bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 3D generalized rigid particle contact model for rock fracture
Authors: Monteiro Azevedo Nuno , Lemos José V.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The rigid spherical particle models proposed in the literature for modeling fracture in rock have some difficulties in reproducing both the observed macroscopic hard rock triaxial failure enveloped and compressive to tensile strength ratio. The purpose of this paper is to obtain a better agreement with the experimental behavior by presenting a 3D generalized rigid particle contact model based on a multiple contact point formulation, which allows moment transmission and includes in a straightforward manner the effect of friction at the contact level.

Design/methodology/approach

The explicit formulation of a generalized contact model is initially presented, then the proposed model is validated against known triaxial and Brazilian tests of Lac du Bonnet granite rock. The influence of moment transmission at the contact level, the number of contacts per particle and the contact friction coefficient are assessed.

Findings

The proposed contact model model, GCM‐3D, gives an excellent agreement with the Lac du Bonet granite rock, strength envelope and compressive to tensile strength ratio. It is shown that it is important to have a contact model that: defines inter‐particle interactions using a Delaunay edge criteria; includes in its formulation a contact friction coefficient; and incorporates moment transmission at the contact level.

Originality/value

The explicit formulation of a new generalized 3D contact model, GCM‐3D, is proposed. The most important features of the model, moment transmission through multiple point contacts, contact friction term contribution for the shear strength and contact activation criteria that lead to a best agreement with hard rock experimental values are introduced and discussed in an integrated manner for the first time. An important contribution for rock fracture modeling, the formulation here presented can be readily incorporated into commercial and open source software rigid particle models.
Hard‐coupled nonlinear model of induction heating of nonmagnetic cylindrical billets in rotation
Authors: Karban Pavel , Mach František , Dolezel Ivo
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a model of induction heating of aluminium billets rotating in a static magnetic field generated by permanent magnets. The model is solved by the authors' own software and the results are verified experimentally.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical model of the problem given by two partial differential equations describing the distribution of the magnetic and temperature fields in the system is solved by a fully adaptive higher‐order finite element method in the hard‐coupled formulation. All material nonlinearities are taken into account.

Findings

The method of solution realized by the code is reliable and works faster in comparison with the existing low‐order finite element codes.

Research limitations/implications

The method works for 2D arrangements with an extremely high accuracy. Its limitations consist mainly in problems of determining the coefficients of convection and radiation for temperature field in the system (respecting both temperature and revolutions).

Practical implications

The methodology can successfully be used for design of devices for induction heating of cylindrical nonmagnetic bodies by rotation and anticipation of their operation parameters.

Originality/value

The paper presents a fully adaptive higher‐order finite element and its utilization for a hard‐coupled numerical solution of the problem of induction heating.
Modeling of magnetization patterns for 2‐DoF rotary‐linear actuators
Authors: Meessen K.J. , Paulides J.J.H. , Lomonova E.A.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a semi‐analytical modeling technique to describe magnetic fields due to PMs in 3D cylindrical structures. The model is based on 2D Fourier series and is applied to model the magnetic field of checkerboard magnetization patterns for rotary‐linear actuators.

Design/methodology/approach

The modeling technique based on Fourier series provides a direct solution of the Poisson and Laplace equation by means of separation of variables and is widely used to describe magnetic fields in electromagnetic devices in 2D coordinate systems. In this paper the magnetic scalar potential is used in the Poisson and Laplace equations.

Findings

The magnetic field calculated by the semi‐analytical model is compared with that obtained by Finite Element Modeling and shows excellent agreement. The calculation time of the semi‐analytical model is approximately 60 times shorter than that of finite element analysis.

Research limitations/implications

The method as presented in the paper assumes linear material properties, e.g. the non‐linear B‐H characteristics of iron cannot be taken into account. Furthermore, the structure is assumed to be slotless, that is, stator slots or end‐effects cannot be taken into account.

Practical implications

The semi‐analytical modeling technique is applied to checkerboard magnetization patterns for 2‐DoF actuators in this paper. However, it can be applied to a wide range of slotless cylindrical electromagnetic devices.

Originality/value

As an addition to the common 2D modeling by means of Fourier series, this paper extends the applicability to 3D cylindrical structures. Furthermore, a new checkerboard magnetization is presented which can be used in 2‐DoF rotary linear actuators.
Improved technique for minimizing torque pulsation in Halbach array permanent magnet machines
Authors: Sadeghi Siavash , Parsa Leila
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to minimize the torque pulsation in Halbach array permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs).

