bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(1S,3R,8R)-2,2-Dichloro-3,7,7,10-tetramethyl-11-methylenetricyclo[6.4.0.01,3]dodec-9-ene
Authors: Benharref Ahmed , El Ammari Lahcen , Saadi Mohamed , Mazoir Noureddine , Berraho Moha
Published: March 2017

The title compound, C17H24Cl2, was synthesized in four steps from β-himachalene (3,5,5,9-tetramethyl-2,4a,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-1H-benzocycloheptene), which was isolated from an essential oil of the Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica). The molecule is built from fused six- and seven-membered rings, and an additional three-membered ring. The dihedral angle between the mean planes of the cyclohexene and cycloheptane rings is 58.37 (19)°. There is an intramolecular C—H...Cl hydrogen bond present involving a Cl atom and the H atom of the unique methine C atom, forming an S(5) ring motif. There are no significant intermolecular interactions present.
Importance of intrinsic and extrinsic quality food characteristics by different consumer segments
Authors: Brečić Ruzica , Mesić Željka , Cerjak Marija
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine intrinsic and extrinsic food quality characteristics and the relative importance placed on these characteristics by different consumer segments. Moreover, relationship between segments of consumers and consumption frequency of differentiated food products (traditional, functional and organic) was analysed.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-stage stratified random sampling approach was employed and data were collected via 500 face-to-face interviews conducted in respondents’ homes. A version of the Food Choice Questionnaire was used to examine the motives of consumers’ underlying food choices. The collected data were analysed by factor analysis followed by cluster analysis.

Findings

Four factors were identified: health and sensory characteristics, price and availability, body weight and digestion, and convenience. Resulting clusters were named as: healthy and tasty food lovers, convenient, concerned, and indifferent consumers. Differences were identified between the segments according to consumers’ frequency of consumption of the different types of food products.

Practical implications

The findings have impact implications for food producers and distributors in developing communication strategies for consumer segments with different attitudes and motives. The findings of this study not only contribute to the organic, traditional, and food with health claim literature, but also help industry, government, and consumer associations fully understand consumer perceptions of intrinsic and extrinsic foods characteristics and enhance consumers’ responses to the different types of food products.

Originality/value

The study represents one of the first assessments of the importance of food quality characteristics, segmentation, and consumption frequency of traditional, organic, and functional food products in Central and Eastern Europe.
A comprehensive approach to pistachio oil production
Authors: Rabadán Adrián , Álvarez-Ortí Manuel , Pardo José E. , Gómez Ricardo , Pardo-Giménez Arturo , Olmeda Miguel
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The high content of unsaturated fatty acids and the elevated presence of bioactive compounds make pistachio oil a healthy product with great commercial potential. One of the primary constraints for its production is the lack of information regarding oil extraction from an industrial perspective. The purpose of this paper is to ensure the success of pistachio oil production at a commercial scale, attention should be paid to the effect of the main extraction procedures on the characteristics of oil, the consumer acceptance of these oils and their production cost.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparison and evaluation of the physicochemical and sensory characteristics and production cost of oil extracted using two different production lines (hydraulic press and screw press) are considered here.

Findings

Slight differences were found in the physicochemical analysis, but significant differences were identified in the sensory analysis. Consumer judges preferred the oil extracted with the hydraulic press. According to production costs, the break-even value that makes screw press extraction sustainable is €70.4 per litre, while for the hydraulic press it is €91.0 per litre, mainly due to a lower extraction yield and the longer extraction time required. As production costs of both methods are high, pistachio oil quality should prevail, making the use of the hydraulic press more advisable.

Originality/value

Although significant research has been conducted to analyse pistachio oil composition and nutritional value, little attention has been paid to differences that appear regarding consumer preferences and production costs depending on the production method used. This paper provides a comprehensive approach to high-quality pistachio oil production from an industrial perspective.
Approaches to and the management of the audit process in the food industry
Authors: Bradford-Knox Richard
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the purpose of food safety auditing, effectiveness in maintaining and improving standards of food safety and ways to improve the process.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a grounded approach semi-structured interviews were held with actors with experience of food safety auditing. The aims and objectives being to obtain their viewpoints drawn from their experience.

