakeholders: the pay-before-performance incentive system. According to this system, the reward is delivered in advance, contrary to be paid after the fulfillment of the task. This practice is meant to transform employees' work attitude from a passive “being told to work” to a more proactive “I want to work” mentality. When such an incentive system is practiced with customers and external distributors, it sends a message that the company is “treating customers as company employees”, which means that they are trusted as if they were part of the company itself. Wu Zishen also introduced a coherent series of leadership practices that generate a truly proactive culture in the organization.

Expected learning outcomes

From this case, students will learn how to create a proactive culture in business organizations and the effect of pay-before-performance on employees' work motivation.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes and an exercise for class-based discussion are available.
VNFPP Ltd: using holistic marketing in a small enterprise context
Authors: Kumar S. Ramesh , Bhattacharyya Arun
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Entrepreneurship in emerging markets; the planning of survival and competition strategies of small businesses run by entrepreneurs against well established larger brands.

Study level/applicability

The case can be used at the post graduate level in principles of marketing, entrepreneurship or emerging markets courses.

Case overview

The case looks at the antecedents and process of transformation of a small-scale firm into a marketing-oriented organization, through the lens of holistic marketing. The case focuses on a small-scale Bangalore based Indian company, Vishaal Natural Food Products (I) Pvt. Ltd that had used the concept of marketing orientation and holistic marketing to effectively make use of the advantages of its “smallness” and the characteristics of its entrepreneurial setup.

Expected learning outcomes

How can an entrepreneur survive in a dynamic environment? How should the company conceptually finalize its growth avenues? How can holistic marketing have an impact on the entire functioning of the organization when radical changes to handle the environmental changes, are made? How does the concept of holistic marketing which in textbooks fits in with the complexities of large corporations when they plan their strategies, have an impact on the functioning of these small businesses. The case delves into the conceptual linkages posed by these questions.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available, please consult your librarian for access.
“Doing” the act: Lenovo and corporate reputation
Authors: Kaul Asha
Published: November 2014

Subject area

The case is positioned in the domain of building, managing and communicating corporate reputation. It discusses the entry of Lenovo in the Indian market where the company faced reputational challenges. Definition of a corporate reputation strategy which was aligned to the overall strategy of the company, helped Lenovo traverse difficult terrains. The case would be relevant for courses on corporate reputation, communication and strategy.

Study level/applicability

The case is targeted at MBA students, corporate and PR professionals. The case can be used for MBA courses or management development programmes on corporate reputation, communication, and strategy.

Case overview

The case brings out key elements of entry into an emerging market flooded with international, well-positioned players and discusses the entry of Lenovo in the Indian market where the problem was compounded by perceptions of Chinese origin. How does Lenovo bring about a turnaround in positioning, building, communicating and managing reputation, how does it steer stakeholder opinion in its favour? Will Lenovo India be able to replicate the success model in China? The case presents the challenges and discusses the strategies adopted by Amar Babu, MD Lenovo to bring about a change in the existing perceptions of stakeholders.

Expected learning outcomes

To discuss strategies for building corporate reputation.

To critically examine and analyze the strategies adopted by Lenovo India to build reputation and gain market share.

To analyse links between strategy generation and reputation management.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available, please consult your librarian to access these.
Ommune IT Solutions: make or break
Authors: Singhania Monica , Husain Syed Ashraf
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Accounting and finance, entrepreneurship and business strategy.

Study level/applicability

The case is suitable for the following courses: post graduate programs in entrepreneurship; executive training programs for middle and senior level employees; and MBA/post graduate programs in management in strategic management.

Case overview

The case deals with an entrepreneurship venture whose initial business model appeared to be faltering with the founder wondering about the future of the company. After Ommune Solutions' (founded 2010) initial business plan failed, the company started offering IT outsourcing services to Indian customers. However, the company was spending more that it was earning and the CEO generated additional revenues through independent consulting. By 2012 a customer relationship management (CRM) tool was also ready for release. The company was another IT start up yet to find a firm footing. The CEO wondered whether he should continue to build the company and, if so, in which direction?

