bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theorizing the Non-human through Spatial and Environmental Thought
Authors: Williams Justin
Published: March 2016

This chapter explores the relationship between environmental thought and geographic spatial theory. Both lines of thought problematize the role of non-humans in political and ethical life. Although both environmental and spatial thinkers argue for a dynamic exchange between humans and nature, the environment, the built environment, or their non-human surroundings, they tend to focus on different elements of those non-human surroundings and deploy different conceptual frameworks to analyze them. Additionally, environmental thinkers attend more to the ability of the non-human world to thwart, interfere with, or otherwise constitute social action, a trend that, when combined with spatial thinkers’ broad understanding of non-humans and developed conceptual categories, such as place and scale, can produce richer, fuller accounts of how non-humans figure into political life.
Sustainability— Post-sustainability— Unsustainability
Authors: Blühdorn Ingulfor
Published: March 2016

Sustainability and sustainable development have become hegemonic frames shaping the ways in which national governments and international bodies conceptualize eco-political issues and devise related policy agendas. Yet, a consensus is emerging that this mainstream approach is unable to deliver the kind of structural change that is required if serious social conflicts and ecological collapse are to be prevented. This contribution explores why the paradigm of sustainability is widely perceived to have failed and why it, nevertheless, retains its hegemonic status. Aiming to supplement well-known explanations in terms of power-relations and denial, the chapter investigates how a shift in prevalent norms of subjectivity and identity has facilitated the metamorphosis of the sustainability agenda into the prevailing politics of unsustainability—which, rather than being exhausted, very effectively addresses the particular needs of liberal consumer societies.
Interspecies
Authors: Youatt Rafi
Published: March 2016

This chapter addresses the emerging research area of interspecies relations and its intersection with environmental political theory. Interspecies work engages with the ways that material and conceptual relations between different living species are connected to ecological and political outcomes. Already located by some at the intersection of posthumanism and animal studies, an interspecies rubric has been profitably, and differently, explored at the intersection of politics and ecology in the work of a number of environmental political theory scholars for a number of decades. The chapter calls for a greater focus on the actuality of interspecies relations as a site from which to think about more abstract issues in environmental politics. Such a focus can take at least three forms, explored in turn—the boundaries of political community in relation to non-human others; the workings of sovereignty; and modes of political power.
Sign Language Acquisition
Authors: Meier Richard P.
Published: March 2016

This essay considers the acquisition of sign languages as first languages. Most deaf children are born to hearing parents, but a minority have deaf parents. Deaf children of deaf parents receive early access to a conventional sign language. The time course of acquisition in these children is compared to the developmental milestones in children learning spoken languages. The two language modalities—the oral-aural modality of speech and the visual-gestural modality of sign—place differing constraints on languages and offer differing resources to languages. Possible modality effects on first-language acquisition are considered. Historically, many deaf infants born to hearing parents have had little access to a conventional language. However, these children sometimes elaborate “home sign” systems. Lastly, the role of early experience in language acquisition is considered. Deaf children of hearing parents are immersed in a first language at varying ages, enabling a test of the critical-period hypothesis.
Post-Nomadic Empires
Authors: Wink André
Published: March 2016

This article is about nomadic conquerors of settled societies and the “post-nomadic empires” they brought into being throughout history. The historical understanding has generally been that the military qualities of nomads made their conquests of settled societies a regular and likely occurrence but that the latter had no lasting impact and were usually followed by the assimilation of the nomads, concomitant with the rapid decline of their empires. By contrast, it is here argued that such an environmentally deterministic understanding reflects ancient and medieval conditions but cannot explain the development of a different type of post-nomadic empire in early modern times. The early modern Ottoman, Mughal, and Ching empires provide evidence of a new capacity for imperial consolidation and a new commitment to dynastic continuity as well as the creation of more effective and durable means of resource mobilization that constitute a departure from the earlier pattern.
Travel in the Roman World
Authors: Cioffi Robert L.
Published: March 2016

This article examines Roman travel. It seeks to show how deeply travel was woven into the fabric of the ancient world and how many aspects of the Roman experience relate to it. Rather than pretend to total coverage, this article, which is divided into four sections, offers some ways of thinking about travel and its place in the Roman world, exploring the practice, ideology, and imagination of travel. Moving from a top-down perspective on Roman infrastructure and the role of travel in the practice of Roman power, the article turns to a bottom-up view of the experiences of individuals when traveling, concluding with a survey of the imaginative representation of travel in the literature of the Roman world.
Functional ligament-guided femoral rotation with patient-specific instruments: description of a new surgical technique
Authors: Hommel Hagen , Perka Carsten
Published: March 2016

Background:

There are two basic implantation philosophies in total knee arthroplasty that essentially determine the rotational alignment of the femur. One method, the measured resection technique, uses bony landmarks to determine alignment, while the other, the gap-balancing technique, uses soft-tissue tension as the reference. The use of patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) has so far only been employed in cases where alignment is based on bony landmarks; alignment of the femoral rotation applying the gap-balancing technique is not currently possible.