Findings

The purpose of food safety audits should be regarded as one of continuous improvement rather than a single snapshot or policing exercise. Audits in terms of cost can be excessive because of the often high number and frequency of them. Costs can be reduced and food safety standards maintained if the number and frequency of audits is determined by the level of hazard and risk that a product or a process presents. Effectiveness of audits can also be improved if they are unannounced to make businesses “audit ready” at all times. It is also contended that unannounced audits are not applicable in all circumstances as they can increase costs by the need to maintain a group of personnel that are always available for audits.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by the scope and number of topics that were addressed in relation to the main subject.

Originality/value

The research value points to a need to review and better manage the audit process by risk assessing the number, frequency and type of audit a food business is subject to without lowering standards.
Food safety compliance approaches
Authors: Bradford-Knox Richard , Neighbour Simon
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This case study follows the history of the personal and experiences, viewpoints, and attitudes of the key actors from both parties over the period of setting up and implementing a primary authority partnership. It is one of a series research papers and case studies that study approaches to improve compliance with public and private regulations through cooperative and collaborative approaches. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a grounded qualitative study of what a number of individuals said in the course of a number of interviews. The aim and objectives being to obtain, from the key actors, their personal viewpoints, attitudes to and experiences of the partnership. Unlike some grounded approaches the research was based on the priori themes of cooperation and collaboration using semi structured interviews. At one stage, because of difficulty of access to the key actors caused by major re-development of the company, questionnaires replaced interviews.

Findings

The authors found that barriers to achieving a successful partnership included an initial reluctance, by all parties concerned, to cede some of their management autonomy to others and experiences of uncooperative behaviour between the public and private sectors in the past. They were largely overcome as the implementation of the project progressed resulting in improved food safety compliance management based on mutual trust. Other benefits for Preston City Council were immediate cost savings for Preston City Council in their use of human resources. For E.H. Booths, Ltd no initial cost saving was made, but there is potential longer term savings to be made through better risk based targeting of resources. These benefits only being made possible by the collaborative effort and support from all parties and individuals involved.

Originality/value

On its own this case study research is limited by its size and scope but the emerging topics and findings highlight the difficulties and barriers faced in setting up partnerships between public regulators and businesses. Therefore, the results can be of value to similar studies and other areas where cooperation, collaboration, partnership, and co-regulation are significant contributory factors to successful compliance strategies.
A nonlinear magnetic circuit model for periodic eddy current problems using T,ϕ-ϕ formulation
Authors: Plasser Rene , Koczka Gergely , Bíró Oszkár
Published: March 2017

Purpose

A transformer model is used as a benchmark for testing various methods to solve 3D nonlinear periodic eddy current problems. This paper aims to set up a nonlinear magnetic circuit problem to assess the solving procedure of the nonlinear equation system for determining the influence of various special techniques on the convergence of nonlinear iterations and hence the computational time.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the T,ϕ-ϕ formulation and the harmonic balance fixed-point approach, two techniques are investigated: the so-called “separate method” and the “combined method” for solving the equation system. When using the finite element method (FEM), the elapsed time for solving a problem is dominated by the conjugate gradient (CG) iteration process. The motivation for treating the equations of the voltage excitations separately from the rest of the equation system is to achieve a better-conditioned matrix system to determine the field quantities and hence a faster convergence of the CG process.

Findings

In fact, both methods are suitable for nonlinear computation, and for comparing the final results, the methods are equally good. Applying the combined method, the number of iterations to be executed to achieve a meaningful result is considerably less than using the separated method.

Originality/value

To facilitate a quick analysis, a simplified magnetic circuit model of the 3D problem was generated to assess how the different ways of solutions will affect the full 3D solving process. This investigation of a simple magnetic circuit problem to evaluate the benefits of computational methods provides the basis for considering this formulation in a 3D-FEM code for further investigation.
Harmonic losses in high-speed PM synchronous machines
Authors: Kruchinina Irina Yu. , Khozikov Yuvenaliy , Liubimtsev Alexandr , Paltceva Valentina
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is the development of a new numerical method for the calculation of the air-gap magnetic flux harmonics in synchronous machines with permanent magnet (PM) excitation. The harmonic analysis results are used as input data for the eddy-current loss calculation and for the rotor heating evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

The method is based on the finite element analysis (FEA). The model takes into account toothed stator design, rotor asymmetrical magnetic reluctance and saturation. At first, a series of static DC magnetic (magnetostatic) simulations is run. Each problem corresponds to specific rotor position and the momentary stator winding currents. The Fourier analysis performed for each problem yields the harmonic spectrum variation in time. Then, a series of AC magnetic (time-harmonic) simulations is run. Each problem corresponds to a specific harmonic. The result is the eddy-current losses distribution. After total loss is calculated, the heat transfer analysis is conducted.