Design/methodology/approach

Because of its specific structure, the cogging torque influences the main part of the torque pulsation in a Halbach array PMSM. In this paper, first it is shown that the conventional magnet skewing method does not have a significant effect on the torque pulsation in this motor, and then an improved skewing method with fewer skewing steps is proposed. In this method permanent magnet segments are placed sinusoidally, with two‐step skewing along the rotor. Generalization with different combinations of slots and poles is considered for a Halbach array PMSM.

Findings

Using a detailed finite element method (FEM) it was found that with the proposed technique the cogging torque factor is reduced to as low as 8 percent, while the average value of the torque is maintained near the machine nominal average torque.

Practical implications

Halbach array PMSMs are very good candidates for high dynamic performance applications such as aerospace applications due to their high acceleration and deceleration features. This technique also resolves the mechanical vibration and acoustic noise issues, which are caused by torque pulsation and significantly affect machine performance.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in the FEM results. Since Halbach array PMSMs have a special structure it was shown that the conventional skewing method does not work well for this machine. The new proposed technique has a significant effect on the torque pulsation.
A new approach of power electronic design using a nonlinear average model
Authors: Benachour Redha , Latreche Saïda , El Hadi Latreche Mohamed , Gontrand Christian
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The present work aims to explain how the nonlinear average model can be used in power electronic integration design as a behavioral model.

Design/methodology/approach

The nonlinear average model is used in power electronic integration design as a behavioral model, where it is applied to a voltage source inverter based on IGBTs. This model was chosen because it takes into account the nonlinearity of the power semiconductor components and the wiring circuit effects, which can be formalized by the virtual delay concept. In addition, the nonlinear average model cannot distinguish between slow and quick variables and this is an important feature of the model convergence.

Findings

The paper studies extensively the construction of the nonlinear average model algorithm theoretically. Detailed explanations of the application of this model to voltage source inverter design are provided. The study demonstrates how this model illustrates the effect of the nonlinearity of the power semiconductor components' characteristics on dynamic electrical quantities. It also predicts the effects due to wiring in the inverter circuit.

Research limitations/implications

More simulations and experimental analysis are still necessary to improve the model's accuracy, by using other static characteristic approaches, and to validate the applicability of the model to different converter topologies.

Practical implications

The paper formulates a simple nonlinear average model algorithm, discussing each step. This model was described by VHDL‐AMS. On the one hand, it will assist theoretical and practical research on different topologies of power electronic converters, particularly in power integration systems design such as the integrated power electronics modules (IPEM). On the other hand, it will give designers a more precise behavioral model with a simpler design process.

Originality/value

The nonlinear average model used in power electronic integration design as behavioral model is a novel approach. This model reduces computational costs significantly, takes physical effects into account and is easy to implement.
A novel truncation spurs free structure of direct digital synthesizer
Authors: Yang Yuanwang , Cai Jingye , Schutt‐Aine Jose
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Spurious frequencies (spurs) resulting from phase truncation are one of the main signal integrity issues for direct digital synthesizers (DDS). The standard approach in DDS design consists of truncating the phase word output from the phase accumulator, in order to minimize the size of the lookup table. This process generates spurs and degrades the quality of signals at the output of a DDS. In principle, since the bit width of the digital‐to‐analog converter (DAC) is narrower than that of the lookup table, the latter can be compressed without using phase truncation. The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel spur‐free truncation method for compressing the sine lookup table in a DDS structure.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a novel spur‐free truncation method for compressing the sine lookup table in a DDS structure is proposed. First, the paper discusses the origins of spurs in direct digital synthesizers; next, methods for avoiding large sine lookup tables are analyzed to help generate spur‐free outputs via truncation.

Findings

By introducing a comparator and an adder into the traditional DDS architecture, the sine lookup table can be compressed without significant hardware change in the design. Simulation results using MATLAB and implementation results on FPGA evaluation platform show that the novel structure can eliminate the truncation spurs without increasing the size of the lookup table. Previous works on compression algorithm of lookup table are still available to the novel structure.