Expected learning outcomes

These include: the use of SWOT analysis as a tool to aid strategic decision making along with Porter's five competitive forces model and the BCG matrix; using cost benefit analysis for evaluating business decisions; understanding the complexities involved in a strategic planning process; and identifying unnecessary cost and increasing revenue generation for expansion and maximizing profitability.

Social implications

The case provides insight on challenges faced by a venture at an early stage in the business environment and the venture is analyzed in depth. It gives students a perspective on decision making and adapting to scenarios where initial business plans appear not to have succeeded.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
CSR in banking in emerging markets – stakeholder perspective
Authors: Jones Stephanie
Published: November 2014

Subject area

This case considers the attitudes of stakeholders in a risk management challenge of a major foreign bank operating in an emerging market country in the Mediterranean region. The case provides insights into the task facing an international organisation trying to operate in a sociallyresponsible way in a developing economy, where operating conditions are quite different from the head office environment.

Study level/applicability

The case is designed for MBA and MSc students studying corporate social responsibility (CSR), international business, emerging markets, country risk (and related subjects).

Case overview

The case discusses the implications of the actions of a negligent/possibly dishonest lawyer in undermining an international bank's risk management systems. The lawyer did not register the sale of a house, causing it to be repossessed by the bank, thinking that the property still belonged to the vendor, who had allowed a large overdraft to accumulate. By chance, the repossession of the house and subsequent forced judicial sale was averted, but to ensure undisputed ownership the real owner of the house was left with heavy legal bills. There were several players possibly at fault here: the lawyer; the bank; the vendor; the local courts; and the real estate agents (who recommended the dishonest lawyer to the purchaser in the first place).

Expected learning outcomes

These include a clearer understanding of the different stakeholder perspectives, and a greater appreciation of the challenges of doing business for aWestern multinational company now operating in emerging markets worldwide.

Social implications

The concept of CSR in emerging markets is very different from the way CSR is viewed in more developed ones – posing several challenges for international companies (especially banks) in the way they operate. Making assumptions of ethical ways of doing business can cause great problems, as discussed in this case – especially in the way that different stakeholders are impacted.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Collaborative search using an implicitly formed academic network
Authors: Renugadevi Somu , Geetha T.V. , Gayathiri R.L. , Prathyusha S. , Kaviya T.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose the Collaborative Search System that attempts to achieve collaboration by implicitly identifying and reflecting search behaviour of collaborators in an academic network that is automatically and dynamically formed. By using the constructed Collaborative Hit Matrix (CHM), results are obtained that are based on the search behaviour and earned preferences of specialist communities of researchers, which are relevant to the user's need and reduce the time spent on bad links.

Design/methodology/approach

– By using the Digital Bibliography Library Project (DBLP), the research communities are formed implicitly and dynamically based on the users’ research presence in the search environment and in the publication scenario, which is also used to assign users’ roles and establish links between the users. The CHM, to store the hit count and hit list of page results for queries, is also constructed and updated after every search session to enhance the collaborative search among the researchers.

Findings

– The implicit researchers community formation, the assignment and dynamic updating of roles of the researchers based on research, search presence and search behaviour on the web as well as the usage of these roles during Collaborative Web Search have highly improved the relevancy of results. The CHM that holds the collaborative responses provided by the researchers on the search query results to support searching distinguishes this system from others. Thus the proposed system considerably improves the relevancy and reduces the time spent on bad links, thus improving recall and precision.

Originality/value

– The research findings illustrate the better performance of the system, by connecting researchers working in the same field and allowing them to help each other in a web search environment.
Editorial: innovation in Latin America
Authors: Ogliastri Enrique
Published: November 2014

This issue sees the Emerald Group join the journal as a partner and includes five papers about innovation and two general pieces. The introduction to the theme of innovation reviews international and Latin American literature and analyzes Latin American patents in the USA. There is a study of university patents in Mexico from 1995 to 2009, as well as a case study of two new technology companies in Brazil and the positive role played in their development by a family conglomerate which filled the institutional voids around them. A data analysis is conducted on the dissemination of eight electronic products in the nine largest Latin American countries, and econometric studies look at agro‐industrial marketing in Chile. Another paper examines the effect of adopting new international accounting laws (IFRS) on the quality of information provided by companies in the Chilean market. Finally, the paper examines the influence of managerial perceptions on the strategic responses adopted by four Colombian organizations when facing a political crisis. This edition includes contributions from Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Spain, Mexico, Nicaragua and the UK.