Methods:

This paper describes the use of PSI with alignment using a balancer device in 25 patients, corresponding to the gap-balancing technique. The average age of the study population was 67.6±6.7 yr. The Knee Society Score (KSS) and flexion of the knee joint were recorded preoperatively and then at 3 and 12 mo postoperatively. Postoperatively, function was determined based on the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), and any complications were documented. Deviation to the neutral mechanical leg axis also was determined based on long-standing radiographs of the lower extremity.

Results:

The KSS and flexion improved after 3 and 12 mo compared with preoperative results. The FJS was 34.4±4.2 points after 3 mo and 57.8±8.4 points after 12 mo. There were no complications. The deviation of the neutral mechanical axis averaged 1.5 degrees±1.8 degrees.

Conclusions:

The data show that the alignment of the PSI also can be achieved functionally, which will extend the range of application of PSI, especially in complex anatomical situations and after previous surgery.
Quantitative assessment of the association between XRCC1 Arg399Gln and Arg194Trp polymorphisms and risk of cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Jiang Huayong , Xu Weidong , Zhang Fuli , Wei Li , Wang Yajie , Wang Yadi , Liu Chuan
Published: March 2016

Accumulating evidence has suggested that the XRCC1 Arg399Gln and Arg194Trp polymorphisms might be related to cutaneous melanoma susceptibility. However, epidemiologic findings have been inconsistent. We have assessed reported studies by meta-analysis to perform a more precise estimation of the association between the XRCC1 two polymorphisms (Arg399Gln, Arg194Trp) and risk of cutaneous melanoma. A total of seven eligible articles were selected for this meta-analysis, including 3454 cases and 3811 controls for the XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism and 1256 cases and 1575 controls for the XRCC1 Arg194Trp polymorphism. Overall, no significant associations were found in all genetic models when the studies were pooled into the meta-analysis for the Arg399Gln and Arg194Trp polymorphisms. When stratified by source of control, significant associations were found for the Arg399Gln polymorphism in the population-based subgroup under AA versus GG [odds ratio (OR)=1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.08–1.88]; the dominant model AA/GA versus GG (OR=1.25, 95% CI=1.04–1.51); and the recessive model AA versus GA/GG (OR=1.31, 95% CI=1.01–1.68). No significant associations were found for the Arg194Trp polymorphism in the subgroup analysis. This meta-analysis suggested that the XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism was a risk factor for cutaneous melanoma in population-based subgroup.
Value perceptions of private game reserve visitors and managers: an exploratory study
Authors: Radder Laetitia , Han Xiliang , Theron Elizna
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– After identifying those underlying consumer value dimensions associated with the private game reserve experience, and their contribution to visitors’ behavioral intentions, the purpose of this paper is to compare managers’ and visitors’ perceptions of value experienced and value delivered.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two similar questionnaires with five-point Likert scales gathered the perceptions of 30 managers and 162 visitors. Data analysis included factor analysis, multiple regression analysis and an independent-samples t-test.

Findings

– Consumer value comprises seven dimensions. Managers’ perceptions of value delivered exceeded visitors’ perceptions of value experienced on all seven dimensions. Statistically significant differences existed for emotional value, monetary price, behavioral price, novelty and social value, but not for reputation and quality.

Research limitations/implications

– Results cannot be generalized and must be interpreted with caution due to the small samples and the South African wildlife focus. The resulting measuring scale can be further refined and applied to a larger sample of reserves and visitors in an international environment, particularly in African countries known for wildlife tourism.

Practical implications

– The results suggest a need to align managers’ and customers’ perspectives to optimize consumer value. Identifying perception gaps will prevent resources being spent on elements not valued by customers, and closing gaps will help improve visitor satisfaction and retention.

Originality/value

– Few studies have examined consumer value in a wildlife context, or simultaneously from a manager and customer perspective. This study identified latent value dimensions and gaps in value perceptions associated with private game reserves.
A five-phase 20-slot/18-pole PMSM for electric vehicles
Authors: Sui Yi , Zheng Ping , Tang Peilun , Wu Fan , Wang Pengfei
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate a five-phase permanent-magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) that features high-power density and high-fault-tolerant capability for electric vehicles (EVs).

Design/methodology/approach

– The five-phase 20-slot/18-pole PMSM is designed by finite-element method. Two typical rotor structures which include Halbach array and rotor eccentricity are compared to achieve sinusoidal back electromotive force (EMF). The influence of slot dimensions on leakage inductance and short-circuit current is analyzed. The method to reduce eddy current loss of permanent magnets (PMs) is investigated. The machine performances under both healthy and fault conditions are evaluated. Finally, thermal behavior of the machine is studied by Ansys.

Findings

– With both no-load and load performances considered, rotor eccentricity is proposed to reduce the harmonic contents of EMF. Increasing slot leakage inductance is an effective way to limit the short-circuit current. By segmenting PMs in circumferential direction, the PM eddy current loss is reduced and the machine efficiency is improved. With proper fault-tolerant control strategy, acceptable torque performance can be achieved under fault conditions. The proposed machine can safely operate under Class F insulation.

Originality/value

– So far, many researches focus on multiphase PMSMs used in aviation fields, such as fuel pump and electric actuator. Differing from PMSMs used in aviation applications, machines for EVs require characteristics like wide speed ranges and variable operating conditions. Hence, this paper proposes a five-phase 20-slot/18-pole PMSM for EVs. The proposed design methodology is applicable to multiphase PMSMs with different slot/pole combinations.
Influence of design parameters on inductances of e-core axial field flux-switching permanent magnet machines
Authors: Wei Zhang , Ming Yao Lin
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Axial field flux-switching permanent magnet machine (AFFSPMM) can be applied in the field of electric and hybrid electric vehicles because of short axial size, large torque density, and high-power density. The purpose of this paper is to improve the reliability of AFFSPMM itself, the design parameters have to be considered for attaining high self-inductances and reduced mutual-inductances.

Design/methodology/approach

– The original parameters of E-core AFFSPMM are designed with reference to a 600 W prototype, on the basis of which the 3-D model of the original AFFSPMM is established, and the inductances are calculated by finite element method. The influence of these parameters on the inductances, including combinations of stator and rotor pole numbers, spilt ratio, stator side tooth width, magnet thickness, and rotor pole width etc., are respectively investigated and analyzed under the constant copper loss.

Findings

– The relationships of rotor pole numbers and inductances are deduced on the condition of the fixed stator poles. It is found that the rotor pole numbers has significant effects on the ratio of mutual-inductance to self-inductance, and the self-inductance is mainly affected by the rotor pole numbers, the split ratio, the stator tooth width, and the rotor pole width. The asymmetry of back-EMF can be largely reduced by optimizing the rotor tooth width. In this paper, the static characteristics are compared and analyzed for the original and optimal 6/14-pole AFFSPMM. Meanwhile, the open-circuit and short-circuit fault are investigated by transient analysis. The results show that the optimized E-core AFFSPMM has good fault tolerance.

Originality/value

– The research of inductance characteristics for E-core AFFSPMM is valuable to design the fault-tolerant machine, by which the cost of control and manufacture can be largely saved.
Comparison between induction machine and interior permanent magnet machine for electric vehicle application
Authors: Guan Y. , Zhu Z.Q. , Afinowi I.A.A. , Mipo J.C. , Farah P.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to make a quantitative comparison between induction machine (IM) and interior permanent magnet machine (IPM) for electric vehicle applications, in terms of electromagnetic performance and material cost.

Design/methodology/approach

– The analysis of IM is based on an analytical method, which has been validated by test. The analysis of IPM is based on finite element analysis. The popular Toyota Prius 2010 IPM is adopted directly, and the IM is designed with the same stator outer diameter and stack length as Prius 2010 IPM for a fair comparison.

Findings

– The torque capability of IM is lower than IPM for low electric loading and competitive to IPM for high electric loading. The maximum torque/power-speed characteristic of IM is competitive to IPM; while the rated torque/power-speed characteristic of IM is poorer than IPM. The power factor of IM is competitive and even better than IPM for high electric loading in low-speed region. The torque ripple of IM is comparable to IPM for high electric loading and much lower than IPM for low electric loading. The overall efficiency of IM is lower than IPM, and the maximum efficiency of copper squirrel cage IM is approximately 2-3 percent lower than IPM. The material cost of IM is about half of IPM when IM and IPM are designed with the same stator outer diameter and stack length.

Originality/value

– The electromagnetic performances and material costs of IM and IPM are quantitatively compared and discussed.
3D eddy current and temperature field analysis of edge induction heater
Authors: Li Yilun , Yang Shiyou
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The temperature drop, especially in the edge of rolled steel in the hot rolling cooling has a catastrophic effect on the steel quality. The purpose of this paper is to study the coupled eddy current-temperature field of a C-type edge induction heater to provide references for engineering applications and designs.

Design/methodology/approach

– Three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) model of a C-type edge induction heater is developed. Especially, a numerical methodology to couple the eddy current and temperature fields is proposed for coupled eddy current and temperature problems involving movement components. FEA software ANSYS is used to solve the coupled eddy current and temperature fields. The heat loss from the eddy current fields is abstracted and processed, and taken as internal heat source in the analysis of the temperature field. The temperature distribution of the rolling steel is obtained.

Findings

– The numerical results can predict exactly the temperature rise of the rolled steel by means of the edge induction heating system.

Practical implications

– The proposed numerical methodology for coupling eddy current and temperature fields can be applied to engineering coupled eddy current and temperature problems involving movement components. Also, the developed model and method can be used in the analysis and design of the edge induction heating system.

Originality/value

– A numerical methodology to couple eddy current and temperature field for solving multi-physics field problems involving movement components is proposed and implemented in available commercial software. A three-dimensional model of the C-type edge induction heat heater is developed. Finite element method is employed to study the coupled eddy current-thermal problem. A method to deal with the movement of the strip steel is proposed. The proposed methodology can be applied to other coupled eddy current-temperature field problem with moving components.
Sub-domain analytical model for armature reaction field of permanent magnet vernier machine
Authors: Oner Y. , Zhu Z.Q. , Wu L. J. , Ge X.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– An analytical sub-domain model is developed for predicting the armature magnetic field in permanent magnet vernier machine (PMVM) which has either non-overlapping or overlapping windings. The developed model accounts for tooth-tips and flux modulation pole slots (FMPs). The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– It is obtained by solving Poisson’s and Laplace’s equations in polar coordinates for each sub-domain, i.e. air gap, slots, slot openings at tooth-tips and FMP slots. Armature reaction field distributions in slots, slot openings FMPs, air-gap and magnet region and winding inductances are obtained from the analytical method and compared by finite element analysis.

Findings

– It is found that the developed model can be employed to accurately predict the armature field and winding inductance for any combination of slots/FMPs/permanent magnets. In addition, it is observed that the winding inductance is high which results in significant armature reaction and poor power factor in PMVM.

Originality/value

– The main contributions include: first, accurate sub-domain model for PMVM is proposed for armature reaction which is not addressed in literature; second, the model accounts the interaction between FMP and slot; and finally, developed sub-domain model is also used for inductance calculation.
Influence of interlocking dowels on motor core loss
Authors: Zhou Gui-Yu , Hao He , Jin Meng-Jia , Shen Jian-Xin
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of the interlocking process on the iron loss in the lamination core and to increase the efficiency of electrical machines.

Design/methodology/approach

– A 3D electromagnetic model of the interlocking dowels is proposed in order to simulate the eddy current distribution in the lamination core. Considering the time-consuming of the 3D finite element method (FEM), a 2D electromagnetic model is then proposed based on the 3D model. Influence of the interlocking process on the motor performances is analyzed with 2D FEM, considering the electrical connection of the dowels and the magnetic property deterioration of the electrical steel sheets.

Findings

– The interlocking process removes the insulation between the laminations at the cut-edges of the interlocking dowels, causing extra eddy current loss in the lamination core. The effect of the interlocking process is dependent on the number, location and size of the interlocking dowels.

Practical implications

– The interlocking dowel model is established in order to simulate the effects of the interlocking process. By using the FEM calculation, optimal solution is discussed to minimize the undesired effect of the interlocking dowels.

Originality/value

– In this paper, the FEM model of the induction motor with interlocked stator core is first established, then simulation analysis is implemented. Results shows that choosing a proper number of interlocking dowels with suitable location and size can reduce the extra loss.
Implementation of innovative technologies in small-scale construction firms
Authors: Shelton Jacquetta , Martek Igor , Chen Chuan
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The users of construction technologies such as builders and trades people have been acknowledged as sources of potentially important innovations. These innovations may be in the form of safer, less labour intensive, or cheaper methods and processes. The purpose of this paper is to assess whether the Australian construction industry is providing an environment where user-based innovation is being supported and implemented.

Design/methodology/approach

– An explorative study was undertaken to provide an insight into actual experiences of the implementation of user-based innovation. The data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews providing case studies on multiple aspects of the implementation of innovative construction technologies. The cases involved a cross section of advances, including product, tool, and system technologies.

Findings

– The main motivation behind developing the technologies was problem solving. The associated industries of manufacturing and retail, as well as consultants within the construction industry present the greatest barriers to implementation.

Originality/value

– This research provides a better understanding of the factors that are preventing the successful implementation of user-based innovative construction technologies in small firms.
Conceptualising information and equipment technology adoption in construction
Authors: Sepasgozar Samad M. E. , Loosemore Martin , Davis Steven R.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a critical review of research in information and equipment technology adoption in the construction industry. The study also aims to formulate a conceptual framework of the different stages in the adoption process identify gaps in the existing literature and to provide a holistic picture of contemporary research in technology adoption in construction research literature.

Design/methodology/approach

– A generic framework is initially proposed containing the fundamental concepts of “pre-adoption”, “adoption” and “post-adoption”. The review separates the literature according to three key perspectives: “socio-economic”; “managerial”; and “psychological”. The applicability of the existing approaches to the construction context is discussed, and then a new conceptual framework for construction is developed.

Findings

– Significant gaps in the understanding of construction technology adoption are identified that provide an interesting agenda for future research. A Construction Technology Adoption Framework is presented, which draws together all of sub-processes involved in technology adoption. This framework covers key activities of both the vendor and the customer.

Research limitations/implications

– The study has been restricted to information technologies and construction equipment technology. Other construction technologies, such as formwork systems, have not been examined.

Practical implications

– The new framework provides a direction for research into the technology adoption process including key sub-processes and potential research areas. The framework also assists vendors to influence customers’ decision-making processes, and guides new customers in setting up their own decision procedures.

Originality/value

– This paper departs from earlier research by focusing on information and equipment technology adoption rather than innovation adoption in general. In addition, this paper considers both sides of the adoption equation (vendor and customer), which is in contrast to previous binary studies which considered one side or the other. It delineates the boundaries of different concepts such as diffusion, adoption, acceptance and implementation, which have been interchangeably used in previous studies. This paper introduces the concept of dissemination to construction, which has previously been investigated in other industries.
Drivers for adopting reverse logistics in the construction industry: a qualitative study
Authors: Chileshe Nicholas , Rameezdeen Raufdeen , Hosseini M. Reza
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate and analyse the perceptions of South Australian construction practitioners on drivers affecting the implementation of reverse logistics (RL). In this context, RL is defined as the process of moving goods from their typical final destination for the purpose of capturing value or ensuring proper disposal.

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight practitioners to collect data and the interview transcripts were analysed using the NVivo (version 10) package. Cluster analysis was used to cross-validate the findings and provide an in-depth insight into the findings.

Findings

– The findings indicate that most of the drivers identified in earlier research are relevant for the construction industry. In addition, the study identified some new drivers that are categorised as “targeted demands by an exclusive clientele”. These drivers were found to be complementary to the economic, environmental and social drivers as previously conceptualised. In addition, a set of factors affecting the strength of drivers that had been overlooked in previous studies emanated from the interview analysis. These include the type of project and the attributes of clients, both of which strongly affect the drivers of RL implementation in construction.

Research limitations/implications

– The major limitations are the relatively small size of the sample of interviewees and having interviewees from one geographic area with specific socio-economic characteristics.

Practical implications

– The identified drivers and the clustering of RL themes could be used by practitioners as a “road map” for the development of appropriate solutions to successfully promote RL within the construction industry. Organisational energies could thus be channelled towards the drivers that need the most improvement.

Originality/value

– The study contributes to this research sphere by employing cluster analysis to customise and contextualise the drivers that were previously identified. The study goes beyond the extant literature by discovering the prominent effects of these drivers on the impact of targeted demands by an exclusive clientele. This could be of great value in terms of creating avenues for future investigations on the topic.
Breaking the ice of low financial involvement
Authors: Hauff Jeanette Carlsson , Carlander Anders , Gamble Amelie , Gärling Tommy , Holmen Martin
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how trust in the sender of financial information and a narrative vs fact-related format of the information influence intentions to save in a mutual fund.

Design/methodology/approach

– In Experiment 1, 186 undergraduates participate and in Experiment 2, 434 Swedish citizens between 18 and 70 years randomly chosen from a consumer panel. In both experiments participants are randomized to two conditions in which they are presented with the same information about a mutual fund in a narrative or a traditional fact-related format. In four different between-groups conditions crossed with information format, pre-tested descriptions of different fictitious banks are presented. The descriptions are combined in a fractional factorial design such that one bank is low in the three trust determinants of competence, benevolence and transparency, whereas the other three banks are high in one of the trust determinants but lower in the others. Ratings are made of the information with respect to how much positive affect the information evokes, interest in the message and intention to save in the mutual fund.

Findings

– In both experiments the narrative compared to the fact-based information format increases positive affect, interest and intention to save. Trust in the bank has an independent effect of increasing the intention to save.

Practical implications

– The narrative format of financial information may be key to increase involvement in financial choices but needs to be supplemented by a message that reinforces the positive affect and interest evoked by the format.

Originality/value

– A demonstration of how a narrative format of financial information and trust in the sender jointly influence intentions to save in a mutual fund.
Using external knowledge to improve organizational innovativeness: understanding the knowledge leveraging process
Authors: Wang Xinchun , Arnett Dennis B , Hou Limin
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a better understanding of the process used by organizations to leverage external knowledge. A model of the knowledge leveraging process is developed, which hypothesizes joint sensemaking is a key antecedent to both explicit and tacit knowledge exchange, a dual role for explicit knowledge exchange (i.e. as an antecedent of both tacit knowledge exchange and absorptive capacity) and absorptive capacity is a key mediator between knowledge exchange (both explicit and tacit) and organizational innovativeness.

Design/methodology/approach

– The hypothesized model is tested using survey data gathered from over 230 Chinese companies. The results from the analysis of the hypothesized model are compared to ones from a theory-based rival model. The analyses are performed using partial least squares analysis.

Findings

– The results suggest key roles for both joint sensemaking and absorptive capacity in the knowledge exchange process. In addition, our findings provide evidence regarding the interplay between explicit and tacit knowledge exchange and their role in the knowledge leveraging process.

Research limitations/implications

– The cross-sectional nature of the study provides limited inferences regarding causality. In addition, organizational innovativeness is measured using self-reported, subjective assessments. However, the results provide valuable insights into the knowledge leveraging process.

Practical implications

– The study increases our understanding of how organizations leverage external knowledge to improve organizational innovativeness. In addition, it provides specific guidance for managers interested in leveraging external knowledge.

Originality/value

– Knowledge and knowledge management issues are receiving increased attention in the marketing literature. However, due to the complexity involved in transferring and using external knowledge, our understanding of the processes involved is limited. Our study provides some insights regarding how firms leverage external knowledge and therefore should be of interest to both researchers and practitioners.
A case study for predicting the success possibility of supply chain practices implementation using AHP approach
Authors: Gorane Shrikant , Kant Ravi
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to predict the success possibility of supply chain practices (SCPs) implementation based on ten selected SCPs using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP).

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study was conducted, and for the same, data were collected from two organizations. The data collected from both the organizations were analyzed using AHP. The pair-wise comparisons of SCPs (usually, alternatives and attributes) are established using a scale indicating the strength with which one SCP dominates another with respect to higher-level SCPs. This scaling process then translated into priority weights. Once the priority weights of the elements/determinants of the module have been calculated, the presence of the corresponding element in the organization was evaluated. An evaluation rating of these elements multiplied by the established priority weights have determined the prediction weight for each SCP.

Findings

– The application of this procedure is described for the institutionalization module and can be similarly extended to the other SCPs/SCM implementation modules. By establishing the prediction weight for each module, the organizations will be able to evaluate the strength of the corresponding factors present before embarking on the SCPs. The organization can identify and create awareness of the essential elements in the SCPs implementation process and identify the actions necessary before implementing SCPs. The AHP can be a useful guide in the decision-making process of SCPs implementation, especially for medium- and large-scale organizations.

Research limitations/implications

– The priority weights are subjective and assigned as per the judgment of SCM managers from both the organizations. Further, the priority weights can be obtained from more industry experts through a questionnaire. Second, in this model, only ten practices are taken into consideration for successful SCPs implementation; more practices may be included in future research.

Practical implications

– The methodological approach presented can be a useful guide in the decision-making process of SCPs implementation in an organization. The outcome will aid practitioners to know the SCPs and benchmark the organizations on the basis of the methodological research conducted. Again, this model can simply act as a possible research model and the data can act as an example that can be utilized for other studies.

Originality/value

– This is the first kind of study which identified ten SCPs and further deployed AHP approach to see the success possibility of combined SCPs that influence the SCM implementation in an organization.
Inbound open innovation for pharmaceutical markets: a case study of an anti-diabetic drug in-licensing decision
Authors: Wu Allan Ya-Huan , Little Victoria Janine , Low Brian
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to increase understanding of how firms can more effectively identify valuable and profitable innovations in the pharmaceutical industry and to identify the issues and challenges posed by current managerial decision-making practices.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study of a single project is presented: a drug in-licensing decision made by a team of three managers in a large Australian pharmaceutical firm. Using participant-observation, interviews and archival analysis, the authors followed the managers as they identified and evaluated 122 late-stage anti-diabetic drug variants for further development.

Findings

– The managers used decision heuristics to arrive at a short list of three drugs from a choice set of 122. While the process was ostensibly rational and systematic, there was evidence of data quality issues, misleading mental models and cognitive bias. The authors concluded a high probability of accepting a poor candidate or rejecting a stronger candidate (i.e. making Type I and II errors).

Research limitations/implications

– This paper focuses on initial market and technology evaluation stage only (i.e. not commercialization) and is a single case study design; therefore, care should be taken in generalizing to other decisions or other contexts. This paper highlights the need for further research integrating organizational decision-making and open innovation from a multi-disciplinary perspective.

Practical/implications

– This paper raises awareness of potential decision-making pitfalls and includes a detailed audit framework to support improved managerial decision processes and double rather than single loop learning.

Social/implications

– The findings support better decision-making and therefore supports higher quality drug selection and development, leading to improved population health outcomes.

Originality/value

– Multi-disciplinary, draws attention of marketing and new product development scholars to open innovation research. It adds to knowledge about open innovation practices at the project level. It also provides an extended model of market opportunity analysis for high technology markets.
Audit committee activity and internal control quality in Egypt
Authors: Khlif Hichem , Samaha Khaled
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between audit committee activity, external auditor’s size and internal control quality (ICQ) in the Egyptian setting. It also explores how external auditor’s size moderates the relationship between audit committee activity and ICQ.

Design/methodology/approach

– To obtain relevant information about ICQ in Egypt, the authors conducted a survey among external auditors using an internal control checklist.

Findings

– Results show that audit committee activity has a significant positive effect on ICQ. In addition, Big 4 auditors contribute significantly to the improvement of the ICQ in the Egyptian setting. Finally, the association between audit committee activity and ICQ is more pronounced when an organisation is audited by a Big 4 audit firm.

Originality/value

– The results this paper demonstrate that Big 4 auditors play a governance role in weak legal environment as exists in Egypt by strengthening the effectiveness of audit committee meetings. The findings also have policy implications for Egyptian standard-setters and other emerging economies characterised by an under-developed and poorly regulated audit market, with respect to the development of internal auditing standards.
Antecedents and consequences of firm’s export marketing strategy
Authors: Fuchs Manfred , Köstner Mariella
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships among organizational factors (export market experience, international commitment), external environment (competitive intensity), export marketing strategy and export success. The findings yielded by the analyses confirm that export market-specific experience and international commitment are significant drivers of export success. In addition, the results indicate that the degree of product adaptation is positively related to profitability and overall success, while price and distribution adaptation to local conditions have a direct impact on sales growth. Finally, the authors found evidence that international commitment exerts a positive effect on the adaptation of marketing strategies to country-specific requirements. Thus, the study findings can be used to formulate business and marketing strategies to improve firm’s success in overseas markets.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study used PLS for dealing with formative and reflective measures and used a sample of 200 export ventures that exported on the average in more than 15 countries.

Findings

– This study clearly shows that export venture success is linked to managerial commitment and experiential knowledge and that firms contribute to export venture success by adapting product to foreign markets. It is also shown that firms in more competitive environments increase their effort to adapt, leading to better export venture performance.

Research limitations/implications

– Although Austrian companies are typically characterized as small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the study is limited to this sample.

Practical implications

– Managers in SME should concentrate their effort on a small set of export venture countries of concentrate their capabilities and effort (commitment and personal) to increase adaptation in those selected market, which will lead to increasing export venture performance.

Originality/value

– The study differentiates between formative and reflective measures which most studies in this genre do not, which is a fundamental conceptual shortcoming. This study shows with robust result the interrelation between commitment and managerial experience (intra-firm factors) and the degree of competition in foreign markets and how marketing mix adaptation affects export venture performance measured over a period of five years.
Comparative study of technological innovativeness between individuals in the USA and India
Authors: Klein Andreas , Bhagat Parimal
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– One of the key drivers of competitiveness and growth of emerging countries is their ability to innovate. While India has successfully implemented innovative processes for software development, many Western nations have led in new product designs. The purpose of this paper is to examine the basic premise that the underlying ability of a country to innovate, while being constrained by other situational and structural factors, depends on the innate ability of especially younger individuals in a society to be innovative. Recognizing this trait, companies have recently begun considering consumers as co-creators of technological products and services.

Design/methodology/approach

– Research has focused on the impact of innovativeness in the adoption and use of new technological products with limited research of its impact on the design and creation process. This basic study compares the technological innovativeness of young individuals between a developed country (USA) and an emerging economy (India) along several psychological and behavioral dimensions. Scale reliabilities, principal component analyses and regression analyses were conducted to find main influencers on technological innovativeness in both countries.

Findings

– While hypothesis were derived that creativity, passion, expertise, thinking style and psychographics influence innovativeness, results reveal first impressions that expertise and psychographics are the main influencers on the technological innovativeness of young individuals in both countries. Moreover, a decomposition of thinking style does not add further predictive power to the model.

Originality/value

– The paper helps to extend the understanding as well as to carve out main drivers of technological innovativeness of young individuals across countries. Implications on cross-cultural research and for managers as well as directions for further research are discussed.
Examining relationships among corporate ethical values, commitment and turnover intentions
Authors: Kaur Japneet , Sharma Sanjeev Kumar
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship of corporate ethical values (CEV) on the work attitudes linked to the organizational behavior of employees. It primarily focusses on examining the relationship of CEV with organizational commitment (OC) and the turnover intention (TI) of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

– Study undertakes an explanatory analysis on a sample of 150 employees from large and medium scale Indian Information Technology Business Process Outsourcing firms.

Findings

– Results of the study revealed significant relationships among the variables. Strong positive association has been found between CEV and commitment, whereas, contrasting result has been found with TI of employees. CEV explained 22 percent and 23 percent of variance in commitment and TI, respectively. Moreover, the relationship of ethical values and TIs has been found to be mediated through OC.

Practical implications

– Study enables the managers to understand wider impact of ethics in an organization and its positive impact on employees in increasing their commitment levels. Managers should focus on the ethical aspects of conducting business to ensure that the employees are well engaged with their employer and have the least tendency to shift when given an opportunity.

Originality/value

– This research attempts to bridge the gap in the existing literature by explaining relationship among variables (CEV, OC and TI) in context to the South-Asian nations, and especially India.
The wound/burn guidelines – 5: Guidelines for the management of lower leg ulcers/varicose veins
Authors: Ito Takaaki , Kukino Ryuichi , Takahara Masakazu , Tanioka Miki , Nakamura Yasuhiro , Asano Yoshihide , Abe Masatoshi , Ishii Takayuki , Isei Taiki , Inoue Yuji , Imafuku Shinichi , Irisawa Ryokichi , Ohtsuka Masaki , Ohtsuka Mikio , Ogawa Fumihide , Kadono Takafumi , Kawakami Tamihiro , Kawaguchi Masakazu , Kono Takeshi , Kodera Masanari , Sakai Keisuke , Nakanishi Takeshi , Hashimoto Akira , Hasegawa Minoru , Hayashi Masahiro , Fujimoto Manabu , Fujiwara Hiroshi , Maekawa Takeo , Matsuo Koma , Madokoro Naoki , Yamasaki Osamu , Yoshino Yuichiro , Le Pavoux Andres , Tachibana Takao , Ihn Hironobu ,   The Wound/Burn Guidelines Committee
Published: March 2016

Varicose veins are treated at multiple clinical departments, but as patients often visit the dermatology clinic first due to leg ulcers, the present Guidelines for the Management of Lower Leg Ulcers/Varicose Veins were prepared in consideration of the importance of the dermatologist's role. Also, the disease concept of chronic venous insufficiency or chronic venous disorders and the CEAP classification of these disorders are presented. The objective of the present guidelines is to properly guide the diagnosis and treatment of lower leg ulcers/varicose veins by systematically presenting evidence‐based recommendations that support clinical decisions.