Originality/value

A novel approach for the reduction in size of digital synthesizer lookup table is proposed in this work. Size reduction is achieved without producing truncation spurs. The method exploits the property that the bit width of a DAC will generally be smaller than the bit width of a phase accumulator. A comparator or an adder are introduced to the traditional structure of a DDS to help achieve the size compression. Simulations in MATLAB verified that the novel structure can eliminate truncation spurs in the output signal without increasing the size of the lookup table.
A simple model for the multiple traveling salesmen problem with single depot and multiple sink
Authors: Liu Daibo , Hou Mengshu , Qu Hong
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine a set of routes for multiple salesmen starting at and turning back to the home depots. The objective of the algorithm is to be efficient and to minimize the total cost of all salesmen.

Design/methodology/approach

The new method first generates a SModel, then deletes all redundant edges in the model and reorganizes isolated paths. According to the given statistics, about 16.5 percent of the nodes have a degree greater than 2 in the SModel, which means that there must be redundant edges in the model. The authors refer to those edges connected to nodes with a degree greater than 2 as redundant candidate edges. By deleting redundant edges, the original graph is simplified to a great extent, then related operation is adopted to generate expected result.

Findings

A simple model is used to simplify the original graphs by deleting redundant edges. Based on the simplified results, two strategies are proposed to determine primal edges linking with home depot. Simulations are carried out to illustrate the performance of the proposed method.

Research limitations/implications

Although new method can efficiently solve the variance of multiple traveling salesmen problem (MTSP) with multiple salesmen open path, it does not consider the workload balance. To a great extent, the total course time of this variance of MTSP is decided by the last achieved salesman's time cost.

Practical implications

This method can be used to simulate many everyday applications such as transportation logistics, job planning, vehicle scheduling, and so on. The main applications include print press scheduling, crew scheduling, school bus routing, mission planning, and the design of global navigation satellite surveying system networks. Moreover, it can be used to solve the problem of multiple traveling robots, and can be considered as a relaxation of the vehicle routing problem (VRP) with the capacity restrictions removed.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a new method to solve a heterogeneous MTSP with multiple depots and open paths. A simple model (SModel) is introduced to implement it. The model can transform a complicated graph into a simplified one. Based on the model, the subsequent workings of the new method involve merely linking paths together. Based on SModel, the greatest advantage of the new method is that it can find a global solution efficiently.
A web service matching algorithm based on semantic similarity
Authors: Chen Wenyu , Zhang Zhongquan , Xiang Tao , Zeng Ru
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to obtain more accurate matching between the request and the release of web service.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts Levenshtein distance algorithm to calculate the name similarity between publishing service and request service, employs cosine theorem to compute the text similarity, and uses semantic distance to count the input‐output similarity, then filters out the low similarity and bad reputation services to structure the candidate service set.

Findings

The qualitative and quantitative analysis of the scheme is given in this paper. The experimental results show that the multi‐level matching filtering algorithm can obviously improve the recall ratio and precision ratio of web service discovery.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a similarity‐based filtering algorithm for multi‐level matching.
The numerical simulation of improving parameter estimation by instrumental variable method
Authors: Wang Yinao , Ruan Aiqing , Zhan Zhihui
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to study the improved effect of the instrumental variable method to estimate parameters of linear regression model with the stochastic explanatory variables problem.

Design/methodology/approach

By Monte‐Carlo method, taking a linear regression model with intercept of 3, slope of 4 as an example, whose random error in standard normal distribution, to test whether parameter estimators are biased and how about the average relative error of estimator of slope when random explanatory variables are in different contemporaneously correlated with random error item. By the instrumental variables which are independent with random error item and in varying degrees related to random explanatory variable, the study tests the estimation accuracy of the slope using the instrumental variable method.

Findings

This paper tests that the ordinary least square parameter estimators are biased, and especially that the average relative error of estimator of slope is significantly large, more than 10 percent, when random explanatory variables are different and contemporaneously correlated with the random error item. For the instrumental variables that are independent from random error item and in varying degrees related to the random explanatory variable, the estimation accuracy of the slope is significantly improved and the relative error dropped to less than 4 percent, but the estimation accuracy of the intercept term showed no significant improvement by the instrumental variable method.

Practical implications

The method exposed in the paper shows how to improve estimation by an instrumental variable method.

Originality/value

The paper succeeds in showing how to improve estimation by the instrumental variable method of numerical simulation.
Occupying financial hubs
Authors: Andrew Alex M.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.

Design/methodology/approach

A review is made of sources of comment on recent protest activities, most notably in New York and London, the protests aimed at financial institutions and the gross inequalities resulting from their activities. The comments include concrete suggestions for improvements.