En este número el Grupo Editorial Emerald ha ingresado como socio a la revista. Se publican cinco artículos sobre innovación, más dos artículos de índole general. El artículo de introducción a innovaciones revisa la literatura internacional y latinoamericana y hace un análisis de las patentes latinoamericanas en Estados Unidos. Se presenta un estudio sobre las patentes universitarias en México 1995‐2009. Se estudian dos casos de nuevas empresas tecnológicas en Brasil, y el positivo papel que tuvo para su desarrollo un conglomerado familiar que compensó los vacíos institucionales del entorno. Se analizan los datos sobre la difusión de ocho productos electrónicos en los nueve mayores países latinoamericanos. Se realizan estudios econométricos sobre las innovaciones en mercadeo de negocios agroindustriales en Chile. Otro artículo trabaja el efecto de adoptar las nuevas normas contables internacionales (NIIF o IFRS) en la calidad de la información que emiten las empresas en el mercado chileno. Finalmente, un artículo estudia la influencia de la percepción gerencial sobre las respuestas estratégicas adoptadas por cuatro empresas colombianas ante una crisis política. Este número contiene contribuciones provenientes de Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, España, México, Nicaragua y Reino Unido.
Entrepreneurial ventures, institutional voids, and business group affiliation: the case of two Brazilian start-ups, 2002-2009
Authors: Mingo Santiago
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Institutional voids – the lack of institutions that can facilitate the functioning of markets – are ubiquitous in emerging markets. Because of their newness, entrepreneurial ventures are especially susceptible to institutional vacuums. This research seeks to shed light on the role that business groups can play in the development of entrepreneurial ventures in emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on detailed fieldwork, the study describes and analyzes the creation and evolution of two biotechnology start-ups that were affiliated to a major Latin American business group. The research cov
ers the period between their foundation and later acquisition by a multinational company.

Findings

The article discusses the role that the business group affiliation had in terms of helping the start-ups to interact with multiple institutional voids. The analysis shows that the start-ups benefited from the group's reputation and connections, experience and know-how in managing different types of businesses in the country, strong resource base, long-term vision, and strong organizational culture.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this work is to show that business group affiliation can be an interesting solution that facilitates the development of entrepreneurial ventures in emerging markets.
Miss Venezuela: more than just beauty?
Authors: Auletta Nunzia , Helena Jaén María
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The case study centers on the ways in which a world‐renowned beauty pageant is deployed as a strategic asset by the Organización Cisneros (OC), a major player among Latin American television companies. The Miss Venezuela (MV) beauty contest has iconic status in Venezuela and enjoys an international reputation. Following the election of President Chávez in 1998 the OC gradually scaled‐down its operations in Venezuela. Adriana Cisneros, OC Vice President, turned MV into a key element of the Corporate Social Responsibility strategy at Venevisión, the TV channel founded by her grandfather. She also sought ways to build on the MV brand, in order to strengthen the OC's business strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study employs an inductive methodology, using a comprehensive approach to develop a teaching case study. It focusses on understanding a concrete business situation presented within a detailed contextual analysis.

Findings

Complex business and strategic decision making calls for a thorough analysis of internal business variables and a deep understanding of complex environmental forces.

Originality/value

The comprehensive approach and detailed information presented in this case study constitute a versatile resource that will be useful for teaching topics including strategy, innovation, and business model development.
Assessing the organic potential of urban Indian consumers
Authors: Sondhi Neena
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential for the purchase of organic food products amongst urban Indian consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on a sample of 618 urban Indian consumers. The study questionnaire was developed to measure food-related lifestyle and attitudinal variables. The respondents were also questioned regarding their grocery purchase behaviour; awareness and purchase intentions regarding organic food. The data collected were analysed using SPSS 20.0 using factor, cluster and χ2 analysis to identify and profile the health-conscious segments and profile them based on their organic purchase intentions.

Findings

– In total, 33 lifestyle variables were reduced to five food-related attitudinal factors. Based on the five factors three potential clusters were identified. The urban Indian consumer was found to be environment, health and safety conscious. Sensitized and cautious segment of young, women living in nuclear families were more open to an organic alternative. The main barriers to successful adoption were premium pricing, doubtful certification and sporadic availability of organic food.