Findings

The analysis reveals that 90 per cent of losses are located in the sleeve that holds PMs together. Rotor eccentricity brings even harmonics of low magnitude that have little impact on heating.

Originality/value

In general, the study requires transient electromagnetic analysis with motion. The purposed method allows to simplify the problem. The method is based on static and quasi-static (time-harmonic) problems simulation. It is fast and highly automated. The method allows simultaneous taking into account of tooth-order harmonics, stator winding harmonics and eccentricity for heating calculation.
Enhanced phase-domain synchronous machine model including saturation
Authors: Schmuelling Christoph , Kulig Stefan
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The phase-domain synchronous machine model has advantages compared to the d/q model, as no transformation of currents is necessary at each time step in a network analysis. The purpose of this paper is to enhance the phase-domain model to calculate the current distribution of the damper bars, including the saturation.

Design/methodology/approach

The new enhanced phase-domain model of the synchronous machine has been modelled using Matlab-Simulink. The parameters of the model have been calculated by using FEA software.

Findings

It is shown that the simulation results of the new model show very good accordance to the reference model during a three-phase short circuit.

Originality/value

The enhanced model includes the calculation of the currents in the damper bar and is able to include the harmonics of the inductances.
Three-phase four-wire shunt active power filter working simultaneously as energy conditioner
Authors: Szromba Andrzej
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to find a control method for three-phase four-wire shunt active power filters, which uses a load-equivalent conductance for obtaining a reference signal for compensating non-active current.

Design/methodology/approach

Changes of energy stored in an active filter’s reactance elements are monitored to find the active component of the load current. It is then used as a current reference to be realised as a supply source current. Computer simulation methods were used to verify the presented control method.

Findings

To calculate the reference signal for the active filter action, it is enough to measure the active filter’s DC-side capacitors’ voltages. It has been proved that P regulators are sufficient to realise compensating current and to stabilise active filter capacitors’ voltages. The supply source-neutral conductor current can be zeroed even for nonlinear and unbalanced load-generating DC-component in its neutral conductor. In addition, the active filter can buffer load-active power changes and act simultaneously as a local energy accumulator.

Originality/value

This paper provides an alternative approach to address the problem of the three-phase four-wire shunt active power filter control methods.
Comparison of static hysteresis models subject to arbitrary magnetization waveforms
Authors: Petrun Martin , Steentjes Simon , Hameyer Kay , Dolinar Drago
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to compare different static history-independent hysteresis models (mathematical-, behavioural- and physical-based ones) and a history-dependent hysteresis model in terms of parameter identification effort and accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

The discussed models were tested for distorted-excitation waveforms to explore their predictions of complex magnetization curves. Static hysteresis models were evaluated by comparing the calculated and measured major and minor static hysteresis loops.

Findings

The analysis shows that the resulting accuracy of the different hysteresis models is strongly dependent on the excitation waveform, i.e. smooth excitations, distorted flux waveforms, transients or steady-state regimes. Obtained results show significant differences between predictions of discussed static hysteresis models.

Research limitations/implications

The general aim was to identify the models on a very basic and limited set of measured data, i.e. if possible using only the measured major static loop of the material. The quasi-static major hysteresis loop was measured at Bmax = 1.5 T.

Practical/implications

The presented analysis allows selection of the most-suited hysteresis model for the sought-for application and appraisal of the individual limitations.

Originality/value

The presented analysis shows differences in intrinsic mechanisms to predict magnetization curves of the majority of the well-known static hysteresis models. The results are essential when selecting the most-suited hysteresis model for a specific application.
Creep strain rates analysis in cylinder under temperature gradient materials by using Seth’s theory
Authors: Thakur Pankaj , Gupta Nishi , Bir Singh Satya
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present study of creep strain rates in a circular cylinder under temperature gradient materials by using Seth’s transition theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Seth’s transition theory is applied to the problem of creep stresses and strain rates in a cylinder under temperature gradient materials by finite deformation. Neither the yield criterion nor the associated flow rule is assumed here. The results obtained here are applicable to compressible materials. If the additional condition of incompressibility is imposed, then the expression for stresses corresponds to those arising from Tresca yield condition.

Findings

Thermal effect increases the values of axial stress at the external surface of a circular cylinder for incompressible material as compared to compressible materials. With the introduction of thermal effects, the maximum value of strain rates occurs at the external surface for incompressible material as compared to the compressible materials.

Originality/value

The model proposed in this paper is used commonly either as pressure vessels intended for storage industrial gases or media transportation of high pressurized fluids and the design of turbine rotors.
Computation of coupled effects of root and shoot characteristics on transpiration based on optimization approach
Authors: Zhou Wan-Huan , Garg Ankit , Garg Akhil
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Water balance is measured by transpiration, which has a significant impact on the performance of geotechnical infrastructure (vegetated slopes), ecological infrastructure (wetlands), urban infrastructure (green roof, biofiltration units) and agricultural infrastructure. Past studies have formulated models using analytical modeling to evaluate the transpiration index based on energy balance and suction. In circumstance of impartial and uncertain information about the root and shoot properties and its effect on the transpiration index, the present work aims to introduce the new optimization algorithm of genetic programming (GP) to quantify and optimize the transpiration index of plant.

Design/methodology/approach

The GP framework, having objective function of structural risk minimization, is used for formulating the transpiration index model. The statistical metrics with 2D and 3D analyses of the models are conducted to determine its accuracy and understand the transpiration process.

Findings

The model analysis reveals that the proposed model extrapolates the transpiration index values accurately based on five inputs. 2D and 3D relationships between the transpiration index and the five inputs suggest that the total root area has the highest impact on the transpiration index followed by shoot length and root biomass. There is not much impact of the shoot mass and stem basal diameter on the transpiration index. It was also found that the transpiration index increases with an increase in total root area and root biomass.

Originality/value

This work is a first-of-its-kind study involving the extensive computation analysis for quantifying and optimizing the transpiration index of the soil for the complex civil systems.
Semi-analytical and semi-numerical method for the single soil layer consolidation problem
Authors: Cheng Tao , Yan Keqin , Zheng Jun-Jie , Luo Xian-Feng , Zhang Ding-Bang , Xu Wan-Hui , Hu Ren-Jie , Zhang Yi
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present a simplified solution method for the elasto-plastic consolidation problem under different stress paths.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a double-yield-surface model is introduced as the constitutive model framework, and a partial derivative coefficient sequence is obtained by using numerical approximation using Gauss nuclear function to construct a discretization constitutive model which can reflect the influence of different stress paths. Then, the model is introduced to Biot’s consolidation theory. Volumetric strain of each step as the right-hand term, the continuity equation is simplified as a Poisson equation and the fundamental solution is derived by the variable separation method. Based on it, a semi-analytical and semi-numerical method is presented and implemented in a finite element program.

Findings

The method is a simplified solution that is more convenient than traditional coupling stiffness matrix method. Moreover, the consolidation of the semi-infinite foundation model is analyzed. It is shown that the numerical method is sufficiently stable and can reflect the influence of stress path, loading distribution width and some other factors on the deformation of soil skeleton and pore water pressure.

Originality/value

Original features of this research include semi-numerical semi-analytical consolidation method; pore water pressure and settlements of different stress paths are different; maximum surface uplift at 3.5a; and stress path is the main influence factor for settlement when loading widtha> 10 m.
Fluid mechanics and sound generation for lung-clearance therapy
Authors: Gorman John , Sparrow Eph , Krautbauer Kevin
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The study described here aims to set forth an analysis approach for a specific biomedical therapeutic device principally involving fluid mechanics and resulting sound generation. The function of the therapeutic device is to clear mucus from the airways of the lungs. Clearance of the airways is a primary means of relief for cystic fibrosis and is also effective in less profound dysfunctions such as asthma. The complete system consists of a device to periodically pulse air pressure and a vest that girdles the abdomen of the patient and receives and discharges the pulsating airflow. The source of pulsed air can be tuned both with respect to the amplitude and frequency of the pressure pulsations.

Design/methodology/approach

The key design tools used here are computational fluid dynamics and the theory of turbulence-based sound generation. The fluid flow inside of the device is multidimensional, unsteady and turbulent.

Findings

Results provided by the fluid mechanic study include the rates of fluid flow between the device and the inflatable vest, the rates of air supplied to and extracted from the device, the fluid velocity magnitudes and directions that result from the geometry of the device and the magnitude of the turbulence generated by the fluid motion and the rotating component of the device. Both the velocity magnitudes and the strength of the turbulence contribute to the quantitative evaluation of the sound generation.

Originality/value

A comprehensive literature search on this type of therapeutic device to clear mucus from the airways of the lungs revealed no previous analysis of the fluid flow and sound generation inside of the device producing the pulsed airflow. The results presented in this paper pinpoint the locations and causes of sound generation that can cause audible discomfort for patients.
Ontario school principals and diversity: are they prepared to lead for equity?
Authors: Tuters Stephanie , Portelli John
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Ontario is the most ethnically diverse province in Canada. School educators cannot disregard the reality of diversity in all its senses. The question that directs the focus of this paper is: to what extent are leaders in Ontario formally prepared to lead schools that support the students of today? The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper results from a document analysis of publicly available documents to investigate the current context in Ontario, Canada regarding the educational and social situation of new immigrants, immigration, refugees, and ethno-culturally diverse students. It includes an exploration of the training and information available for principals and vice principals in Ontario to support them in leading schools which serve increasingly diverse student bodies. This paper is also informed by interviews with 59 educational leaders from Ontario and the USA. Interviews centred around their experiences engaging in practices to support their diverse student populations.

Findings

Results of the data analysis regarding the supports and training available to assist educational leaders in supporting the learning needs of diverse student populations demonstrate a serious lack of support. Very few actual resources exist for leaders, and most of those that do exist are connected to agencies outside of the education system, such as Settlement services.

Research limitations/implications

Recent research investigating the relationship between identities and educational experience and teaching points to the importance of in-depth and targeted approaches to teacher preparation, and leadership preparation to help provide teachers and leaders with the knowledge, dispositions, and skills required to support all students in their academic and social development (Cochran Smith et al., 2009). This study confirms such findings. Given the current situation in Ontario and much of North America, there is a great need for leadership preparation programming, and school-level resources that provide educational leaders with the knowledge and skills to support all students in their academic and social development, but also in helping educational leaders to understand and address the systemic nature and forms of discrimination which their students face daily.

Practical implications

With very few school boards requiring leaders to have a Masters’ degree in Education, and none having stipulations regarding course content. This leaves educational leaders unprepared to deal with the reality of their situations, leading to the perpetuation of inequities in Ontario schools.

Originality/value

Although sparse, previous research into the state of support and preparation for administrators and educators with regard to diverse student populations in Ontario revealed that little to no preparation or support exists (see e.g. Price, 2002). This study helps to fill that gap in existing research.
One against the grain
Authors: Johnson Santamaria Lorri , Peter Santamaria Andres , Singh Gurdev Kaur Pritam
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reframe transformative and culturally sustaining leadership for a diverse global society by addressing the need for educational systems to better serve people of color, situated in the urban Auckland area of Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), who have been marginalized by the societies to which they immigrate.

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded in an applied critical theoretical framework, this qualitative inquiry uses raw auto-ethnographical data gleaned from a case study featuring the voice of Deva, a Malaysian Punjabi woman educator, who is also an aspiring school leader. In aspects of her auto-ethnography, she candidly shares experiences of racism, discrimination, and oppression germane to her professional educational experiences in Aotearoa NZ.

Findings

Findings inform practice and policy to foster more inclusive school improvement in a bicultural and increasingly multicultural context that has historically recognized Maori (indigenous to Aotearoa NZ), Pakeha (of European descent), and Pacific Islander (e.g. Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Niue, Cook Islands) achievement in a national context. Global and international implications are included.

Originality/value

This contribution presents a unique perspective showcasing Deva’s direct experiences with acknowledgment of and professional positioning around Te Tiriti o Waitangi – The Treaty of Waitangi, the principles of which are now being applied not only to the rights of Maori and Pakeha, but also Pacific Islander and immigrants to the country.
The socio-economic impacts of AIDS on families caring for AIDS-orphaned children in Mbeya rural district, Tanzania
Authors: Fauk Nelsensius Klau , Mwakinyali Silivano Edson , Putra Sukma , Mwanri Lillian
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the socio-economic impacts of AIDS on families caring for AIDS-orphaned children in Mbeya rural district, Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative inquiry employing one-on-one in-depth interviews was conducted in 2015. Purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants (n=24) comprising 20 heads of families caring for AIDS-orphaned children, two local government staff and two staff from Isangati Agricultural Development Organisation – a non-government organisation. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic and framework approach.

Findings

Results demonstrated that families caring for AIDS-orphaned children experienced severe socio-economic impacts of the epidemic. Reduction in household savings, increase in living expenses on health care and increased education fees were the identified economic impacts on these families. Social impacts included labour shortage, withdrawal of children from school and increased demand for food.

Social implications

There is a need for urgent responses and for scaling up programmes delivered by organisations, institutions and the government of Tanzania to help families cope with these impacts.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence on socio-economic impacts of AIDS on families caring for AIDS-orphaned children in Tanzania. An understanding of these impacts can help governmental and non-governmental institutions and programme planners to address the problem in their policies and develop evidence-based strategies and interventions in responding to the problem in Mbeya and Tanzania. Moreover, responses to reducing the impacts of AIDS on families require a holistic approach that encourages the involvement of all sectors and agents outside of the health sector.
Evaluating service quality in the higher education sector in Iran: an examination of students’ perspective
Authors: Rezaei Satar , Karami Matin Behzad , Hajizadeh Mohammad , Soroush Ali , Mohammadi Zahra , Babakhany Maryam , Jamshidi Khadije
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Education is a human right and access to high quality education is key to sustainable socioeconomic development. Improving the quality of higher education institutes is essential for generating the productive human resources. Assessing the quality of higher education from the students’ perspective can be considered a crucial factor in the monitoring of service quality in universities. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the quality of educational services in a higher education institute, the Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), in the west of Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

A multistage sampling method was used to select 346 students from the KUMS, who were enrolled in the second semester of the academic year 2015-2016. The SERVQUAL questionnaire was used to gather data on students’ perceptions and their expectations about the quality of educational services. The authors used a statistical significance level of 0.05 to examine the gap between the students’ expectations and their perceptions of service quality in five dimensions, namely tangibles, responsiveness, reliability, empathy and assurance.

Findings

The results showed that there was a negative service quality gap in all five dimensions. The overall mean score of students’ expectations and their perceptions was 3.19±0.44 and 2.4±0.45, respectively. The score gap between the overall mean score of perceptions and expectations of students was −0.79, which was statistically significant (p<0.0001). The highest and lowest quality gaps were related to the assurance (−0.84) and tangible (−0.70) dimensions, respectively.

Originality/value

The study indicated that the quality of educational services provided in the KUMS did not meet students’ expectations in five dimensions of service quality. Thus, it warrants further investigations to determine how to improve the quality of educational services in higher education institutes such as the KUMS.
Investigation into the hierarchical nature of TQM variables using structural modelling
Authors: Veltmeyer Johan , Mohamed Sherif
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide the empirical evidence supporting the existence of a multi-level hierarchical TQM model showing the structural inter-relationships among a total of 16 TQM variables (i.e. drivers, enablers and outcomes).

Design/methodology/approach

The set of identified TQM variables is the product of an in-depth review of the literature, and a robust reiterative process of verification and validation. Inter-relationships among the TQM variables were subjected to the scrutiny of a panel of experts, and were used as a basis for developing a web-based survey to explore the existence as well as strength of the structural relationship between each and every pair of the identified variables using interpretive structural modelling and MICMAC (Impact Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification).

Findings

TQM variables were classified and clustered based on their influence and dependence on each other. Variables such as commitment by top management and customer satisfaction appear to have a strong chance to affect change, whereas variables such suppliers and competitors are very dependent on, and sensitive to, the evolution of the influent variables.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates a multi-level TQM model encompassing all identified TQM drivers, enablers, and outcomes. The paper not only addresses a gap in the relevant literature (reduces the evidence scarcity about the hierarchical nature of TQM variables), but also gives insights into the variables with most driving power needing greater management attention.
Understanding negative emotions in services through teleological actions
Authors: Padin Carmen , Svensson Göran
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize and describe how service providers’ and service receivers’ teleological actions relate to negative emotions after critical incidents in service encounters have occurred.

Design/methodology/approach

Three categories of teleological actions are used: transformative – ad hoc and present-based actions, formative – pre-determined and past-based actions and rationalist – goal-directed and future-based actions.

Findings

The empirical findings indicate that airline ground staff should interact differently with air passengers based on the negative emotions involved and the teleological actions undertaken after critical incidents in service encounters have occurred.

Research limitations/implications

The current research improves the interactive and sequential understanding of how to manage negative emotions through teleological actions in service encounters between a service provider and a service receiver after critical incidents have occurred, as well as providing numerous opportunities for further research in services.

Practical implications

It is an important and relevant insight that it is necessary to understand both the initial and derived causes of negative emotions and the subsequent effects and outcomes occurring in service encounters after critical incidents have arisen.

Originality/value

This current study provides theoretical and managerial contributions to manage negative emotions after critical incidents have occurred in service encounters.
Key enabling factors for organizational ambidexterity in the public sector
Authors: Palm Klas , Lilja Johan
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The capability of an organization to perform not only incremental quality improvements to the existing processes and products but also innovative or radical improvements that explore new opportunities is referred to as organizational ambidexterity. Research indicates that the long-term success of organizations demands a dynamic balancing of and excelling at both perspectives. However, there is considerably less clarity as regards how this can be achieved. The purpose of this paper is to empirically explore enabling factors for organizational ambidexterity in the public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a qualitative study based on interviews with managers at two public organizations in Sweden. The analysis is conducted using a soft system methodology.

Findings

Nine enabling factors for organizational ambidexterity are identified and presented in two pictures inspired by the Soft System Methodology. The study indicates that it above all is important to create leeway for exploration to achieve organizational ambidexterity in the public sector. The study strengthens the belief that some quality movement values and tools can be considered important, whereas others can counteract the ability to achieve organizational ambidexterity in public administration.

Practical implications

Practitioners and scholars can use the identified enablers and the Soft System Methodology presented in this study to examine and develop the organizational ambidexterity of other public organizations.

Originality/value

This study explores empirically the concept of ambidexterity in the public sector, a perspective that few previous scholars have studied.
The impact of service quality, customer engagement and selected marketing constructs on airline passenger loyalty
Authors: Hapsari Raditha , Clemes Michael D. , Dean David
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This study aims to empirically analyse the determinants of airline passenger loyalty in the high-frills Indonesian airline industry. The interrelationships among passenger loyalty, customer engagement, customer satisfaction, brand image, perceived value and service quality are identified and discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The perceptions of 250 Indonesian airline passengers were used to examine the interrelationships among the constructs. The data set was analysed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling.

Findings

The empirical results demonstrate that customer engagement has the most influential effect on passenger loyalty, followed by customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction has the largest total effect on customer engagement. Service quality, perceived value and customer satisfaction also indirectly affect customer loyalty through mediation.

Originality/value

The integration of the customer engagement construct with the other important marketing constructs comprehensively explains the role of customer engagement on customer loyalty. The effects of the important marketing constructs on customer loyalty are not only explained in the direct relationships but also in indirect relationships through mediation.
Effectiveness of employee suggestion schemes – from critical success factors to outcomes
Authors: Lasrado Flevy , Gomiseck Bostjan , Uzbeck Christopher
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Past studies have noted the important role of employee suggestion system (ESS) within the organizations. The use of ESS has been shown to help organizations address improvement- and cost-related problems. The advantages of ESSs are not limited to improving a work-related performance but can also lead to innovations through employees’ creativity. Creative ideas are very important for organizations to build its competitive advantage. Therefore, it is important to identify and understand the factors that contribute to the effectiveness of employee suggestion scheme and its success which has not been well-studied. This study aims to provide decision-makers within organizations with a deeper understanding of the factors that need to be considered in organizing and managing ESSs for its maximum effectiveness

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of 273 surveys collected from several organizations with ESS experience in the United Arab Emirates was conducted. Survey scales were developed based on previous research and hypotheses are stated. Regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses. Correlation analysis were used to understand the interrelations among the five factors

Findings

Results suggest that the four critical success factors, namely, system capability, organizational encouragement, leadership support and employee participation, are positively related to the ESS outcome and its valuable predictors. Some managerial implications of the results of this study are important to note. It is critical for managers to establish rewards, evaluation, feedback and awareness of ESS.