Findings

The paper finds that the activists include thoughtful and articulate members whose views deserve careful attention. An indicator of the strength of their case is a review in the New York Times of the “panic” reactions of moneyed interests.

Practical implications

Suggestions for improvements are made in the material reviewed. Some of them depend on worldwide imposition of regulations, with no faction “breaking ranks”. The issues are deeply felt and protest will continue, with worldwide impact.

Originality/value

It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.
Research on information sharing values of supply chain management
Authors: Tibin Liu , Yingjin Lu , Yong Zhang , Xianglan Jiang
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study information which plays a role in creating supply chain enterprise value, and establishes a model of supply chain information in value‐increment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper regards the supply chain as a process of input and output. Based on the production function of Cobb‐Douglas, it researches deeply on the value‐increment mechanism of supply chain information transmission and interaction.

Findings

The final output of supply chains decides on the input of node enterprises value action.

Research limitations/implications

There is no availability of data to prove the application of the model.

Practical implications

Information is an important means of value by node enterprises of supply chains, and is also a key to improving the core competitive ability of enterprises in the supply chain.

Originality/value

The paper provides quantitative models and methods for dynamic impact analysis of supply chain information flow. The paper clarifies the mechanism of achieving the overall objective of supply chains and suggests that supply chain managers should emphasize and use information sharing and supply coordination mechanisms to improve supply chain performance.
Modeling and simulation of laser tracking systems
Authors: Wanli Liu , Xinghua Qu , Jianfei Ouyang
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to properly calibrate the laser tracking system (LTS) prior to using it for metrology and improving the measuring accuracy of LTS.

Design/methodology/approach

A kinematics model that describes not only the motion but also geometric variations of LTS is developed. Effects of tracking mirror mechanism dimension errors on measured coordinates and target reflector alignment errors on sensor reading are investigated.

Findings

Through error analysis of the proposed model, it is claimed that gimbals axis misalignments and tracking mirror center offset are the key contributors to measure errors of LTS. Intensive simulation studies are conducted to check the validity of the theoretical results and various practical issues are also explored in the simulations. The simulation results demonstrate that under realistic conditions the 10‐parameter model is the minimal and complete model.

Research limitations/implications

This model, together with its error model which is also presented in this paper, can be used for design, calibration, and control of LTS.

Originality/value

This paper develops a kinematics model that describes not only the motion but also geometric variations of LTS, and demonstrates that gimbals axis misalignments and tracking mirror center offset is the key contributor to measuring errors of LTS.
A mathematic model for analyzing the influence of different trade modes to the electricity market
Authors: Tan Zhongfu , Wang Chengwen , Chen Guangjuan , Su Jing , Li Li
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of different trade modes on the electricity market.

Design/methodology/approach

A linear model between power units' output and their bidding prices is presented and optimal models to minimize the purchase power cost of power grid companies are presented, applying static games and dynamic games, respectively. Then the relation between power generation amount and units' bidding price is settled by using difference methods. In addition, optimization models are established to optimize profits of units at discriminatory bidding or uniform marginal price applying static game and dynamic game. Finally, the economic benefits and fair competition are compared and analyzed.

Findings

If impartiality is emphasized, the detailed history bidding information should not be opened. Also, it is fairer but difficult to control units' speculative behavior at uniform marginal price.

Research limitations/implications

A supposition has been made that all participants are rational.

Practical implications

The paper presents useful advice for improving the trade mode of the electricity market.

Originality/value

Power units' bidding models and strategies are presented at discriminatory bidding price or at uniform marginal price applying non‐cooperation static game and dynamic game, respectively.
An efficient algorithm for mining condensed sequential pattern bases
Authors: Wang Tao
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Mining sequential patterns in large databases has become an important data mining task with broad applications, such as business analysis, web mining, security, and bio‐sequences analysis. The purpose of this paper is to propose the notion of condensed frequent sequential pattern base (SP base) with guaranteed maximal error bound.

Design/methodology/approach

A subset of frequent sequential patterns is computed, and then used to approximate the supports of arbitrary frequent sequential patterns with guaranteed maximal error bound, because in many applications it is sufficient to generate only frequent sequential patterns with support frequency in close‐enough approximation instead of in full precision.

Findings

The concept of condensed frequent SP base is introduced, and an efficient algorithm for mining condensed SP bases is developed.

Research limitations/implications

A condensed frequent SP base can significantly reduce the set of sequential patterns that need to be mined, stored, and analyzed, while providing guaranteed error bound for frequencies of sequential patterns not in the base.

Practical implications

A much smaller base of patterns can help users to comprehend the mining results. Computing a much smaller pattern base also leads to better efficiency.

Originality/value

The paper shows that by adopting a novel pruning technology, the algorithm out‐performs the previous work by one order of magnitude.
How to determine the performance of a system
Authors: Han‐jiang Zhang , Duan‐hong Luo
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how the performance of a system is determined.

Design/methodology/approach

Systems with the same structure or function often have different performances. What makes the difference? Within a system, the various actors make their decisions by their own and their actions depend on the mechanism of the system. The actors' strategy selection under different mechanisms and the mechanism design are precisely in the range of Game Theory. This paper compares two different pricing mechanisms, the Stackelberg Game and Cournot Game, in a linear supply chain. And the obtained result of the different behavior (Pm*, Pr*) and different performance (Um*, Ur*) of the supply chain obviously approves our proposition that the operational mechanism is of great importance to the performance of the system, the same as structure.

Findings

It is the structure of the system and operational mechanism which determines the performance of the system.

Research limitations/implications

The paper's limitations lie in the fact that it is not yet based on experimental evidence from real‐world systems.

Practical implications

Game Theory is one of the most effective methods to study the systematic mechanism, especially the mechanism designs, because it reveals the inherent nature of the systematic mechanism.

Originality/value

This paper points out that the mechanism which restricts each behavioral subject determines the performance of these systems. It puts forward a new region for the research of general system theory.
Research on dynamic pricing of supply chain products based on channel advantages
Authors: Yong Zhang , Yingjin Lu , Xianglan Jiang
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the pricing problem of product transfer price under the channel advantages; determine the structure models of optimal transfer price expectation; and compare the differences in pricing of different pricing dominant parties.

Design/methodology/approach

Uncertain factors are introduced into dynamic pricing mathematics models; production and storage models are combined; the method of functional analysis is used to solve transfer pricing question under different advantage conditions; and price matching models in supply chain integration are put forth.

Findings

There is a proportional relationship between the optimal transfer price expectation and price fluctuation. The party which has channel advantages will gain relatively more profit, but the maximum revenue can be obtained only in the supply chain integration.

Research limitations/implications

There is no appropriate empirical data to verify the models.

Practical implications

The paper provides pricing reference method to monopoly competitive enterprises on different stages. The matching pricing models based on E‐commerce can deal with the price deviation caused by goal difference and random factors automatically.

Originality/value

The paper considers production and inventory pricing, reflects the influence of the whole pricing factors under different channel advantages, and puts forth dynamic matching pricing models and algorithm under the E‐commerce circumstances.
Cloud computing: views on Cybersyn
Authors: Andrew Alex M.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review sources of information on cloud computing. They include reference to an unexpected application to social care and to work that demonstrates vulnerability of cloud systems to cyber‐attack. Online discussion of Stafford Beer's Cybersyn project in Chile is also reviewed, the discussion initiated by the appearance of a new book (Medina, 2011). A note is added about developments in Colombia.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.

Findings

Cloud computing is undoubtedly valuable, though the susceptibility to cyber‐attack is a serious drawback. The discussion of Cybersyn focuses mainly on the overall interplay of political and scientific considerations rather than on the potential practical value of the project, though naturally that is also a significant aspect.

Practical implications

Cloud computing is a valuable tool, especially where services are subject to uneven loading. Vulnerability to cyber‐attack is a serious problem that needs attention. The recently‐published book has aroused fresh interest in the Cybersyn project and the associated Viable System Model, even if their evaluation was a side issue.

Originality/value

It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.
Risk of inefficiency on the Chinese index futures market
Authors: Ma Chaoqun , Liu Lan , Wang Junbo , Chen Jing
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the risk of inefficiency of China's stock index futures market by investigating the opportunity and profitability of exchange‐traded fund (ETF) arbitrage. The explanation of behavioral risk to market efficiency is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on cost‐of‐carry model, some assumptions about market efficiency were examined, and statistical tests were implemented to support the findings.

Findings

In China, borrowing and lending interest rates are quite different; dividends are small and paid in an irregular manner; and short sale cannot be used in arbitrage by all investors. It is found that the Chinese index futures market is far from efficient.

Originality/value

With reference to the empirical study, this is believed to be the first application of behavioral study to the study of market efficiency. The analysis of the statistics about Chinese index futures market and the algorithm parameters are very valuable for in‐depth understanding of the emerging markets.
Business ethics from Aristotle, Kant and Mill's perspective
Authors: Belak Jernej , Pevec Rozman Mateja
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The presence and use of the informal and formal measures of business ethics implementation may be crucial and should therefore be known to managers/owners. Based on the case study research, this paper aims to suggest that enterprise awareness of importance of business ethics implementation can be of essential meaning for its long‐term existence, success, growth, and development. The purpose of this paper is to discover the presence and use of the informal and formal measures of business ethics implementation and to identify their importance for active measure care by the enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, qualitative research is applied. The research cognitions on informal and formal measures of business ethics implementation are discussed in application of the dialectical systems theory.

Findings

The paper finds that on one side the enterprises' key stakeholders (owners and managers) are aware of the importance of their ethical behaviour as well as of impact of their ethical behaviour to the enterprises' behaviour. The research results also show that enterprises' key stake holders are conscious of the impact of enterprises' ethical behaviour to the enterprises' long term existence, growth, and development. On the other hand, the research findings show that such informal awareness is usually not formalized, which can be argued as a reason for enterprises' unethical behaviour.

Practical implications

This paper gives us some insights as to the state of informal and formal measures of business ethics implementation in Slovenian enterprises. In a frame of practical implications, a further research should be done to show which formal measures of such ethics implementation should be used to stimulate the enterprises' innovative behaviour in assurance of enterprise effectiveness, efficiency, and social responsibility in order to achieve and maintain enterprise's long term existence, growth, and development.

Originality/value

The available literature does not provide for a similar research of linkage between the formal and informal measures of business ethics implementation.
Multi‐criteria decision making in creative problem solving
Authors: Čančer Vesna , Mulej Matjaž
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the adapted model per phases of the creative problem solving (CPS) process, where multi‐criteria decision making (MCDM) methods are used in the decision‐making phase. Also, to adapt and complete the steps of the six‐question technique, in order to establish the criteria's importance.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework procedure of MCDM, together with the Dialectical Systems Theory's guidelines when solving complex problems has already been introduced. The procedure was well‐verified in practice, but lacked the support of creative qualitative techniques in defining problems, and in generating and choosing alternatives. To eliminate this deficiency, in terms of prescriptive approach, the authors adapted the phases of the CPS process, where MCDM methods are used when choosing alternatives, and completed the steps of the six‐question technique to establish the criteria weights. The discrete Choquet integral was used to consider interactions among criteria.

Findings

The article shows that creative approaches are not limited to merely problem definitions and problem structuring. They can also be used in typically analytical steps in the framework procedure.

Research limitations/implications

The completed and adapted phases of the CPS process can allow the mutual assistance of creative and decision‐making methods when solving problems – a step forward to holism.

Practical implications

This article develops and introduces the use of the six‐question technique, in the establishment of criteria weights.

Originality/value

The innovative aspect of this article is that it adapts and completes the CPS process so that MCDM methods can be used when choosing alternatives. It extends the use of creative approaches to typically analytical steps of MCDM, where synergies and redundancies among criteria are considered.
On visualizing the number comparison scheme in grey extent analysis
Authors: Çakır Ozan
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate an alternative number comparison process to the original procedure utilized under the grey extent analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Number comparison process is visualized on simple diagrams constructed on a Cartesian coordinate system. Discernable areas to assist related probability calculation were sought according to compliance with desired dominance conditions.

Findings

By visualization, the author was able to obtain exactly the same probability information as those attainable by using the original number comparison process.

Research limitations/implications

Reach of this methodology is merely constrained by the limitation of original method where whitenization values of interest uniformly distribute over the domains of related grey numbers.

Originality/value

Number comparison with visualization is easy to comprehend and practice, does not require resorting to probability formulas and an understanding of probability concepts.
Macroeconomics of privacy and security for identity management and surveillance
Authors: Katos Vasilios , Stowell Frank , Bednar Peter
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an approach for investigating the impact of surveillance technologies used to facilitate security and its effect upon privacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a methodology by drawing on an isomorphy of concepts from the discipline of Macroeconomics. This proposal is achieved by considering security and privacy as economic goods, where surveillance is seen as security technologies serving identity (ID) management and privacy is considered as being supported by ID assurance solutions.

Findings

Reflecting upon Ashby's Law of Requisite Variety, the authors conclude that surveillance policies will not meet espoused ends and investigate an alternative strategy for policy making.

Practical implications

The result of this exercise suggests that the proposed methodology could be a valuable tool for decision making at a strategic and aggregate level.

Originality/value

The paper extends the current literature on economics of privacy by incorporating methods from macroeconomics.
Social responsibility: a way of requisite holism of humans and their well‐being
Authors: Šarotar Žižek Simona , Mulej Matjaž
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a new non‐technological innovation to manage socio‐economic crises. Economic theory, which is one‐sided and fails, cannot manage these crises; the model suggests that crises should be solved using social responsibility (SR), human requisite holism (RH), and well‐being (WB).

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative analysis using SR, Human RH, and WB, as well as dialectical systems theory, is applied. Field research involved Slovenian mid‐sized enterprises.

Findings

The current global socio‐economic/environmental crisis reflects decision makers' one‐sidedness and resulting oversights. SR supports their holism and honesty and fights their abuse of impact. SR can help solve crises by reducing human one‐sidedness better, if SR is upgraded with increasing WB, not welfare alone. Both SR and WB support RH behavior. The innovative synergy between WB and SR leads to a solution of crises. Dialectical systems theory supports WB and SR.

Research limitations/implications

The hypothesis is researched to the greatest extent possible, with qualitative analysis in desk and field research.

Practical implications

Findings support new requisitely holistic approach to managing socio‐economic crises in politics and business.

Originality/value

Available literature offers no similar concept.
Mobile shopping motivation: an application of multiple discriminant analysis
Authors: Yang Kiseol , Kim Hye‐Young
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This study aims to examine mobile shoppers' shopping motivations compared with those of non‐mobile shoppers (i.e. potential adopters) and to identify driving motivations for consumers to use the mobile shopping channel.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 400 mobile service users was drawn from a purchased consumer panel who completed a web‐based survey. Multiple discriminant analysis was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results indicate that idea, efficiency, adventure, and gratification shopping motivations are significant determinants of mobile shoppers, implying that those shopping motivations are push factors of mobile shopping.

Research limitations/implications

The sample of this study consists primarily of US consumers with the largest group of respondents aged 19 to 30 years old; thus, the result may have a limited application to other countries and other age groups. Future research is encouraged to categorize mobile shopping service characteristics into shopping motivations and value.

Practical implications

The results suggest that idea, efficiency, adventure, and gratification shopping motivations need to be incorporated into the development of mobile shopping service functions and features to satisfy consumer needs and wants for the mobile shopping channel.

Originality/value

Due to the infancy stage of mobile shopping, there is minimal research comparing the two shopper segments' (mobile shoppers versus non‐mobile shoppers) motivations. This study contributes to generating multi‐dimensional mobile shopping motivation in explaining why consumers use the mobile shopping channel.
CRM and retail service quality: front‐line employee perspectives
Authors: O'Reilly Kelley , Paper David
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the attitudes and beliefs of front‐line employees regarding how customer‐company interactions might be improved. Since front‐line employees are closely connected to customers, the resultant experiences and relationships with customers are highly dependent on their actions. However, little is written from the perspective of front‐line employees.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative approach and employing an adaptation of the grounded theory method, this study uses front‐line employee participants with data collection occurring over a six‐month period. A variety of data sources were used including open‐ended reciprocal interviews, member‐checking interviews, observation, and collection of participant and researcher artifacts.

Findings

Findings suggest that organizational changes initiated by management create strategically constructed silos that force implementation through people and systems to control and standardize the service interface and resultant customer experience(s). This reactive and inwardly focused construction of silos often serves company rather than customer needs and can result in deteriorating service levels based on the type of customer‐company interaction occurring.

Originality/value

Contrary to how most customer service processes are designed by management, not all customer‐company interactions are alike and vary both in regard to the degree of knowledge needed by front‐line employees to fully serve customers, and the routine or non‐routine nature of the interaction. A two‐by‐two matrix is presented to highlight the impacts of silos occurring for various interaction types.
The flagship format within the luxury fashion market
Authors: Nobbs Karinna , Moore Christopher M. , Sheridan Mandy
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Since the concept of the flagship store format was first introduced to retailing in the 1970s, both its form and function have evolved considerably. The highest concentration of flagships can be seen in the luxury fashion market. This paper aims first to define the flagship concept in terms of its key characteristics, and second to outline the academic and industry developments, thereby charting its evolution.

Design/methodology/approach

Research was undertaken qualitatively due to the exploratory theory building nature of the subject area and the absence of accepted theoretical frameworks. This took the form of non participant observation and in‐depth interviews with brand representatives within seven major fashion capitals.

Findings

The research identifies essential elements of the luxury store format: its scale and size which usually exceeds functional need; it is derived and built on the twin features of exclusivity and uniqueness; it seeks to offer the customer a justification for their visit. The format evolves and adapts to find new ways of generating and communicating differentiation.

Research limitations/implications

The findings provide direction for future research in the area, in particular, an opportunity to investigate how luxury flagship stores adapt in order to accommodate market conditions.

Originality/value

The paper delineates the characteristics of the luxury flagship store format and identifies a new characteristic of this format.
(R)e‐tail borrowing of party dresses: an experimental study
Authors: Hjort Klas , Lantz Björn
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to increase the understanding of consumer behaviour with respect to (r)e‐tail borrowing, performed under different (more or less generous) delivery and return policies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was designed as a randomised controlled experiment with a random sample strategy. Among the 192,482 Swedish customers who had made an order at nelly.com during the previous 12 months and were to receive the quarterly nelly.com newsletter in November 2010 by e‐mail, 4,000 were randomly selected and randomised into four groups of 1,000 in each group.

Findings

The experiment revealed certain purchase and return patterns that support the conclusion that (r)e‐tail borrowing behaviour exists in fashion e‐commerce. Evidence was also found that lenient delivery and returns policies seem to reinforce (r)e‐tail borrowing behaviour, albeit not always in expected ways.

Practical implications

Differences in delivery and return policies seem to impact consumer purchase and return behaviour differently depending on the type of item. Therefore a more differentiated view of how to apply them is suggested. Offering the same delivery and return policies to all types of customers and products is generally not optimal with respect to profitability.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates the need to consider both delivery and returns policies together with customer and product categories simultaneously when applying them in an e‐commerce context.
Understanding logistics‐based competition in retail – a business model approach
Authors: Sandberg Erik
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Logistics scholars, as well as strategic management scholars, have in recent years shown that capabilities in logistics and supply chain management may be the foundation for a company's sustainable competitive advantage. It can be argued that beside product‐, production‐, or market‐oriented companies, there are also flow‐oriented companies, in which the business models are based on superior logistics performance. The purpose of this study is to explore the characteristics of logistics‐based competition, i.e. how a logistics‐based business model is designed.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a case study at a German do‐it‐yourself retailer. The case company can be considered as a best practice company when it comes to logistics‐based competition, where a committed top management team guarantees the importance of logistics in the strategic development of the company.

Findings

Logistics‐related characteristics of the three business model components – external environment, internal factors and offering – are elaborated.

Originality/value

This research adds to existing theory by developing the meaning of logistics‐based competition. The strategic role of logistics is described through a business model approach.
Retailers and new product acceptance in India's base of pyramid (BoP) markets
Authors: Alur Sivakumar , Schoormans Jan P.L.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Retailers' new product acceptance in base of pyramid (BoP) markets is crucial to marketers in this segment. This paper seeks to develop propositions for research on factors that affect retailers in new product introduction. The propositions also aim to make a distinction between urban and rural BoP markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a broad description of India's BoP market (one of the world's largest BoP markets) to better understand context. It uses literature from developed country context to BoP markets to arrive at research propositions for further research.

Findings

The key research propositions derived relate to exogenous and endogenous factors. Exogenous factors relate to store trading area, competitive environment, shopper characteristics and product diversity. The endogenous factors include store atmosphere, assortment and shelf space allocation, price and promotion. The differences across rural and urban BoP markets are highlighted for each proposition.

Practical implications

Understanding differences between rural and urban BoP retailers can help make crucial new product introduction decisions. Considering endogenous and exogenous factors that influence retailer acceptance decisions will make product introduction decisions successful.

Originality/value

BoP literature has been replete with research on marketers and products but less on retailing. This paper addresses that gap. In addition, very few papers make the distinction between urban and rural BoP markets and mostly across countries but not within a country. This paper places the distinction within the country. Finally, explaining how various factors influencing retailing differ in urban and rural contexts and developing propositions is a major original contribution of this paper.