Research limitations/implications

– The urban Indian is ready to shift to a healthier option. However, the awareness, availability and price need to be managed more aggressively. A larger pan-India study to identify the high-potential belts and the domestic organic distribution and certification practices need to be assessed to formulate a focused marketing strategy.

Originality/value

– Paucity of literature exists about the potential organic consumers. Such studies are extremely meaningful for an organic marketer to design effective communication and distribution strategies in order to accelerate the adoption and preference for an organic purchase.
Brazilian parents’ perceptions of children's influence on family food purchases
Authors: Dallazen Camila , Medeiros Rataichesck Fiates Giovanna
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Qualitatively ascertain perceptions of parents regarding their children's influence on family food purchases. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Content analysis of the transcripts of 31 semi-structured interviews conducted with parents of students from public and private institutions in Brazil. The public school provided meals supplied by the National School Feeding Program, and discouraged the consumption of foods brought from home. The private school did not receive any governmental subsidies for school feeding, and students were responsible for bringing their own school snacks.

Findings

– Parents perceived children's influence especially of energy-dense nutrient-poor food purchases. Parents from the public school students, with lower income and educational levels, showed greater concern with quality and frequency with which requested foods were made available to the child. Only the parents from the private school students mentioned perceiving peer influence over their children's requests.

Research limitations/implications

– Results enabled an overview of the main factors that influence children's purchase requests as perceived by parents. School environment seemed to influence requests, reinforcing the need for strategies similar to those present in the public school to be employed in private schools, where government programs that encourage healthy eating are not in place.

Originality/value

– Qualitative study conducted with parents of Brazilian school children found that those with lower income and educational level were actually more concerned about their children's eating habits and perceived less peer influence over their children's requests for foods. Initiatives in the public school environment that effectively reduced access to certain kinds of foods in favor of healthier food choices reinforced the school's role as a health promoter for students and also their families.
Application of the viable system model in a complex sugarcane supply chain
Authors: Hildbrand Sandra , Bodhanya Shamim
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce the viable system model (VSM) as a valuable tool to the food industry. A sugarcane supply chain was used to evaluate VSM's applicability to the food industry by exploring how VSM can help to understand its complexity.

Design/methodology/approach

– VSM and qualitative research methods were combined in an interactive manner to produce a VSM diagnosis.

Findings

– The VSM diagnosis highlighted that while continuity of the system is not at risk, many improvement opportunities exist. For example, the local mill management lacks autonomy, essential operational measurement cannot be realised, coordination is deficient and a vision or identity for the mill area and a joint effort to engage in strategic considerations is missing. Miller-grower fragmentation surfaced as one cause of these shortcomings.

Research limitations/implications

– Although VSM revealed shortcomings, it was unable to facilitate interventions for improvement. VSM's capacity in dealing with shortcomings should be strengthened and the merit of VSM in other food-related supply systems should be investigated.

Practical implications

– Millers and growers need to become genuine partners and work jointly on the issues that challenge the system to realise the full potential that is embedded in the system.

Originality/value

– VSM has not been applied in the sugar industry context and the amount of researches that explore sugarcane supply chains holistically is limited.
Sustainability and quality in the food supply chain. A case study of shipment of edible oils
Authors: Manzini Riccardo , Accorsi Riccardo , Ayyad Ziad , Bendini Alessandra , Bortolini Marco , Gamberi Mauro , Valli Enrico , Gallina Toschi Tullia
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Modern supply chains collect and deliver products worldwide and link vendors and consumers over thousands of miles. In the food industry, the quality of products is affected by manufacturing/processing and logistics activities, such as transportation and packaging. Specifically, transportation is likely the most critical step throughout the “food journey” from farm to fork because of the potential stresses that affect the products during shipment and storage activities. The purpose of this paper is to present and apply an original assessment of quality, safety and environmental effects due to the international distribution of food products via different container solutions. A case study that examines the shipment of edible oils from Italy to Canada demonstrates that the quality of a product at the place of consumption can be significantly affected by the use of different containers.