Originality/value

On the basis of a possible future extended research scope in combination with a qualitative research methodology, one could deepen the understanding of influence of country of origin and of institutional mechanisms that might explain higher effectiveness of ESS outcome This appears to be the first published research study to link critical success factors for maximum effectiveness of ESSs.
Design an intelligent real-time operation planning system in distributed manufacturing network
Authors: Lv Yaqiong , Lin Danping
Published: March 2017

Purpose

With the new generation Industry 4.0 coming, as well as globalization and outsourcing, products are fabricated by different parties in the distributed manufacturing network and enterprises face the challenge of consistent planning of semi-finished product in each manufacturing process in different geographical locations. The purpose of this paper is to propose a real-time operation planning system in the distributed manufacturing network to intelligently control/plan the manufacturing networks.

Design/methodology/approach

The feature of the proposed system is to model and simulate large distributed manufacturing networks to streamline the mechanical and production engineering processes with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, which can keep track of process variants. To deal with concurrency and synchronization, the hierarchical timed colored Petri net (HTCPN) formalism for modeling is selected in this study. This method can help to model graphically and test the discrete events of concurrent operations. Fuzzy inference system can help for knowledge representation, so as to provide knowledge-based decision assistance in distributed manufacturing environment.

Findings

In this proposed system, there are two main sub-systems: one is the real-time modeling system, and the other one is intelligent operation planning system. These two systems are not parallel in the whole systems while the intelligent operation planning system should be embedded in any stage of the real-time modeling system as needed. That means real time modeling system provides the holistic structure of the studied distributed manufacturing system and realize real-time data transfer and information exchange. At the same time the embedded intelligent operation planning system fulfill operation plan function.

Originality/value

This new intelligent real-time operation system realizes real-time modeling with RFID-based HTCPN and smart fuzzy engine to fulfill intelligent operation planning which is highly desirable in the environment of Industry 4.0. The new intelligent manufacturing architecture will highly reduce the traditional planning workload and improve the planning results without manual error interference. The new system has been applied in a practical case to demonstrate its feasibility.
A revelation of employee feelings of alienation during post-mergers and acquisition
Authors: Bansal Anjali
Published: March 2017

Purpose

In the literature of mergers and social justice, equality is regarded as a crucial phenomenon to achieve social integration. This paper is based on the philosophy that during mergers and acquisitions (M&As), the employees who experience the equal distribution of resources, equal respect to each other’s policies and procedures, and fair and respectful interactions, are more likely to have a sense of control and lower social isolation and hence tend to get influenced positively by the M&A process. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between perceived organizational justice and employee feelings of alienation during post-M&As.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey research design has been used. This study was undertaken on a sample of 315 employees from five organizations in India. The quantitative data were subjected to univariate and bivariate analysis, while qualitative data were subjected to relational content analysis. Different dimensions of justice were studied in relation to the feelings of alienation using multiple correlational analysis and hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

Multiple correlational analyses revealed significant negative correlation of perceived organizational justice and of all of its dimensions with all the dimensions of alienation. However, the results of the hierarchical regression analysis found interactional justice and distributive justice to be the major predictors of alienation during M&As. Apart from the quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis also revealed interesting insights, unique to the individual organization.

Originality/value

The study has significant value for both MNCs and researchers. This study has strong implications for the multinational corporations that are making inroads into M&As but consistently failing due to employee issues. This study also presents future directions to the researchers to explore more in the area of soft issues of M&As.
Exclusion and inclusion in the Danish Military
Authors: Muhr Sara Louise , Sløk-Andersen Beate
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine why and how past stories of women’s insufficiency for military work survive and how they come to form a gendered organizational narrative dominant in constructing current opinions on women in the military.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based mainly on archival data, but supported by interview material as well as participant observation data. The authors do this from the assumption that the culturally constructed notion of the ideal soldier is based on a historically constructed professional narrative.

Findings

The authors show how a historically produced gender narrative – based on (fictional) stories on what women can and cannot do – is perceived as true and thereby casts women as less suitable for a military career. Thus, despite the current equal legal rights of men and women in the military, the power of the narrative limits female soldiers’ career possibilities.

Originality/value

The paper is unique as it, in drawing on archival data, is able to trace how an organizational narrative comes to be and due to its ethnographic data how this creates limitations for women’s careers. This narrative is stronger and much more powerful than management is aware of. The paper therefore adds crucial knowledge about the ideological influence a historically produced organizational narrative can have on current change initiatives.