bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of a fuzzy model based on vibration signal analysis to auto‐detect the gear faults
Authors: Hashemi Mohammad , Saeed Safizadeh Mir
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to detect gears' faults with an automatic decision‐making process and find a reliable method to detect faults on gear systems using a composition of conventional methods.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the vibration behavior of gears during engagement is investigated. Then, after studying different methods of fault detection using vibration signals analysis, a suitable method is proposed for the case of gears. For this purpose, a fuzzy model is employed based on available knowledge about fault detection of gears and results obtained from vibration behavior of gears. In the mentioned fuzzy model, a feature extracted from wavelet transform and also a couple of statistical indexes are used as fault criteria.

Findings

Using fuzzy systems instead of numerous data in training the decision‐making system and also utilizing available knowledge of gears' signals and information of fault effects can significantly simplify the decision‐making process in auto‐detecting gears faults, considering difficulty of laboratory set up, manufacturing and different faults creation, as well as, lack of sufficient data.

Practical implications

In order to validate and enhance the proposed model, an empirical set up is manufactured and tested. Later on, the model is tested on another set of gears.

Originality/value

Although the gears' faults were completely different from those of experimental set up, promising results in detecting faults were obtained. Moreover, it is shown that it is possible to determine the level of gears' health, as well as to estimate the gears' status, owing to fuzzy logic. This issue can be observed in the change of fault parameter while analyzing signals related to the fault growth in gears.
Tribological properties of crown‐type phosphate ionic liquid as additive in poly(ethylene glycol) for steel/steel contacts
Authors: Jiang Dong , Hu Litian , Feng Dapeng
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design the crown‐type phosphate ionic liquid additive which can dissolve in poly(ethylene glycol) (shortened to PEG) completely, and evaluate the tribological properties as additive in PEG for steel/steel contacts.

Design/methodology/approach

To improve the solubility and the tribological performance of ionic liquid additive in PEG, the crown‐type phosphate ionic liquid additive was prepared. The tribological properties of the crown‐type phosphate ionic liquid additive in PEG were evaluated at different concentrations and rubbing frequencies on an Optimol SRV oscillating friction and wear tester. The morphology and chemical compounds of the wear scars were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Findings

The experimental results show that the crown‐type phosphate ionic liquid additive applied in based oil exhibits better tribological properties for steel/steel contacts at different loads, concentrations and rubbing frequencies. It could improve the anti‐wear ability and reduce the friction coefficients as the increased concentration. By the SEM and XPS analysis, it is found that there were the effective boundary lubricant films in the worn surface. The boundary films were composed of various tribochemical products, ferric oxide, ferric phosphate and pyrophosphate, together with the absorbed films.

Originality/value

Compared with the poor miscibility of some ionic liquid in PEG, the crown‐type phosphate ionic liquid additive can dissolve in PEG perfectly. It can improve the anti‐wear ability and reduce the friction coefficient of PEG at different concentrations and rubbing frequencies.
Volatiles from thin film degradation of bio‐based, synthetic and mineral basestocks
Authors: Stoncius Arvydas , Liascukiene Irma , Jankauskas Sigitas , Asadauskas Svajus J.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Workmanship concerns lead to more focus on volatile materials, released by industrial lubricants. Typically, flash point test and thermo‐gravimetrical analysis (TGA) are used to investigate basestock volatility, but they do not address long‐term decomposition tendencies of lubricants. The extent of volatile losses due to chemical degradation (oxidation, hydrolysis, dissociation, etc.) remains unclear.

Design/methodology/approach

Vaporisation tendencies of eight additive‐free bio‐based, synthetic and mineral basestocks with similar viscosities were compared experimentally in a 30‐80 h degradation test. Thin films (30‐50 μm) of oils were placed on the steel surface and heated to 130‐140°C with periodic cooling to room temperatures for gravimetric measurement of volatile losses.

Findings

Mineral oils lost some fractions initially, but their evaporation subsided afterwards. To the contrary, PAO, polyglycol and polyol ester type oils showed low losses early into the test, but later they started producing high amounts of volatiles. After approx. 10‐15 h the evaporation from mineral oils was clearly lower than that from synthetic or bio‐based oils with substantially higher flash points.