Design/methodology/approach

– A simulation-based quality assessment, combined with a life cycle and environmental analysis, supports the logistic manager in the decision-making process in order to guarantee the highest level of product quality at the place of consumption.

Findings

– The proposed approach and the illustrated case study demonstrate the importance of conducting safety and quality assessment combined with environmental analyses of sustainable food supply chains.

Originality/value

– This paper highlights the interdependency of implications and decisions on food quality and environmental sustainability of supply chain processes and activities.
CGIJ review
Authors: MacVane Phipps Fiona
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the content of the current issue of CGIJ.

Design/methodology/approach

– This review is prepared by the review editor to highlight key points within each article.

Findings

– Enables readers to scan content and select articles of most interest or relevance to their needs.

Originality/value

– CGIJ is the only Emerald health journal providing this service to its readers.
Stator voltage harmonics and unbalance compensation of the sensorless standalone doubly fed induction generator
Authors: Iwanski Grzegorz , Pura Piotr , Łuszczyk Tomasz , Szypulski Mateusz
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) is widely used in wind energy conversion systems and it can operate with other primary movers. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the standalone operation of DFIG which may expand the area of possible applications and increase capabilities of the generation system in terms of power quality.

Design/methodology/approach

– Synthesis of the control method was preceded by analysis of mathematical model of the machine. The control method based on the negative sequence and high harmonics extraction has been developed and verified in the laboratory unit. Control of the fundamental frequency component uses neither rotor speed nor position sensors.

Findings

– The original method allows to compensate negative sequence and high harmonics of the generated voltage. At the same time, due to the active filtering capability of the grid side converter, the stator phase current shape is close to sine wave. Thus, it is seen by the machine as a linear load, what eliminates the electromagnetic torque ripples.

Practical implications

– The system and control method can be applied in variable speed generation systems, e.g. wind turbines or diesel engines operating in the standalone mode.

Originality/value

– Although the selective compensation of negative sequence and harmonics are known in the literature, until now the methods have been verified for the system with a rotor position sensor. Moreover, the stator current feed-forward improving the transient properties, as well as results of transient states caused by the load step change, have not been proposed in publications.
On the investigation of the magnetic forces of CWPMM
Authors: Abdennadher Imen , Masmoudi Ahmed
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the magnetic forces generated by a 12 slot/10 pole concentrated winding PM machines, considering a comparative study between two topologies: a surface mounted permanent magnet (SPM) machine and an interior PM (IPM) machine.

Design/methodology/approach

– Following a description of the main characteristics of the concentrated winding permanent magnet machines (CWPMMs) under comparison, an investigation of the magnetic forces developed by both machines under study is carried out using finite element analysis (FEA).

Findings

– A 2D FEA-based investigation has highlighted that the SPM machine develops higher magnetic forces than the IPM one. However, and following a 3D FEA, it has been found that the distribution of the magnetic forces along the air gap of the SPM machine is almost homogenous while it is concentrated in two opposite positions in the air gap of the IPM machine.

Research limitations/implications

– This work has treated almost all features of the machines under comparison, except the power losses. These should be investigated with emphasis on the PM eddy current losses is so far as the harmonic content of the armature air gap MMF is high.

Practical implications

– The list of the selection criteria of CWPMMs should be extended to the magnetic force cancellation in order to fulfill the requirements of many applications such as the automotive ones.

Originality/value

– The paper proposes a combined electromagnetic-mechanical approach to investigate the magnetic forces generated by CWPMMs using 2D and 3D FEA.
Calculation of inrush current using adopted parameters of the hysteresis loop
Authors: Ali Naghizadeh Ramezan , Vahidi Behrooz , Hossein Hosseinian Seyed
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose an accurate model for simulation of inrush current in power transformers with taking into account the magnetic core structure and hysteresis phenomenon. Determination of the required model parameters and generalization of the obtained parameters to be used in different conditions with acceptable accuracy is the secondary purpose of this work.

Design/methodology/approach

– The duality transformation is used to construct the transformer model based on its topology. The inverse Jiles-Atherton hysteresis model is used to represent the magnetic core behavior. Measured inrush waveforms of a laboratory test power transformer are used to calculate a fitness function which is defined by comparing the measured and simulated currents. This fitness function is minimized by particle swarm optimization algorithm which calculates the optimal model parameters.

