bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical investigation of an anti-icing method on airfoil based on the NSDBD plasma actuator
Authors: Niu Junjie , Sang Weimin , Zhou Feng , Li Dong
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the anti-icing performance of the nanosecond dielectric barrier discharge (NSDBD) plasma actuator.

Design/methodology/approach

With the Lagrangian approach and the Messinger model, two different ice shapes known as rime and glaze icing are predicted. The air heating in the boundary layer over a flat plate has been simulated using a phenomenological model of the NSDBD plasma. The NSDBD plasma actuators are planted in the leading edge anti-icing area of NACA0012 airfoil. Combining the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations and the phenomenological model, the flow field around the airfoil is simulated and the effects of the peak voltage, the pulse repetition frequency and the direction arrangement of the NSDBD on anti-icing performance are numerically investigated, respectively.

Findings

The agreement between the numerical results and the experimental data indicates that the present method is accurate. The results show that there is hot air covering the anti-icing area. The increase of the peak voltage and pulse frequency improves the anti-icing performance, and the direction arrangement of NSDBD also influences the anti-icing performance.

Originality/value

A numerical strategy is developed combining the icing algorithm with the phenomenological model. The effects of three parameters of NSDBD on anti-icing performance are discussed. The predicted results show that the anti-icing method is effective and may be helpful for the design of the anti-icing system of the unmanned aerial vehicle.
Ground simulation of fuel cell/battery hybrid propulsion system for small unmanned air vehicles
Authors: Keiyinci Sinan , Aydin Kadir
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The endurance of small unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) is directly associated with the energy density of the propulsion system used. As the batteries commonly used in small UAVs have a relatively low energy density, they are not sufficient for long-term endurance tasks. The purpose of this paper is to offer a solution to increase the endurance of a concept small UAV with combination of different power sources. The design, construction and ground tests of fuel cell-powered hybrid propulsion systems are presented in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The power requirements of a concept UAV were calculated according to aerodynamic calculations and then, hybrid propulsion system sources are determined. The hybrid system consists of a 100 W scale proton-exchange membrane (PEM) type fuel cell stack, lithium-polymer battery, solar cells and power management system (PMS). Subsequently, this hybrid power system was integrated with the new design of PMS and then series of ground tests were carried out.

Findings

This experimental study proved that it is theoretically possible to obtain an endurance of around 3 h for concept UAV with the proposed hybrid system.

Practical implications

The research study shows that fuel cell-based hybrid propulsion system with the proposed PMS can be widely used to obtain extended endurance in small UAVs.

Originality/value

A hybrid propulsion system with a novel PMS unit is proposed for small UAVs and the ground tests were implemented.
A framework for stakeholder management ecosystem
Authors: Tarode Sanchal , Shrivastava Sanjeev
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a stakeholder management ecosystem, which is an improved concept of stakeholder management practices implemented in organizations. The approach is to strategically manage, monitor and assess stakeholders' involvement efficiently during the various stages of the project. The paper aims to structure and organize the stakeholder management ecosystem concept, which would enhance working standards by gaining support and healthy interest of stakeholders in the ever-changing and increasing complex business environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework study is incorporated on the secondary data of stakeholder management, engagement and assessment. The conceptual insights are drawn for the comprehensive framework of 4Ps (project, people, process and promoting participation) to establish a stakeholder management ecosystem.

Findings

The findings expand the understanding and importance of efficient stakeholder management practices through a stakeholder management ecosystem concept. The implementation of efficient practices can exert a significant effect on the project outcome and organizational goals. Thus, these practices should be assessed and altered according to changing situations and dynamics at the various stages of the project.

Practical implications

The paper contributes to the literature on stakeholder management. First, it holds organizational and managerial implications to efficiently channelize stakeholder resources to maximize the output of the project and the performance of an organization. Second, managing people associated with an organization formally or informally can not only draw their interest, trust and involvement but also can develop further scope and vision of growth and development.

Social implications

The philosophy behind the concept is social cooperation and value creation. The more the people are engaged with the organization, the more will be the organizational support and well-being in the community as it broadens the pool of people involved, both inside and outside the organization.