Originality/value

Test results challenge the existing viewpoint that viscous oils with high flash points are non‐volatile. It was found that even fully synthetic and bio‐based oils lost more than 30 wt.% contents, despite being considered almost non‐volatile. Such extensive decomposition of oil films should be taken into account when making the equipment‐engineering or workmanship‐related decisions in the industry.
Diffusion of quality standards in the hospitality sector
Authors: del Mar Alonso‐Almeida María , Marimon Frederic , Bernardo Merce
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study is to compare the diffusion of certifications under two quality management systems (QMSs) in the tourism sector in Spain: the generic ISO 9001 international standard; and the Spanish industry‐specific “Q” standard.

Design/methodology/approach

The study pursues this objective by comparing the logistic curves of dissemination of certifications under the two standards using data obtained from official sources. This analysis is complemented with qualitative data from several case studies of Spanish hotels and restaurants.

Findings

The results show that the two standards are at different stages of diffusion: certification under the Spanish “Q” standard is increasing, while the ISO 9001 international standard seems to have reached saturation point, despite the fact that a lower number of certifications have been registered under ISO 9001 than under the “Q” standard.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is that it is one of the first to analyse the dissemination of quality standards in a specific sector. The findings are thus of considerable importance in extending knowledge of quality management in the tourism sector.
Cultural adaptation in Chinese‐Western supply chain partnerships
Authors: Jia Fu , Lamming Richard
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Inter‐firm learning, or dyadic learning, has been studied extensively in recent years: however very little attention has been devoted to extending the concept to an international context and no formal definition exists. The purpose of this paper is to propose “cultural adaptation” as a special form of international dyadic learning and link it to supply relationship performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies were conducted in four Chinese‐Western buyer‐supplier relationships, providing cross‐case replication, employing qualitative and quantitative methods. Data were triangulated by questionnaires, semi‐structured interviews, and documentation.

Findings

Qualitative and quantitative evidence shows that cultural adaptation can lead to mutual benefits (relationship rents) and inbound spillover rents for both parties in a supply relationship.

Research limitations/implications

Using four cases and a small sample of key informants completing the questionnaire limits generalisability of findings.

Practical implications

The paper develops the causal relationship between cultural adaptation and mutual benefits motivating managers to adapt culturally. It emphasizes that the current relationship performance measures should includeguanxiquality in order to adapt to the Chinese context.

Originality/value

Building on extended resource based theory, stating that strategic resources may lie beyond a firm's boundary and that relational and inbound spillover rents may be obtained from the relationship, the research contributes to dyadic or inter‐organisational learning literature by empirically building causal relationships between cultural adaptation (as a form of international dyadic learning) and associated mutual benefits (relational and inbound spillover rents), using multiple data sources and methods and tentatively redefining the dyadic learning concept.
An empirical examination of the relationship between business strategy and socially responsible supply chain management
Authors: Hoejmose Stefan , Brammer Stephen , Millington Andrew
Published: April 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the effect of business strategy on socially responsible supply chain management (SR‐SCM).

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on data from 178 UK‐based companies, and 340 buyer‐supplier relationships. A novel data collection approach is used, which minimizes social desirability and common methods bias, to capture socially responsible supply chain management. The data are analysed through a set of OLS regressions.

Findings

Business strategies significantly influence socially responsible supply chain management. Low‐cost producers largely neglect their social responsibilities in the supply chain. In contrast, firms pursuing differentiation strategies are considerably more engaged with these issues, partly because they have better supply chain processes.

Practical implications

Practitioners should carefully consider the fit between strategic position and level of engagement with SR‐SCM, since our results emphasise the relationship between SR‐SCM and business strategy. Proactive engagement with SR‐SCM, however, also implies sound supply chain processes, which must also be aligned with business strategy. Policy‐makers should consider the low engagement with SR‐SCM of low‐cost producers and the implications for SR‐SCM in cost sensitive and competitive global markets.

Originality/value

This is the first systematic cross‐sectional study of the relationship between business strategy and socially responsible supply chain management (SR‐SCM). These results suggest that there is a clear relationship between the strategic position of the firm and their SR‐SCM practices. These results contribute to the on‐going debate on relationships between strategy and supply chain management, and the emerging debate on the relationships between strategy and SR‐SCM.
Turnaround across diverse global supply chains using shared metrics and change methodology
Authors: Appelqvist Patrik , Chavez‐Demoulin Valérie , Hameri Ari‐Pekka , Heikkilä Jussi , Wauters Vincent
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to document the outcome of a global three‐year long supply chain improvement initiative at a multi‐national producer of branded sporting goods that is transforming from a holding structure to an integrated company. The case company is comprised of seven internationally well‐known sport brands, which form a diverse set of independent sub‐cases, on which the same supply chain metrics and change project approach was applied to improve supply chain performance.

Design/methodology/approach

By using in‐depth case study and statistical analysis the paper analyzes across the brands how supply chain complexity (SKU count), supply chain type (make or buy) and seasonality affect completeness and punctuality of deliveries, and inventory as the change project progresses.

Findings

Results show that reduction in supply chain complexity improves delivery performance, but has no impact on inventory. Supply chain type has no impact on service level, but brands with in‐house production are better in improving inventory than those with outsourced production. Non‐seasonal business units improve service faster than seasonal ones, yet there is no impact on inventory.

Research limitations/implications

The longitudinal data used for the analysis is biased with the general business trend, yet the rich data from different cases and three‐years of data collection enables generalizations to a certain level.

Practical implications

The in‐depth case study serves as an example for other companies on how to initiate a supply chain improvement project across business units with tangible results.

Originality/value

The seven sub‐cases with their different characteristics on which the same improvement initiative was applied sets a unique ground for longitudinal analysis to study supply chain complexity, type and seasonality.
ICT implementation process model for logistics service providers
Authors: Luisa dos Santos Vieira Carolina , Sérgio Coelho Antônio , Mendes Luna Monica Maria
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Information and communication technology (ICT) plays a critical role in supporting logistics services outsourcing arrangements. Despite the literature highlighting the benefits of ICT usage by logistics service providers (LSPs), a gap between what is expected of ICT and satisfaction with LSP performance has persisted. Seeking to reduce this gap, the purpose of this paper is to propose an ICT implementation process designed for LSPs.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model was built, which took into account the ICT implementation models identified in the literature and the LSP requirements from ICT usage. The model was adjusted according to technology innovation and change management practices. A multi‐case descriptive study was conducted to evaluate the adequacy of this model in practice.

Findings

The proposed ICT implementation model designed for LSPs combines both theoretical and empirical research. It comprises 39 activities, of which 32 were available in the literature and seven are new – mainly for aspects related to external integration. Through multiple‐case analysis, the model proved itself appropriate for supporting a step‐by‐step ICT implementation in LSPs.

Originality/value

The paper considers LSP requirements related to integrating and coordinating supply chains in the proposed model. In addition to an engineering perspective, it addresses behavioral issues for technology acceptance. It also exposes the problem posed by the definition of implementation process boundaries. Moreover, it features case studies in the Brazilian LSP industry, which has received little attention in the mainstream literature.
Controller design for an electric power steering system based on LQR techniques
Authors: Chitu Cristian , Lackner Jochen , Horn Martin , Srikanth Pullagura Premchand , Waser Helmut , Kohlböck Markus
Published: April 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to present a linear quadratic regulator (LQR) employed to improve performance of an electrical power steering (EPS) system.

Design/methodology/approach

Generally, EPS is a full electric system having an electrical motor which provides the assist torque on the steering mechanism in order to reduce the workload and to enhance the steering feel of the driver during the steering process. Since the torque sensors are considerably expensive, the authors present a control strategy that eliminates the driver torque sensor by introducing a torque estimator. Three main technical areas are described in this paper. First, the principle and structure of EPS are presented including the dynamic model. Second, LQR and Kalman filter techniques are employed to derive an optimal controller for the EPS system. Finally, the simulations and hardware results are depicted.

Findings

The combined tools of Matlab/Simulink and dSPACE provide the environment for modelling the controller in software and applying it to the actual hardware via a digital signal processing board based on the DS1401 MicroAutoBox. The controller is evaluated via simulation results, dSPACE hardware results, and verified on vehicle testing data.

Originality/value

This paper presents a controller design for an EPS system based on the LQR techniques. Within the controller concept shown, elimination of the driver torque sensor offers advantages in terms of both cost and mechanical performance. Simulations and measured data prove the good functionality of the controller proposed.
Fast evaluation of the lightning electromagnetic field in the time domain with an adaptive piecewise approximation of channel base current
Authors: Lee Jae‐bok , Zou Jun , Li Mo , Chang Sughun
Published: April 2013

Purpose

A fast algorithm is proposed to calculate the lightning electromagnetic field over a perfectly conducting earth surface.

Design/methodology/approach

The channel base current is approximated by a number of sub‐domain quadratic functions using the proposed adaptive sampling technique, and the derivative and integral of the channel base current with respect to time can be analytically expressed. With the help of these approximations, the ideal electromagnetic field of the lightning channel can be evaluated along the lightning channel with respect to the height.

Findings

The computational time can be greatly reduced using the proposed approach to evaluate the electromagnetic field of a lightning channel in the time domain.

Originality/value

The adaptive sampling technique is a general‐purposed approach, which can be potentially used in other applications to fit a function with the minimal number of intervals.
Analysis and calculation of slot leakage reactance in the stator bar strands of deficient transposition
Authors: Yan‐ping Liang , Hong‐hao Yu , Xu Bian
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce an analytic method to calculate the slot leakage reactance of stator bar strands in alternative current machines whose stator windings have multiple bars per layer and using deficient transposition.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the analysis of deficient transposition, the calculation model of mutual slot leakage reactance between any two strands in one bar is established. The subsection integral method is presented to calculate the slot leakage reactance and analytic function is listed. A pump motor used in nuclear power is taken as an example, and the slot self leakage reactance of any strand in its top layer winding and the slot mutual leakage reactance between one strand and other strands in the same bar are calculated depending on the method described above. The slot leakage reactance of all strands in the top layer winding is calculated when different transposition angles are applied in stator bars.

Findings

The results show that subsection integral method is effective in calculating the slot leakage reactance of stator bar strands of deficient transposition. The slot leakage reactance distribution of all strands is obtained. The transposition angle has a great impact on the slot leakage reactance distribution of stator bar strands.

Originality/value

This paper presents an available method to calculate the slot leakage reactance of any strands in alternative current machine whose stator windings have multiple bars per layer and using deficient transposition, and discusses the impact of transposition angle on the slot leakage reactance. The conclusion can lay the foundation of the effective calculation of circulating current losses in stator bars with deficient transposition.
A reversible flux linkage model of the switched reluctance motor with rotor position computable
Authors: Haijin Chen , Peng Sun , Longfang Yi , Suichun Qu
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a reversible flux linkage model of the switched reluctance motor so that the rotor position can be computed analytically.

Design/methodology/approach

The presented flux linkage model uses a Fermi function like equation with four coefficients to fit flux linkage characteristics. In this work, the coefficients are calculated from flux‐current‐angle data using numerical curve fitting with the least squares method. A rotor position model is then derived by inverting the flux linkage model. With a simple estimation scheme based on the rotor position model, the rotor position is estimated continuously. Simulation and experiments are then performed to verify the proposed method.

Findings

The presented flux linkage model agrees well with flux linkage characteristics. The average absolute relative error (AARE) of the model varies between 0.3 per cent and 5.3 per cent. With the derived rotor position model, rotor position can be estimated conveniently for either steady or dynamic operations.

Practical implications

The simulation and experimental results indicate that the presented model is an eligible candidate for applications such as rotor position estimation, performance simulation and other model based controls.

Originality/value

Unlike previously reported methods, the presented flux linkage model is reversible so that a rotor position model can be derived and the rotor position can be computed analytically.
Strategies for business turnaround and recovery: a review and synthesis
Authors: Schoenberg Richard , Collier Nardine , Bowman Cliff
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Against a backdrop of continued weak economic conditions and with many firms experiencing declining financial performance, this paper presents a synthesis of the business turnaround literature. It aims to identify which turnaround and recovery strategies have been effective historically, based on the evidence provided by previous empirical research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review literature that includes 22 empirical studies, which investigated business turnarounds in previous recessionary environments. This literature was reviewed in its entirety, rather than as individual contributions, to synthesise the lessons available for businesses operating in today's challenging economic environment.

Findings

The literature review revealed convergence in the findings of the prior studies. In total, six effective turnaround strategies were consistently identified and four of these relate to the content of the turnaround, namely: cost efficiencies, asset retrenchment, a focus on the firm's core activities and building for the future and two relate to accompanying change processes required for implementation: reinvigoration of firm leadership and culture change.

Research limitations/implications

The authors highlight areas where knowledge on business turnarounds remains limited and suggest potentially fruitful directions for future research.

Practical implications

The authors discuss the elements involved in each of the six effective turnaround strategies identified. The authors also provide a contemporary example to illustrate the application of these strategies in the current economic environment.

Originality/value

The paper offers practitioners an evidence‐based view on effective business turnaround and recovery strategies, in addition to providing researchers with an accessible review of the existing literature.
Towards a framework for controls as determinants of export performance
Authors: Mysen Tore
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review and synthesize empirical literature concerning the role of control mechanisms in export relationships, and to develop a model for controls as determinants of export performance.

Design/methodology/approach

To identify relevant papers, a variety of keywords is used in a computerized, bibliographic search, accompanied by manual checking of references in previous research. A combination of content analysis and integrative assessment is adopted to synthesize the findings and develop the framework.

Findings

To a great extent, the results provide support to the argument that the influence of control mechanisms on export performance is contingent upon firm strategy and characteristics, the governance structure and relationship atmosphere established in the exchange relationships, and foreign market characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis points to a lack of consensus concerning how to define controls. Subsequently, the review and analysis rest on the definition of control mechanisms and export performance. The descriptions, synthesis, and proposed framework indicate a connection between implemented controls, internal, external, and relational dimensions, and consequently to the need of adjusting the control mechanisms to the environment. Hence, the analysis, synthesis, and proposed framework, give advice to managers involved in exporting, as well as providing guidance for future research.

Originality/value

This study is the first to analyze and integrate empirical literature concerning controls as determinants of export performance. As such, the study may inspire further research.
Emerging market multinationals' location choice
Authors: Jain Naveen K. , Lahiri Somnath , Hausknecht Douglas R.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Location choice made by emerging market multinationals (EMMs) constitutes an important yet somewhat neglected topic in business research. The purpose of this paper is to develop a research framework that elucidates the role of EMM‐specific resources and internationalization motivations on the location choice of EMMs.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature pertaining to firm‐specific resources and internationalization motivations as determinants of location choice is reviewed. This leads to the development of a research framework that takes into account various combinations of resources and motivations in explaining the location choice of EMMs. The paper offers research propositions by linking resources, motivations, and the appropriate choice of locations.

Findings

The paper illustrates that location choices of EMMs are determined by the interplay of various resources (relationship‐based, home experiences‐based, and country created assets‐based) and internationalization motivations (market‐seeking, asset‐seeking, and resource‐seeking).

Originality/value

The paper investigates the simultaneous influence of two important determinants: firm‐specific resources and internationalization motivations on the location choices of EMMs. Prior literature has extolled the importance of these factors in international business but not in the context of the location choices of EMMs. Thus, this paper fills an important void in business scholarship.
Hybrid strategies in Greece: a pleasant surprise
Authors: Salavou Helen E.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically whether a hybrid, compared with other forms of competitive advantage, contributes to better business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on 105 food manufacturing firms in Greece, a European Union (EU) member state, this study performs a factor analysis, a cluster analysis and an analysis of variance.

Findings

This study provides evidence in favour of the hybrid as the best‐performing form of competitive advantage for Greek food firms. Specifically, the findings show pure (the cost‐based nichers: 36 firms), combined (the hybridists: 49 firms) and stuck‐in‐the‐middle (the confused strategists: 20 firms) strategic alternatives that differ in terms of performance.

Research limitations/implications

Research on Porter's dominant paradigm within Europe is surprisingly limited. Given the call for further research on competitive strategy to focus on European firms, this Greek study extends Porter's original model and represents one of the few studies to examine the relationship between hybrid strategies and performance.

Practical implications

Managers should keep in mind that hybrid strategies are usually better and never worse than pure and stuck‐in‐the‐middle alternatives. Emphasis on all dimensions of the hybrid form may be a safe and rewarding option for Greek food players to compete at home against global players.

Originality/value

This study provides new evidence on hybrid strategies within Europe, a subject that lacks sufficient foundation. Despite the contradictory results obtained elsewhere on the Porter‐based perspective since 1980, the empirical evidence within a European country, Greece, suggests a pleasant surprise.
An examination of the critical factors affecting consumer acceptance of online banking
Authors: Maditinos Dimitrios , Chatzoudes Dimitrios , Sarigiannidis Lazaros
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The recent advances in the technology of electronic banking have helped develop new ways of handling banking affairs, especially through online banking. Moreover, the rapid development of the internet has stimulated the banking sector towards encouraging customers to make their transactions online. The purpose of this paper is to introduce an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) model as a tool for examining the factors that have a significant impact on customers' online banking acceptance.

Design/methodology/approach

The typical TAM constructs were enhanced with the variables of perceived risk and quality of the internet connection. The proposed conceptual framework of the study (extended TAM), was tested on a sample of Greek internet users. Data were analysed using the “structural equation modelling” technique.

Findings

Results provide overall support for the extended TAM model and confirm its robustness in predicting customers' intention of adoption of internet banking. More specifically, results underlined the important impact of perceived usefulness, security risk and performance risk on the intention to use internet banking. On the contrary, the impact of perceived ease of use and quality of the internet connection seemed to have only an indirect effect on internet banking adoption.

Practical implications

The paper makes an analytical effort in order to point out areas that banking organisations should emphasize in order to successfully implement online banking and, therefore, harvest its potential benefits.

Originality/value

The paper proposes an enhanced conceptual framework (extended TAM) that examines vital issues concerning online banking acceptance, thus providing valuable outcomes for decision makers and academics. To the best of the researchers' knowledge, such an extension of the TAM model has never been examined in the relevant literature. Moreover, the results of the study may be generalised in other developed countries whose financial sector faces significant challenges (e.g. Spain, Italy, Portugal, Ireland, etc.).
Economics and business as if caring matters: investing in our future
Authors: Eisler Riane
Published: April 2013

Purpose

In this time of disequilibrium, old approaches are not capable of meeting our growing challenges. In addition to worrying about customers, employees, products, and services, managers and business owners have to consider matters such as globalization, the environment, instant communications, and technologies once only imagined in science fiction. Not surprisingly, there is a growing perception that we need new ways of thinking about business, economics, and society. The aim of this paper is to address this urgent matter.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper addresses this urgent matter through the lens of an underlying theme of this issue: “care is worthy of investment, policy, and practice because it delivers both measurable results and a more humane world”.

Findings

Offering a perspective that goes beyond the capitalism vs socialism debate, it shows that the failure to recognize the economic value of the work of caring and caregiving has been a major obstacle to more equitable and sustainable ways of living and making a living.

Practical implications

It proposes measures of economic health that take into account the value of care, as well as the large, still generally ignored, contributions of women, who do most of the care work in both market and nonmarket economic sectors.

Social implications

It places economic valuations in their social context from the perspective of two new social categories: the partnership system and the domination system, revealing the imbalanced gendered values inherent in the latter.

Originality/value

It shows the financial value of caring and proposes economic inventions – economic measurements, policies, and practices – that support caring for people, starting in early childhood, as well as caring for our natural environment.
Sustainable human capital: product innovation and employee partnerships in technology firms
Authors: Banerjee Preeta M.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

To date, sustainability in technology firms has focused on improving outputs while maintaining the same inputs. The purpose of this paper is to propose a six‐stage model for enhancing inputs as well as outputs, named sustainable human capital. The paper extends traditional views of individuals as human capital, measured as formal education and direct experience to incorporate more holistic and humanistic views of informal education and indirectly related experience. This allows technology firms, whose lifeblood is innovation, to increase employee satisfaction and performance, quality and quantity of technology firm innovation, and societal well‐being in the form of sustainable products and services.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper extends concepts in innovation management to build a holistic model of employees as sustainable human capital. By bridging theory and practice, this paper provides a framework for knowledge‐building partnerships and, thus, relational wealth, or the value created by and for a firm through its internal relations among and with employees.

Findings

A model of sustainable human capital starts with pre‐hiring processes (raw materials), on‐boarding (design stage), training and development (production stage), developing external partnerships and integrating individual employees with the ecosystem (distribution stage), building internal relationships through mentoring (use and maintenance stage), and employee's exit through succession planning (recovery stage).

Originality/value

Technology managers have been utilizing a lifecycle approach for product innovation, yet have de‐coupled the product from the people, the fundamental source of innovation. Thus, re‐incorporating the human aspect to the lifecycle approach offers practices for holistic engagement of employees in innovation. Just as management literature pushed economists to shift their views of employees from homogeneous units of human capital to heterogeneous individuals, sustainability literature must evolve in its approach to start thinking of employees as discrete individuals with differentiated skills that change over time.
CSR communication strategies for organizational legitimacy in social media
Authors: Colleoni Elanor
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Organization legitimacy is a general reflection of the relationship between an organization and its environment. By adopting an institutional approach and defining moral legitimacy as “a positive normative evaluation of the organization and its activities”, the goal of this paper is to investigate which corporate communication strategy adopted in online social media is more effective to create convergence between corporations' corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda and stakeholders' social expectations, and thereby, to increase corporate legitimacy.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the entire Twitter social graph, a network analysis was carried out to study the structural properties of the CSR community, such as the level of reciprocity, and advanced data mining techniques, i.e. topic and sentiment analysis, were carried out to investigate the communication dynamics.

Findings

Evidence was found that neither the engaging nor the information strategies lead to alignment. The assumption of the more the dialog, the more the communality seems to fail to portray the complexity of the communicational dynamics, such as the persistence of different, or simply a dialog without alignment. Empirical findings show that, even when engaging in a dialogue, communication in social media is still conceived as a marketing practice to convey messages about companies.

Originality/value

This paper originally investigates organizational legitimacy in the context of social media by applying advanced data‐mining techniques that allow the analysis of large amounts of information available online.
“Sharing is caring”
Authors: ter Hoeven Claartje L. , Verhoeven Joost W.M.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication on external stakeholders' perceptions and behaviours have been studied extensively; however, researchers have largely overlooked the effects of CSR communication on internal stakeholders. This study seeks to propose that, by enhancing employee awareness of the organisation's CSR activities (aimed at society, the government, customers, and employees), organisational communication can increase affective commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected at a Dutch healthcare insurance company, using a web‐based questionnaire (n=301). The proposed model was tested with structural equation modelling (SEM) using Amos.

Findings

The bootstrapping results showed a positive association between information flow and affective commitment, with a mediating effect for CSR aimed at employees and customers. CSR projects aimed at the government and society at large did not mediate the relationship between information flow and affective commitment.

Originality/value

The impact of CSR towards employees and customers can be explained by social exchange theory. When employees feel that their organisation values their well‐being and that of their customers, they reciprocate what they receive from the organisation by committing themselves to the organisation. As such, this study provides an important argument for the implementation of CSR activities: it increases the emotional attachment of employees towards their organisation.
Growth of InN thin films on different Si substrates at ambient temperature
Authors: Amirhoseiny Maryam , Hassan Zainuriah , Shiong Ng Sha
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the growth dependence of InN on Si substrate with different orientation through RF reactive magnetron sputtering in ambient temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors fabricated indium nitride (InN) thin films by radio frequency (RF) sputtering. The InN thin films were deposited on Si (100), Si (110) and Si (111) substrates at room temperature. The crystalline structure and surface morphology of the InN films were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Findings

X‐ray diffraction results revealed that the wurtzite InN with preferential (101) orientation are deposited. Through the Scherrer structural analysis revealed nanocrystalline structure for InN films grown on Si (110), Si (100) and Si (111) orientation with crystallite size of 42.3, 33.8 and 24.1, respectively. The optical properties of InN layers were examined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and micro‐Raman reflectance spectroscopy at room temperature. The observation of the E1(TO), A1(LO), and E2(high) phonon modes of the InN from the IR and Raman results confirmed that the deposited InN thin film has hexagonal structure.

Originality/value

Si (110) surface is not isotropic and it may offer a unique orientation plane for the nitride films which could reduce the defect density and the resulting tensile stress responsible for film cracking. Therefore, it is absolutely worth exploring the growth of InN on Si (110) by using relatively simple and cheap reactive sputtering technique.
Thermal resistance studies of surface modified heat sink for 3W LED using transient curve
Authors: Subramani Shanmugan , Nadarajah Teeba , Devarajan Mutharasu
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Surface configuration at the interface between two materials makes a huge difference on thermal resistance. Thermal transient analysis is a powerful tool for thermal characterization of complex structures like LEDs. The purpose of this paper is to report the influence of surface finish on thermal resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

Surface of heat sink was modified into two categories: machined as channel like structure; and polished using mechanical polisher and tested with 3W green LED for thermal resistance analysis.

Findings

The observed surface roughness of rough and polished surface was 44 nm and 4 nm, respectively. Structure function analysis was used to determine the thermal resistance between heat sink and MCPCB board. The observed thermal resistance from junction to ambient (RthJA) value measured with thermal paste at 700 mA was lower (34.85 K/W) for channel like surface than rough surface (36.5 K/W). The calculated junction temperature (TJ) for channel like surface and polished surface was 81.29°C and 85.24°C, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

Channelled surface aids in increasing bond line thickness. Surface polishing helps to reduce the air gaps between MCPCB and heat sink and also to increase the surface contact conductance.

Practical implications

The proposed method of surface modification can be easily done at laboratory level with locally available techniques.

Originality/value

Much of the available literature is only concentrating on the design modification and heat transfer from fins to ambient. There was little research on modification of top surface of the heat sink and the proposed concept would give good results and also it will make the material cost reduction as well as material too.
The supply chain management‐marketing interface in product development
Authors: Pero Margherita , Lamberti Lucio
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the marketing‐supply chain management (SCM) interface in new product development (NPD) processes through a contingent approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The study endorses Thompson's taxonomy of interfaces – pooled interdependence, sequential interdependence and reciprocal interdependence – to classify the approaches observed through case study research on two innovation processes within the same unit. A number of contingent variables is hypothesized as possible factors impacting on the very interface adopted by the company. Thompson's taxonomy and the contingent variables constitute the conceptual framework of the study.

Findings

Results show that the conceptual framework provides encouraging results in interpreting the marketing‐SCM interface design by companies, even if some refinements, especially as far as the interface taxonomy are concerned, appear necessary to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.

Research limitations/implications

Since the study is based on two cases, outcomes cannot be generalized. Nonetheless, the preliminary results and the rich understanding of the phenomenon provided by the in‐depth case studies suggested a number of research proposition to frame future research on the topic.

Originality/value

The paper observes the marketing‐SCM interface in a contingent way, providing a new interpretive framework for its analysis and design, and showing how the encouraged view in literature towards marketing‐SCM integration may be problematic and counterproductive in specific circumstances.
Identifying knowledge management problems using a process‐based method (a case study of process 137)
Authors: Ranjbarfard Mina , Aghdasi Mohammad , Albadvi Amir , Hassanzadeh Mohammad
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to develop, test and improve a method that draws upon business process improvement literature and combines it with knowledge management approaches for modeling and analyzing knowledge‐intensive business processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Analyzing and integrating previous meta models served in knowledge oriented business process researches, a preliminary meta model was developed for modeling knowledge‐intensive business processes. Then an initial version of Proper Arrangement of Knowledge Management Processes (PAKMP) framework was developed according to the knowledge management processes approaches. Third round of interviews withprocess 137members were conducted in order to test applicability and completeness of both preliminary meta model and initial version of PAKMP framework in order to improve them. In addition, a five‐steps analysis method achieved through case study which is based on the application of both final Meta model and PAKMP framework. In fact this five‐steps method was applied in Tehran's Municipality which redounded to improve preliminary meta model and initial version of PAKMP framework and endorsed the applicability of the proposed method in real world.

Findings

This paper has a contribution in enriching the literature related to integrating KM efforts and BPM efforts by presenting a five‐steps analysis method and testing it in a real case. This method considers both KM and business process management points of view.

Research limitations/implications

The general applicability of the method due to the weak generalization of the single case study is a limitation.

Originality/value

This paper combines the advantages of the business process improvement and knowledge management approaches and suggests a practical method for modeling and analyzing the knowledge management status in knowledge‐intensive business processes. After analysis, managers should put emphasis on improving the arrangement of KM processes for critical knowledge objects which led to improve the performance of knowledge‐intensive business process trough removing KM problems. The paper concludes by suggesting some topics for future research.
Successful ERP implementation: an integrative model
Authors: Schniederjans Dara , Yadav Surya
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The paper aims to present a conceptual model that better defines critical success factors to ERP implementation organized with the technology, organization and environment (TOE) framework. The paper also adds to current literature the critical success factor of trust with the vendor, system and consultant which has largely been ignored in the past.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses past literature and theoretical and conceptual framework development to illustrate a new conceptual model that incorporates critical success factors that have both been empirically tied to ERP implementation success in the past and new insights into how trust impacts ERP implementation success.

Findings

The paper finds a lack of research depicted in how trust impacts ERP implementation success and likewise a lack of a greater conceptual model organized to provide insight into ERP implementation success.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a holistic conceptual framework for ERP implementation success and discusses the impact that trust with the vendor, system and consultant has on ERP implementation success.