Findings

– An analytical and simple approach is proposed to generalize the obtained parameters from one inrush current measurement for simulation of this phenomenon in different situations. The measurement results verify the accuracy of the proposed method. The developed model with the determined parameters can be used for accurate simulation of inrush current transient in power transformers.

Originality/value

– A general and flexible topology-based model is developed in PSCAD/EMTDC software to represent the transformer behavior in inrush situation. The hysteresis model parameters which are obtained from one inrush current waveform are generalized using the structure parameters, switching angle, and residual flux for accurate simulation of this phenomenon in different conditions.
DC-link voltage selection for a multi-MW wind turbine
Authors: Roshanfekr Poopak , Thiringer Torbjörn , Lundmark Sonja , Alatalo Mikael
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the dc-link voltage for the converter of a wind generator should be selected, i.e. to determine the losses in the generator and the converter when using various dc-link voltage levels.

Design/methodology/approach

– To presents the efficiency evaluation of 5 MW wind turbine generating systems, two 5 MW surface mounted permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSG) with medium and low rated voltage is designed. A two-level transistor converter is considered for ac/dc conversion. Three different dc-link voltage levels are used. By using these voltage levels the PMSG is utilized in slightly different ways.

Findings

– It is found that the system with the lower voltage machine has slightly higher annual energy efficiency compare to the higher voltage system. Furthermore, it is shown that the best choice for the dc-link voltage level is a voltage between the minimum voltage which gives the desired torque and the voltage which gives Maximum Torque Per Ampere.

Originality/value

– A procedure as well as investigations with quantified results on how to find the highest complete drive system efficiency for a wind turbine application. Based on two given PMSG, the most energy-efficient dc-link voltage has been established.
High-order fast integration for earth-return impedance between underground and overhead conductors in Matlab
Authors: Ma Junjie , Xiang Shuhuang
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The earth-return mutual impedances between underground and overhead conductors can be expressed by Pollaczek integrals. Many efforts have been exerted to calculating this kind of integrals. However, most of numerical methods turn out to be time-consuming as integrands become highly oscillatory and strongly singular. Therefore, efficient algorithms should be devised. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper separates the singularity from the whole integral and couple with the singularity and oscillation, respectively. A sinh transformation is applied for the finite part and complex integration method is used to calculate the tail.

Findings

– Numerical experiments show that the given method shares the property that the stronger the singularity and the higher the oscillation, the better the accuracy of the calculation.

Originality/value

– The sinh transformation is first proposed to calculate Pollaczek integrals. This efficient algorithm can be used to evaluate mutual impedances between conductors. Also, it provides a new aspect of the research on fast calculation of Pollaczek integrals and Sommerfeld integrals.
The emerging cannabis treatment population
Authors: Hamilton Ian , Lloyd Charlie , Monaghan Mark , Paton Kirsteen
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine recent trends in presentation to treatment where cannabis is identified as the primary drug.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data is drawn from the recently published Public Health England report and supplemented with Home Office and European data.

Findings

– The data shows a marked increase in presentations for cannabis treatment over recent years. The authors offer some potential explanations for this trend.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors need to improve our understanding of the type of cannabis that is available and how specifically it is used. In parallel there is a pressing need for an evaluation of evidence in relation to treatment for problematic cannabis users.

Originality/value

– This paper highlights this recent trend in treatment presentations, offers some potential explanations and makes associated recommendations.
Improving Physical Distribution Service Decisions with Trade‐off Analysis
Authors: Perreault William D. , Russ Frederick A.
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this paper is to discuss some recent developments in trade‐off analysis which may provide distribution managers some guidance in (1) evaluating the physical distribution service (PDS) mix, (2) setting service levels, and (3) determining which elements of the mix warrant the greatest attention. This article proceeds by briefly discussing the new approach, and then illustrating how it might be used; the paper ends with some suggestions concerning the future use of these methods.
THE REVIVAL
Authors: Bamfield J.A.N.
Published: November 2014