Originality/value

The paper advances the practices of stakeholder management and organization management by introducing the ecosystem concept, 4Ps framework and assessment matrix. The ecosystem concept can be used to develop value and explore the potential of each person associated with an organization and further develop a functional relationship. The 4Ps framework is a structured and flexible approach to ease the process of understanding, analyzing, evaluating and involving stakeholders. The assessment matrix supports the evaluation of the incorporated strategy and further decision-making for the project by gauging project performance and stakeholder involvement.
Impact of multi-industry directorship on firm performance: a study with reference to India
Authors: Mohapatra Malaya Ranjan , Mishra Chandra Sekhar
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to reconcile the contradictory findings of multiple directorships (MD) and its impact on firm performance. The present work incorporates the industry experience of busy directors into the picture and examines its impact on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected for 345 non-financial National Stock Exchange listed firms from Bloomberg, Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy ProwessIQ database and company annual reports from the financial year 2008–2009 to 2017–2018. The industry and year fixed effect panel regression models are used for both business group and non-business group (NBG) firms.

Findings

The study reconciled the contradictory findings between MD and the performance of a firm. The results claim that firms having non-executive directors on board with similar industry experience positively influence the firm performance while board having non-executive directors with diverse industry experience establish an adverse relationship. The results are similar for both group affiliated and non-group affiliated firms in India. Further analysis through interaction effect reveals that the presence of more busy outside directors on board irrespective of their industry experience, i.e. similar or diverse, reduces the performance of a NBG affiliated firm.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the study contribute to the existing literature and tries to establish a strong argument for MD by incorporating industry experience. The present work considers non-financial listed firms, while financial firms and industry experience of outside directors in other emerging economies can be studied to draw additional insights into the existing literature.

Practical implications

Both regulatory bodies and firms should consider the industry experience of non-executive directors for enhancing firm performance.

Originality/value

Existing studies highlight the contradictory arguments for MD and firm performance. The current study incorporates the industry experience of non-executive directors, either in a similar or diverse industry, for the empirical analysis to reconcile the contradictory findings. The present work suggests that a firm should appoint non-executive directors with similar industry experience to enhance firm performance.
Benchmarking absorptive capacity for sustainability: a study of Indian firms
Authors: Bhupendra Kumar Verma , Sangle Shirish
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the attributes and systemic characteristics of absorptive capacity in sustainability oriented firms in India. Such understanding shall pave a way to integrate knowledge about societal stakeholders with technological and market knowledge. The study may help other firms to benchmark their business process considering sustainability aspects to integrate a broader set of stakeholders in decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to gather responses from 689 managers of 60 firms belonging to various industry sectors. Absorptive capacity of firms based on result of factorial analysis, variances explained by factors and rank of attributes is presented.

Findings

The study provides a glimpse of variability in steps taken by firms to remain competitive in current and future markets. This study highlights the importance of benefits sharing among alliance partners, knowledge-management processes, social integration for tacit knowledge and exploration of new knowledge sources. Surveyed firms require improvements in employee's skill set up-gradation, exploitation of knowledge spread across different departments and suitable training systems to promote knowledge sharing behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

The sample of study covers respondents mainly from Health, Safety and Environment/Sustainability/Clean Development Mechanism departments so leading to certain biasness in their perception.

Practical implications

The study may lead organizations to transform business processes to integrate stakeholder's concerns and expectations.

Social implications

The study may help organisations to develop important attributes of absorptive capacity for effective integration of stakeholders considering sustainability challenges.

Originality/value

This research article enhances understanding on common aspects of absorptive capacity, dynamic capability and sustainability strategies.
Cognitive and social mechanisms: the role of emotions in creativity through work-based learning from a functionalist perspective
Authors: Liu Wei , Li Jing Wei , Zhou Qi Wei
Published: June 2021

Purpose

From a functionalist perspective, this study aims to examine empirically how positive and negative emotions can exert influence on creativity in the workplace. This study built and tested a theoretical framework that delineates the effect of emotions on employee creativity through different learning mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

Field surveys were conducted in a Chinese company and data were collected from 340 employee-supervisor dyads.

Findings

The results indicate that positive emotions were positively related to task-related learning and interactional learning, both of which promote employee creativity. Task-related learning mediated the association between positive emotions and creativity. Nevertheless, negative emotions hindered employees from interactional learning and were negatively associated with creativity. Interactional learning mediated the association between negative emotions and creativity. Moreover, the interaction between positive and negative emotions was negatively associated with task-related learning.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on emotions and employee learning by demonstrating the value of using a functionalist perspective through different procedural mechanisms for employee outcomes and exploring the mediation effects of different learning behaviors in promoting creativity.
A study on the mechanisms of strengths-based psychological climate on employee innovation performance: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Chang Po-Chien , Sun Keyi , Wu Ting
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to adopt a moderated mediation model to examine the mediation roles of employee engagement and hindrance time pressure; the moderation roles of personality in the relationship between strengths-based psychological climate and employee innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying snowball sampling and a self-administered survey, the data were collected from employees and immediate supervisors working in Chinese small-medium-sized enterprises. The PROCESS macro for SPSS was applied to examine the moderated mediation model.

Findings

The results show that a strengths-based psychological climate significantly influences employee engagement and hindrance time pressure, which, in turn, affects employee innovation performance. Both extroversion and emotional stability moderate the relationship between strengths-based psychological climate, employee engagement and hindrance time pressure but also the indirect effect of strengths-based psychological climate on employee innovation performance through employee engagement and hindrance time pressure.

Research limitations/implications

Drawing on job demands and resources models, this research focusses on maximizing employee strengths instead of weaknesses and includes both two intermediating mechanisms in-between strengths-based psychological climate and innovation performance. Personality variables are applied as moderators, as the study assumes the effectiveness of the strengths-based interventions may vary depends on individual differences.

Practical implications

This study proposes that a strengths-based psychological climate may shift focusses from employee weakness to strengths to maximise their talents. Also, personality variables are suggested to be considered in the related human resource practices (e.g. hiring and performance appraisal) to increase the fit between employees, their jobs and the organisations.

Originality/value

This study develops a moderated mediation model to investigate the possible mediating mechanisms and boundary conditions in relation to the impact of strengths-based psychological climate on employee innovation performance.
A moderated mediating model of perceived overqualification and task i-deals – roles of prove goal orientation and climate for inclusion
Authors: Huang Yufang , Hu Yuting
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the linkage between perceived overqualification and task i-deals via the mediating effect of prove goal orientation and the moderating effect of a climate for inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes and tests the mechanism of perceived overqualification in affecting task i-deals. Matched data were collected from a two-wave survey among 457 employees who work in two Chinese enterprises. The hypotheses were tested using hierarchical linear modeling and bootstrapping

Findings

The findings reveal that perceived overqualification has a significant positive impact on task i-deals. Prove goal orientation has a mediating role between perceived overqualification and task i-deals. Climate for inclusion moderates the relationship between prove goal orientation and task i-deals and the mediation effect of prove goal orientation, which has a moderated mediating effect.

Originality/value

This study reveals the influence mechanism of perceived overqualification on task i-deals from the perspective of self-verification, which not only enriches the results of being overqualified but also expands the antecedents of task i-deals. Moreover, the findings emphasize that contextual factors may strengthen the positive mediation effect of prove goal orientation.
Applications of Semantic Web in integrating open data and bibliographic records: a development example of an infomediary of Taiwanese indigenous people
Authors: Sung Han-Yu , Chi Yu-Liang
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to develop a Web-based application system called Infomediary of Taiwanese Indigenous Peoples (ITIP) that can help individuals comprehend the society and culture of indigenous people. The ITIP is based on the use of Semantic Web technologies to integrate a number of data sources, particularly including the bibliographic records of a museum. Moreover, an ontology model was developed to help users search cultural collections by topic concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

Two issues were identified that needed to be addressed: the integration of heterogeneous data sources and semantic-based information retrieval. Two corresponding methods were proposed: SPARQL federated queries were designed for data integration across the Web and ontology-driven queries were designed to semantically search by knowledge inference. Furthermore, to help users perform searches easily, three searching interfaces, namely, ethnicity, region and topic, were developed to take full advantage of the content available on the Web.

Findings

Most open government data provides structured but non-resource description framework data, Semantic Web consumers, therefore, require additional data conversion before the data can be used. On the other hand, although the library, archive and museum (LAM) community has produced some emerging linked data, very few data sets are released to the general public as open data. The Semantic Web’s vision of “web of data” remains challenging.

Originality/value

This study developed data integration from various institutions, including those of the LAM community. The development was conducted based on the mode of non-institution members (i.e. institutional outsiders). The challenges encountered included uncertain data quality and the absence of institutional participation.
Social capital in agribusiness: an exploratory investigation from a supply chain perspective during the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Lang Le Dang , Behl Abhishek , Dong Nguyen Trung , Thu Nguyen Hong , Dewani Prem Prakash
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has badly affected the global economy. The use of social capital as a resource to diversify agribusiness to get more customers and improve the agricultural supply chain is a considerable issue to explore. This study aims to develop a comprehensive measurement of social capital and examine its effect on the intention to diversify agribusiness. From a supply chain perspective, it uses theory of planned behavior (TPB) and resource-based view (RBV).

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a mixed-methods approach. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions and surveys are used. Structural equation modeling on a sample of 465 respondents in Vietnam was employed to examine the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

An integrative measurement scale of social capital from an agricultural supply chain perspective is suggested. The study also shows significant causal relationships amongst social capital, motives, TPB's determinants and the intention to diversify agribusinesses in light of supply chain perspectives.

Originality/value

The study offers a significant contribution to the existing body of knowledge in the literature on social capital, motives, TPB, RBV and supply chain perspectives. The study was executed in Vietnam, where most farmers are smallholders, family business owners or micro-scale entrepreneurs in agriculture.
The effect of knowledge management in educational settings: a study of education management organizations (EMOs) schools of Pakistan
Authors: Asad Muhammad Mujtaba , Rind Amjad Ali , Abdulmuhsin Amir A.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the current study is to explore the influence of knowledge management (KM) in education management organizations (EMOs) Schools of Pakistan. Knowledge plays a pivotal role in the development of an organization due to sharing and managing of knowledge within an organization. In an era of competitiveness, KM has become a significant factor for the sustainable development of educational organizations. Knowledge and KM has become a key element in various fields of knowledge including health, technologies, engineering, social sciences, natural science, business and education. Organizations can adopt KM to improve effectiveness and gain advantage over other organizations. Also, it helps them to make well calculated decisions for the benefit of the organization. KM leads to increase in efficacy, more work, better performance, enhancing staff’s competency through quality decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The research study is descriptive type research by nature, and a qualitative approach was adopted for gathering data and within it the desk review was conducted. The data was analyzed through content analysis techniques. The secondary data was collected in this study. Therefore, the unit of analysis includes the government documents, published research articles and international agencies reports, journal articles, websites, e-books and internet resources, conference papers, case studies and the statistics available on KM in development of organizations in educational settings.

Findings

The findings of the study show that through KM the EMOs school can perform better and give outstanding results in terms of student’s achievements. Further, organizations can develop a system which helps them to take timely decisions for enhancing the image of school among all stakeholders including parents, community, teachers and society.

Practical implications

The present study can benefit educational organizations, stakeholders, policymakers, provincial and federal governments and society. This will contribute to the new body of knowledge in the domain of education for knowledge creation and sharing.

Originality/value

This study is conducted in the context of EMOs schools. So, this may be the first research study in this area. In this connection, the study has originality in the context of KM in educational organization in Pakistan.
Financial and social efficiency analysis of Islamic microfinance institutions
Authors: Fersi Marwa , Boujelbène Mouna
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the impact of credit risk-taking on financial and social efficiency and examine the relationship between credit risk, capital structure and efficiency in the context of Islamic microfinance institutions (MFIs) compared to their conventional counterparts.

Design/methodology/approach

The stochastic frontier approach was used to estimate the financial and social efficiency scores, in a first step. In a second step, the impact of risk-taking on efficiency was evaluated. The authors also took into account the moderating role of capital structure in this effect using the fixed and random effects generalized least squares (GLS) with a first-order autoregressive disturbance. The used dataset covers 326 conventional MFIs and 57 Islamic MFIs in six different regions of the world over the period of 2005–2015.

Findings

The overall average efficiency scores are less than 50%, where CMFIs could have produced their outputs using 48% of their actual inputs. IMFIs record the lowest financial (cost) efficiency that is equal to 28% on average. The estimation results also reveal a negative impact of nonperforming loan on financial and social efficiency. Finally, the moderating effect of leverage funding on the relationship between credit risk-taking and financial efficiency was confirmed in CMFIs. However, leverage seems to moderate the effect of risk-taking behavior on social efficiency for IMFIs.

Originality/value

This paper makes an initial attempt to evaluate the effect of risk-taking decision and its implication on efficiency and MFIs' sustainability. Besides, it takes into consideration the role played by the mode of governance through the ownership structure. In addition, this research study sheds light on the importance of the financial support for the development and sustainability of these institutions, which in return, contributes to a sustainable economic development.
The effect of transformational leadership on nonfamily international intrapreneurship behavior in family firms: the mediating role of psychological empowerment
Authors: Huynh Giang Thi Thuy
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The study aims to reveal the effects of transformational leadership on nonfamily employee international intrapreneurship with the mediating role of psychological empowerment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample consists of 379 employees at 132 family export and import firms in Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam. The data is analyzed by a partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The paper reveals that transformational leadership had a positive and significant influence on nonfamily employee international intrapreneurship. The effect of transformational leadership on international intrapreneurship is strongly mediated by psychological empowerment.

Practical implications

Family firms would have to form the architecture and mechanisms for supporting the dedication of nonfamily international intrapreneurship actions with transformational leadership and psychological empowerment.

Originality/value

The paper grants the driving mechanism of the transformational leadership on nonfamily employee international intrapreneurship through the mediating role of employee psychological empowerment in the context of family businesses in an emerging market.
A question of quality: perceptions of internal communication during the Covid-19 pandemic in Germany
Authors: Ecklebe Sarah , Löffler Natascha
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore employees' perceptions of the quality of internal communication in German organizations during the Covid-19 pandemic. In this context, the paper aims to identify antecedents and outcomes of high-quality internal communication during the pandemic. In doing so, it draws important practical and theoretical implications for pandemic-era communication, particularly surrounding issues such as employees' needs and strategic approaches to communication during the pandemic, as well as the effects of successful internal (crisis) communication.

Design/methodology/approach

A representative survey was conducted on employees (n = 934) working at different types of organizations in Germany. After a dimensionality check was conducted through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the proposed hypotheses were tested by conducting a structural equation model (SEM) using the R package lavaan.

Findings

This study identifies several antecedents of high-quality internal communication during the Covid-19 crisis, such as the frequency of communication at the beginning and during the pandemic, the dissemination of substantial information, participative communication and a clear rejection of secrecy. Furthermore, the findings show that high-quality internal communication has a positive impact on the employee–organization relationship (EOR).

Originality/value

This study suggests that strategic alignment of internal communications during the Covid-19 pandemic is crucial: by considering a number of factors, organizations can positively influence employees' perceptions of the quality of their internal communication. In terms of theoretical implications, this study discusses how the concept of high-quality internal communication can be operationalized and explores the outcomes that this can generate.
Social networks and relationships in copreneurial firms: an international study
Authors: Galloway Laura , Sanders John W. , Bensemann Jo , Tretiakov Alexei
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This article explores the small unit of family business – being in business with one's spouse – in Scotland and New Zealand. With reference to social network theory, the research explores if the strong married relationship enhances business or inhibits it due to a hypothesised limiting effect on access to external networks. The paper thus measures the impact of networks on copreneurial business performance and explores perceptions of the copreneurial experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The research applies a mixed methodology. First, a quantitative sample of 301 small firms in Scotland and New Zealand is tested for variation in performance and social network reach between copreneurial, other types of family firms and firms with no family links. Thereafter, a qualitative study explores the experience of 101 copreneurs in the two countries, to which a thematic analysis is applied.

Findings

Networks are shown to be central influences on performance, but the paper finds no performance or network reach variation between copreneurial and other business. Nevertheless, copreneurship is perceived both positively and negatively by practitioners and testimonies include explicit reference to strategies to manage home/work tensions.

Originality/value

The paper contributes new data on performance in copreneurial firms in two international locations. Viewed through a social network theory lens, the research shows the utility of networks to business, family or otherwise. The paper also shows that the work/family interface in copreneurial firms is perceived both as an advantage and as a challenge and so requires careful management.
Understanding lead-time implications for financial performance: a qualitative study
Authors: Tiedemann Fredrik , Wikner Joakim , Johansson Eva
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to describe the implications of strategic lead times (SLTs) for return on investment (ROI).

Design/methodology/approach

This study was part of an interactive research project and is based on the logic of theory application leading to theory building. It uses a multiple case study with five holistic single cases. Empirical data (ED) have mainly been collected from interviews and focus groups.

Findings

The length of and uncertainty in SLTs have implications for companies' financial performance. These implications vary in strength and can be either direct or indirect. These findings are incorporated into a framework on SLTs' implications for ROI.

Research limitations/implications

The presented array of SLTs' implications for ROI could be further investigated, focussing on their strength. Additionally, it would be interesting to substantiate the findings in the context of environmental and social sustainability (i.e. the triple bottom line).

Practical implications

The findings offer practitioners a rich description and understanding of SLTs' actual implications for financial performance in terms of ROI. This knowledge can support practitioners in analysing supply chain designs based on financial performance.

Originality/value

Using a combination of a relative financial performance measure (ROI) and a set of SLTs (systems perspective), this study focuses on SLTs' actual implications for ROI. The findings provide evidence that different sections of a supply chain can have different implications for revenue, cost and investment (i.e. the three absolute measures related to ROI).
Being lean: how to shape digital transformation in the manufacturing sector
Authors: Rossini Matteo , Cifone Fabiana Dafne , Kassem Bassel , Costa Federica , Portioli-Staudacher Alberto
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Industry 4.0 and Lean Production are a successful match in terms of performance improvement. While we understand the combined potential, there is still poor understanding of how companies should embrace digital transformation to make it successful and sustainable, and the role that lean plays in it. In this paper, we investigate how manufacturing companies embark upon digital transformation and how being lean might affect it.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted multiple case studies with 19 manufacturing companies. We identified two clusters of companies according to their Lean maturity, and we assessed digital transformation patterns by analyzing insights coming both from cases and from the literature. Integrating cross-case analysis results, we developed a framework that shows two different digital transformation patterns according to companies’ commitment to Lean.

Findings

Our findings first and foremost show the significant role of lean in driving digital transformation. We identify two patterns, namely Sustaining digital transformation pattern, characterized by the pervasive role of lean culture with small and horizontal digital changes, involvement of people and willingness to maintain continuous process improvement, and Disruptive digital transformation pattern, characterized by few and large digital steps that imply a disruptive and radical change in the company system.

Practical implications

Empirical evidence supports the relevance of the proposed model and its practical usefulness. It can be used to design digital transformation, prepare properly the introduction of Industry 4.0 through a lean approach, and plan the future desired state, identifying the Industry 4.0 technologies that should be implemented.

Originality/value

It is widely recognized that the relationship between Industry 4.0 and lean is significant and positive, yet little evidence was presented to back that. We aim at bringing this debate forward by providing initial empirical evidence of the significant role that lean has on digital transformation, showing how lean drives the digital transformation pattern of companies.
Market structure of short sea shipping in northeast Asia
Authors: Park So-Young , Woo Su-Han , Lai Po-Lin
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Short-sea shipping (SSS) plays an important role in regional transportation networks by supporting regional trade and improving inter-modality. In particular, countries in north-east Asia, such as China, South Korea and Japan have been served well by local SSS services. While SSS markets in Northeast Asia (NEA) have been developed by bilateral routes with sub-markets, the market structure of each sub-markets varies depending on concentration and competition levels as well as government intervention. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the market structure of SSS markets in the Northeast Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI) and concentration ratio are adopted to measure the market concentration from 2013 to 2017 for SSS markets in NEA. Additionally, the balance between supply and demand is investigated by measuring the capacity utilisation factor (CUF) based on slot capacity.

Findings

The market structure in the NEA SSS markets is influenced by firms’ behaviour under different levels of governmental intervention. Shipping firms in a market with more governmental intervention in market entry tend to focus on balancing supply and demand rather than increasing market share, whereas firms in a market with less intervention (and more competition) tend to increase their market share by pursuing efficient capacity management.

Research limitations/implications

The period of data set is limited to 2013–2017. Furthermore, prices or revenue for specific routes are not available.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on the market structure and behaviour of players in SSS market. In addition, the work has value to measure capacity utilisation based on slot capacity.
Student-managed investment funds: a review and research agenda
Authors: Abukari Kobana , Oldford Erin , Willcott Neal
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In recent years, student-managed investment funds (SMIFs), experiential learning programs at an increasing number of universities, have attracted significant scholarly interest. In this article, we review the academic literature on this pedagogy.

Design/methodology/approach

We use the systematic review method to assess a sample of 85 articles published in 30 journals during the period 1975 to 2020.

Findings

Our literature review reveals four streams of research: best practices and challenges, investment management, innovation and trends and SMIFs in a research setting. We also propose future research directions, including specific gaps in the literature, a focus on innovations to traditional programs, systematic investment performance and expansion into behavioral finance issues.

Originality/value

We contribute a comprehensive view of the body of scholarship on SMIFs, identifying existing streams of research and future research directions that will help guide the development of SMIF research into a cohesive and productive space.
Agency costs in the market for corporate control: evidence from UK takeovers
Authors: Jones Edward , Xu Bing , Kamp Konstantin
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether agency costs predict disciplinary takeover likelihood for the UK listed companies between 1986 and 2015.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survival analysis, the approach is to identify candidates for disciplinary takeover on the basis of Tobin’s Q (TQ), which is consistent with the approach advocated by Manne (1965). This study then examines how indicators of agency costs affect takeover likelihood within the set of disciplinary candidates.

Findings

This paper provides evidence of the effectiveness of TQ, rather than excess return, in identifying disciplinary takeover candidates. Takeover hazard for disciplinary candidates is higher for companies with higher levels of asset utilization and sales growth in particular. Companies with stronger agency problems are relatively less susceptible to disciplinary takeover.

Practical implications

Given the UK context of the study, where anti-takeover provisions are disallowed and when compared to findings of US studies, the results imply some support for the effectiveness of an open merger policy.

Originality/value

While the connection between takeover likelihood and the market for corporate control has been made in previous studies, the study adopts a more explicit agency theory framework than previous studies of takeover likelihood. A key component of the contribution follows from differentiating candidates for disciplinary takeovers from other forms of mergers and acquisitions.
Tilting separation simulation and theory verification of mask projection stereolithography process
Authors: Wu Xiangquan , Xu Chunjie , Zhang Zhongming , Jin Zhongmin
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to accurately simulate the tilting separation process of mask projection stereolithography (MPSL) and verify the tilting theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite element separation models of MPSL 3D printing process were established. The established models simulated both tilting and pulling-up separation process by changing the constraints and boundary conditions. The bilinear cohesive curves were used to define the separation interface. The stress distribution of the cured part and FEP film at different times during the whole separation process was extracted. Different orientations of pulling-up and tilting were also compared for stress distribution. The stress change was analyzed for the center and edge points of the upper surface of cured part.

Findings

The results showed that the stress increased with the separation speed, and the stress at the edge position of exposure area was greater than the internal position. The tilting traction stress distribution was affected by the exposure area function and the velocity distribution. Alternation of the exposure area function changed the cohesive stiffness. The non-coincidence of the calculated traction stress with the input bilinear cohesive curve reflected the influence of the material properties and the separation methods. The high-speed side of tilting had fast separation and high traction stress.

Originality/value

This study proposes a technical method for simulation tilting separation and verified the tilting theory. The cohesive zone model was proved applicable to the tilting traction stress calculation.
Constructing citations: reviewing chat transcripts to improve citation assistance as a service
Authors: Wilkinson Jaci , Denneler Alyssa , Nay Leanne , Johnson Anna Marie
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Using chat transcripts from Indiana University Libraries, the authors examined a subset of transcripts involving citations. From this analysis, they propose improvements for citation assistance as a holistic service.

Design/methodology/approach

Two years of chat transcripts were examined and questions containing citation-related keywords were segregated for further examination. The authors used a test data set to create a coding scheme for the questions and responses. This scheme was then applied to all the citation-related transcripts.

Findings

390 of 11,553 transcripts included interactions about citations. In 42% of the transcripts, no specific citation style was mentioned. American Psychological Association and Modern Language Association were the most frequently mentioned citation styles by chat users. Business reports (company data and market research), periodicals (journal, newspaper or magazine articles), websites and government documents were the most often asked about formats, but there was a wide variety of other unusual formats. Questions about EndNote were more common than other types of citation management software. Chat staff utilized a variety of responses including guiding the student by example, directing to an online resource for more information (85% of the responses) or referring to a citation management expert. An unexpected amount of hedging words in the responses indicates the presence of anxiety on the part of chat staff in responding to these types of questions.

Originality/value

This paper goes beyond most existing studies of chat transcripts by using chat transcripts as data to guide service improvements for a commonly asked but not typically discussed set of questions.
Clusters or networks: interorganizational relationships influence on Brazilian hotel performance
Authors: Vieira Daniel Pires , Hoffmann Valmir Emil , Reyes Junior Edgar , Boari Cristina
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Although interorganizational relationships are acknowledged as positive for tourism, studies on the subject fail to systematically analyze the joint effects of relationships with different types of organizations. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of the interaction between different types of interorganizational relationships over a hotel firm’s performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire applied to hotel managers was used to assess hotel relationships. Hotel performance was assessed through Trip Advisor information. Structural equations modeling (SEM) was used for data analysis.

Findings

Results reveal that only relationships with other hotels had a significant influence on performance. The competition had a negative effect on hotel performance, as well as on horizontal and support organization relationships. Relationships with support organizations presented a significant effect on the formation of relationships between companies (horizontal and vertical) and mediated the negative effect of competition over horizontal relations.

Practical implications

Hotel relationships are idiosyncratic and path-dependent, hence monitoring and copying competitors’ relationships is not advisable. Hotels may improve their productive integration by relating with support organizations. From a destination management perspective, results show that support organizations facilitate interfirm relationships and productive integration within a destination.

Originality/value

The paper systematically analyzes the influence of different interorganizational relationships and competition on hotel performance. Empirical results contradict some aspects of networks and clusters. Some relationships may have positive effects on destinations, but not on hotel firms. Additionally, support organizations play a central role on interfirm relationship formation and maintenance.
Imaging complex three‐dimensional structures, applying three‐component vector migration to synthetic vertical seismic profiling data
Authors: Haldorsen Jakob B.U. , Jahren Leif
Published: June 2021

By applying a ray‐based three‐dimensional vector migration process to fully elastic three‐component synthetic Vertical Seismic Profiling data, we are able to demonstrate that the process gives an accurate compressional reflection image of the complex formation without much visible artefacts from spatial aliasing, or from ‘migration smiles’ caused by the limited aperture of the receiver array. We demonstrate that the process reconstructs images of both steeply dipping salt flanks, and the sediments that tend to be dragged along by the moving salt and truncated against the sides of the salt body. The process uses raw unseparated data as input, and the wavefield separation of compressional and shear waves are done by projection operators inside the kernel of the migration process. The compressional reflection image appear to have no visible artefacts from the abundance of converted shear.
Cardiovascular drugs and COVID‐19 clinical outcomes: A living systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Asiimwe Innocent G. , Pushpakom Sudeep , Turner Richard M. , Kolamunnage‐Dona Ruwanthi , Jorgensen Andrea L. , Pirmohamed Munir
Published: June 2021

Aims

The aim of this study was to continually evaluate the association between cardiovascular drug exposure and COVID‐19 clinical outcomes (susceptibility to infection, disease severity, hospitalization, hospitalization length, and all‐cause mortality) in patients at risk of/with confirmed COVID‐19.

Methods

Eligible publications were identified from more than 500 databases on 1 November 2020. One reviewer extracted data with 20% of the records independently extracted/evaluated by a second reviewer.

Results

Of 52 735 screened records, 429 and 390 studies were included in the qualitative and quantitative syntheses, respectively. The most‐reported drugs were angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) with ACEI/ARB exposure having borderline association with confirmed COVID‐19 infection (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.00–1.31). Among COVID‐19 patients, unadjusted estimates showed that ACEI/ARB exposure was associated with hospitalization (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.34–2.32), disease severity (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.26–1.55) and all‐cause mortality (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.12–1.33) but not hospitalization length (mean difference −0.27, 95% CI −1.36–0.82 days). After adjustment, ACEI/ARB exposure was not associated with confirmed COVID‐19 infection (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.71–1.19), hospitalization (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.70–1.24), disease severity (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.81–1.38) or all‐cause mortality (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.70–1.00). Similarly, subgroup analyses involving only hypertensive patients revealed that ACEI/ARB exposure was not associated with confirmed COVID‐19 infection (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.79–1.09), hospitalization (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.58–1.22), hospitalization length (mean difference −0.14, 95% CI −1.65–1.36 days), disease severity (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.76–1.11) while it decreased the odds of dying (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.65–0.88). A similar trend was observed for other cardiovascular drugs. However, the validity of these findings is limited by a high level of heterogeneity and serious risk of bias.

Conclusion

Cardiovascular drugs are not associated with poor COVID‐19 outcomes in adjusted analyses. Patients should continue taking these drugs as prescribed.