The imminent demise of the Co‐operative movement has been frequently predicted. Critics point to its failure to hold its market share; Co‐ops took 20% of the food trade in the 1950s, but this had fallen to 11% by the early 1970s. But in recent years the Co‐op has reformed itself. This article considers how and why the Co‐operative movement managed to reverse its fortunes in the late 1960s and early 1970s; this helps to throw light on the process of change within retailing and the problems that occur when a retailer like the Co‐op stands aloof from the rest of the retail market. Part 2 of this feature, on future prospects for the movement, will be published in a forthcoming issue.
WHAT FUTURE FOR THE CO‐OP?
Authors: Bamfield J.A.N.
Published: November 2014

The first part of this feature examined the story behind the revival in the fortunes of the Co‐operative movement during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Part 2 goes on to look at the future prospects for the movement, and to make some observations concerning the autonomous tendency of individual societies when matched against the benefits offered by planning on a national scale.
COMMERCIAL BANK DIRECTOR/OFFICER LIABILITY EXPOSURE AND THE AGENCY ISSUE
Authors: Scroggins Bill , Fielding William , Clark Louise
Published: November 2014

This paper presents the results of a survey of 1000 U.S. Commercial Banks concerning their perception of and reaction to liability exposure. Also, the paper presents an application of the Modigliani‐Miller Capital Structure Model to illustrate the process by which liability exposure subjects the bank to financial leverage through lawsuits which may result in a dramatic reduction in shareholder wealth.
BROADENING THE VIEW OF CORPORATE DIVERSIFICATION: AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Hall Ernest H. , Lee Jooh
Published: November 2014

The relationship between diversification and organizational performance has been the subject of numerous studies over the years (Palepu, 1985; Rumelt, 1974). However, strategy scholars have universally defined diversification using a narrow definition, namely that corporate diversification is a function or reflection of the number of products/businesses in a firm's portfolio. The present study argues that such a definition has become outdated given the impact of international market diversification (Kim, Hwang, & Burgers, 1989; Rugman, 1979). Integrating these two views of corporate diversification, we investigate diversification‐performance differences using market‐ and product‐based measures of diversification and an international sample. Results suggest that the traditional model of diversification may not be applicable to all countries and that international differences exist.
XXI FATIPEC Congress 1992
Authors: Warson Henry
Published: November 2014

The twenty‐first Congress of FATIPEC, the European organisation of societies connected with the paint, ink and allied industries including raw materials, was held at the RAI complex in Amsterdam from 14–18 June 1992. It was organised efficiently with a number of evening social events. Besides pleniary lectures, there were three parallel series, the principal topics being waterborne systems, environmental problems, pigmentation, measuring and testing. There was a parallel Euroformula Exhibition in adjoining halls.
Letter from America USA
Authors: Paintman
Published: November 2014

A new high‐gloss HDPE resin is for continuous extrusion blow moulding of personal care, pharmaceutical, and food bottles. The 1.4‐melt‐index, 0.952‐density material is said to offer a good balance of room‐ and low‐temperature impact strength and stiffness. With a 350°F melting point, the product's superior melt strength ensures absence of melt fracture, supplier says.
Zero‐base budgeting
Authors: Ellis Darryl J. , Pekar Peter P.
Published: November 2014

Zero‐base budgeting (ZBB) provides top management with detailed information concerning the money needed to accomplish desired ends. Each expenditure is analyzed in terms of purpose and function to build a budget. ZBB spotlights redundancies and duplication of efforts among departments, focuses on dollars needed for programs rather than on the percentage increase (or decrease) from the previous year, specifies priorities within and among departments and divisions, and allows a performance audit to determine whether each activity or operation performs as desired.
Let's stop the National Enterprise Board now
Authors: Gog
Published: November 2014

PROBLEMS such as those of Ferranti and British Leyland are likely to become depressingly familiar over the next year or two, unless there is some major and improbable change of heart by the Government.
Aspekte neuzeitlicher Fremdenverkehrspolitik
Authors: Hochschulprofessor Dkfm. Von
Published: November 2014

In den Alpenländern war der beginnende Bergsport ein gewaltiger Antrieb für den Fremdenverkehr. Die Alpinisten müssen daher in einer historischen Sicht der Fremdenverkehrs‐entwicklung als Pioniere des Fremdenverkehrs betrachtet werden. Die erste bergsportliche Vereinigung war der British Alpine Club, der 1857 in London gegründet wurde. 1862 folgte der Österreichische Alpenverein, 1863 der Schweizer Alpenclub und der Club Alpino Italiano. 1869 entstanden der Deutsche Alpenverein und der Österreichische Touristenclub, 1874 der Club Alpin Francais und im gleichen Jahre durch Vereinigung des Österreichischen Alpenvereins in Wien und des Deutschen Alpenvereins in Mnchen der Deutsche und Österreichische Alpenverein. Daneben entstanden aber auch zahlreiche regionale Touristenvereine, wie 1864 der Schwarzwaldverein, 1866 der Club Jurassien in Neuchtel, 1868 der Taunusklub in Frankfurt a. M., 1869 der Steirische Gehirgsverein, u. v. a. m. Die Erforschung und Erschliessung der Bergwelt, Weganlagen und der Bau von Unterknften, vor allem aber die Begeisterung fr die Schönheit bestimmter Gebiete machten die Bergsteiger jener Zeit zu den grossen ungenannten Propagandisten der Alpenländer und ihrer Siedlungen.
Trends in public recreational land management in the United States
Authors: Stansfield Charles A.
Published: November 2014

Competition among various potential land uses for the finite and ecologically vulnerable resources of attractive landscapes is a problem of the first magnitude for the United States. Americans increasingly sense that the ‘frontier psychology’ of virtually unlimited space and resources as applied to recreational amenities and spaces is no longer valid; that they are indeed competing for recreational space. They compete with forms of land‐use incompatible with recreation and, more serious in terms of long‐term trends, they find themselves competing for access and enjoyment of facilities with other Americans.
Development of new service products for the leisure travel market — A system's view
Authors: Go Frank M.
Published: November 2014

A tourism product is like a symphony orchestra, it requires the firm guidance of an expert conductor who unterstands the role of all instruments and how they should harmonize to produce the optimal effect on the audience.
Success and progress of tourism in Kenya
Authors: Gitau Joseph M.
Published: November 2014

We all agree that Kenya is a viable Tourist destination. And that is the reason why the Kenya Government accepted tourism promotion as a policy as early as 1968.
Bases conceptuelles pour une éducation au loisir touristique
Authors: Moulin Claude
Published: November 2014

Cet article se propose d'étudier les caractéristiques du Grand Tour et celles du tourisme actuel afin de dégager des bases théoriques permettant par la suite d'élaborer un modèle d'éducation au loisir touristique. Ce modèle viserait à dépasser Ie ‘comment voyager’ pour donner au touriste les outils nécessaires à un développement cognitif, affectif, culturel et social. Cette ambition repose sur des données de diverses disciplines des sciences sociales et sur Ie fait que Ie tourisme n'est pas seulement une industrie, mais avant tout un agent de développement humain. Comme Ie souligne François Ascher “ce n'est pas Ie tourisme qui permet Ie développement économique, mais celuice qui rend profitable Ie tourisme.”
Zukunftstrends der touristischen Nachfrage in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland
Authors: Bleile Georg
Published: November 2014

Bevölkerungsdynamik und Tourismusnachfrage Fr die Entwicklung der Tourismusnachfrage bis zum Jahr 2000 sind neben den ökonomischen Bestimmungsfaktoren, wie Anstieg der Realeinkommen, Zuwachs der Freizeit, touristische Preise, Wechselkurse und Konjunktursituation, die zahlenmässige Entwicklung der Bevölkerung und die damit verbundenen Veränderungen der Bevlkerungsstruktur von erheblicher Bedeutung. Die Bundesrepublik Deutschland steht gegenwärtig vor dem demographischen Umbruch. In der Bundesrepublik wird zur Zeit die niedrigste Geburtenrate der Welt registriert. Bis zum Jahr 2000 wird die (deutsche) Bevölkerungszahl nach einer Modellrechnung des Statistischen Bundesamts von ca. 56 Mio im Jahr 1986 auf ca. 54 Mio sinken, bis zum Jahr 2030 auf etwa 41 Mio. Gleichzeitig werden sich drastische Veränderungen im Altersaufbau der Bevölkerung ergeben. Man spricht in diesem Zusammenhang vom “Trend zum demographischen Pilz”: