bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3-Ethoxy-5-phenyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole
Authors: Hebishy Ali M. , Elgemeie Galal H. , Salama Hagar T. , Jones Peter G.
Published: April 2019

The title compound, C10H11N3O, crystallizes in the triclinic space group P\overline{1} with Z′ = 2. The two independent molecules (A and B) differ in the orientation of the phenyl rings with respect to the plane of the triazine ring, with an interplanar angle of 11.45 (6)° in molecule A and 19.71 (5)° in molecule B, in the opposite sense. In the crystal, classical N—H...N hydrogen bonds cross-link the molecules to form chains parallel to the b axis. Two additional `weak' C—H...O hydrogen bonds link the chains to form layers parallel to (101).
Wirerope-driven exoskeleton to assist lower-limb rehabilitation of hemiplegic patients by using motion capture
Authors: Xie Longhan , Huang Ledeng
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a lower limb exoskeleton to enhance hemiplegic patient’s muscle strength and help the affected side return to normal gait after a long period of training.

Design/methodology/approach

A wire rope-driven exoskeleton that combines rigid bracket and flexible driven method was presented to assist the patients with rehabilitative walking training. By using three noncontact cameras, the patient’s gait was captured and the target trajectory of the affected side was analyzed. Meanwhile, a controlling strategy of the affected side, which mimics the gait of the healthy side, was developed to help hemiplegic patients with varying degrees of hemiplegic gait obtain personalized walking rehabilitation training.

Findings

The results show that the hemiplegic gait of hip excessive abduction and strephenopodia was prevented. After wearing the exoskeleton, the movement trajectories of both sides of the lower limb were approximately identical. Based on the controlling strategy, the exoskeleton can correct the impaired gait and provide assistance for patients during walking. The exoskeleton has great benefits in walking rehabilitation training for hemiplegic patients.

Originality/value

This work improves the efficiency of the patient’s individualized training in the room. The presented exoskeleton provides great benefits in walking rehabilitation training for hemiplegic patients.
South African corporate ethics codes: establishment and communication
Authors: Roberts-Lombard Mornay , Mpinganjira Mercy , Wood Greg , Svensson Göran
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is on the top 500 companies in South Africa (as per the TopCo, 2014 list) that have a code of ethics, to see the current state of development in this area after 20 years of focus by the government and business on making corporate South Africa a more ethical environment, in which to conduct business.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire survey method was used to gather the data and it was directed to the company secretaries of these top 500 companies.

Findings

Many companies in South Africa have a well-established set of protocols to enact the ethos of their code of ethics, indicating that they are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits to them of having a code. South African companies are, therefore, implementing both a code of ethics and strategies that contribute to creating an ethical corporate culture.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides an opportunity to further research assessing and comparing other companies in non-Western and emerging economies.

Practical implications

After 20 years of endeavours by business people and lawmakers to improve the ethical framework of South African business, there is still plenty of work to be done, as so many top companies do not appear to have a code of ethics.

Originality/value

There have been limited studies in the area of business ethics in South African companies. This study is the first of its kind in the South African context and establishes the current practice 20 years after the King I report.
Authentic leadership’s influence on ambidexterity with mediators in the South African context
Authors: Scheepers Caren Brenda , Storm Christiaan Philippus
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of a positive form of leadership, particularly authentic leadership, on ambidexterity, as ambidexterity has shown to improve financial performance. What is less clear, however, is how to create the organisational context towards ambidexterity or balanced exploitative and explorative innovation. This study set out to fill that gap in researching the direct influence of authentic leadership as well as indirect effect through innovation climate on ambidexterity.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was followed, with an online survey to employees in South African organisations. There were 733 useable questionnaires. Structural equation modelling was used to test proposed hypotheses of direct, indirect and moderation effects.

Findings

The results revealed that authentic leadership has a significant and positive direct effect on ambidexterity and a significant indirect effect through an innovation climate. Environmental dynamism lessened the regression weight of the relationship between authentic leadership and ambidexterity.

Research limitations/implications

The data collected were cross-sectional and respondents were South African employees; therefore, caution should be exercised when generalising the results to other organisations in a broader African context.

Practical implications

Understanding that both authentic leadership and innovation climate are required to significantly influence ambidexterity allows organisations to direct their leadership selection and development.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this research lies in clarifying the influence of authentic leadership on ambidexterity in the South African context.
Getting the balance right
Authors: Lingard Helen , Warmerdam Amanda , Shooshtarian Salman
Published: April 2019

Purpose

In Australia, national harmonisation of occupational health and safety (OHS) regulation was pursued through the development of model Work Health and Safety legislation. The model Work Health and Safety Regulations specify that construction works above a threshold cost of AU$250,000 are deemed to be construction projects requiring the appointment of a principal contractor with duties relating to OHS planning and coordination. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effectiveness of the monetary threshold as a suitable trigger for specific OHS planning and coordination duties.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were conducted with 46 Australian construction industry stakeholders, including union representatives, employer groups, construction firm representatives and regulators, as well as four international construction OHS experts, to explore perceptions about the effectiveness of the monetary threshold. Two construction scenarios were also modelled to test for variability in operation of the threshold by geographical location of works and design conditions.

Findings

The monetary threshold was perceived to be subject to two forms of capture problem, reflecting inadvertent capture of low risk works or failure to capture high risk works. Organisations were also reported to deliberately split contracts to avoid capture by the threshold. The cost-estimate modelling revealed inequalities and variation in the operation of the monetary threshold by geographic location and design specification.

Practical implications

The analysis suggests that limitations inherent in the use of a monetary threshold to trigger duties relating to OHS planning and coordination in construction works. Opportunities to use more sophisticated risk-based mechanisms are considered.

Originality/value

The study explores a fundamental challenge of risk-based OHS regulation, i.e., how to ensure that workers’ health and safety are adequately protected without creating an unnecessarily high regulatory burden. The research provides evidence that using a monetary value as a proxy measure for OHS risk in construction projects may be problematic.
Gender differences in workplace stress response strategies of quantity surveyors in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Ojo Grace Kehinde , Adeyeye Grace Mayowa , Opawole Akintayo , Kajimo-Shakantu Kahilu
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess how gender influences stress response strategies among quantity surveyors in workplaces with a view to enhancing job performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were obtained through a survey, which utilised structured questionnaires administered to quantity surveyors in Lagos, Oyo and Ondo States in Nigeria. In total, 334 quantity surveyors in government establishments, consulting and construction firms were randomly sampled to survey male quantity surveyors, and a purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from female quantity surveyors. Data collected were analysed using percentile, using mean item score (MIS) and Mann–WhitneyUtest.

Findings

In total, 27 stress response strategies were identified in dealing with stressors in quantity surveyors’ workplaces. The results of the analysis revealed the level of usage of the stress response strategies with the highest being “seeking clarification with colleagues or superiors” achieving an MIS of 3.95, followed by “belonging to professional association” (MIS=3.67), and “opportunity to discuss with manager/supervisor” (MIS=3.66). The scoring of the level of usage of the stress response strategies (2.20<MIS<3.95) suggested that although quantity surveying organisations were familiar with a good number of workplace stress response strategies, a significant number of the strategies were neither suitable nor adopted. Moreover, stress response strategies with high a rating of familiarity were also the most utilised and most effective.

Practical implications

The study provided implications for management roles in identifying stressors and appropriate strategies towards creating a healthy working environment and improving job productivity of female quantity surveyors in their workplaces.

Originality/value

The results show no significant difference in gender perception of the effectiveness of the 27 stress response strategies assessed except three. The first is “opportunity to discuss with manager/supervisor” with the Mann–WhitneyUtest (MWW) value of 3.337 atp=0.001. The other two are “prioritizing future workloads” (MWW=−3.226;p=0.002) and “clubbing or socializing” (MWW=−3.483;p=0.001). These findings imply that both male and female quantity surveyors perceived the use of these three stress response strategies in different ways. In this regard, although all the strategies may be applied as influenced by employers’ decision and preference, managers may have to exercise caution when applying them while dealing with male and female employees.
Vision-based pose estimation of a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Gupta Kashish , Emran Bara Jamal , Najjaran Homayoun
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to facilitate autonomous landing of a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on a moving/tilting platform using a robust vision-based approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Autonomous landing of a multi-rotor UAV on a moving or tilting platform of unknown orientation in a GPS-denied and vision-compromised environment presents a challenge to common autopilot systems. The paper proposes a robust visual data processing system based on targets’ Oriented FAST and Rotated BRIEF features to estimate the UAV’s three-dimensional pose in real time.

Findings

The system is able to visually locate and identify the unique landing platform based on a cooperative marker with an error rate of 1° or less for all roll, pitch and yaw angles.

Practical implications

The proposed vision-based system aims at on-board use and increased reliability without a significant change to the computational load of the UAV.

Originality/value

The simplicity of the training procedure gives the process the flexibility needed to use a marker of any unknown/irregular shape or dimension. The process can be easily tweaked to respond to different cooperative markers. The on-board computationally inexpensive process can be added to off-the-shelf autopilots.
Isolated illiteracy and access to social programs: evidence from Brazil
Authors: Carrets Fernanda Dachi , Ribeiro Felipe Garcia , Teixeira Gibran da Silva
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether isolated illiteracy generates a barrier to knowledge about the Brazilian Federal Government’s Single Registry for social programs.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on information contained in the Brazilian National Household Sample Survey (Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicilios – PNAD) 2014, the propensity score matching method was combined with the algorithm proposed by Imbens (2015). The analyzed sample consists of two groups of illiterate individuals: isolated illiterates (IILs) (treatment group), which consists of only illiterate individuals who live with other illiterates; and proximate illiterates (PILs) (control group), which consists of illiterates who live with someone who is literate in the household.

Findings

Evidence indicates that IIL individuals are, on average, less likely to know about the single registry than PIL people.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation relates to the database since the only information available in the PNAD on the access to the single registry is for the year 2014.

Practical implications

The evidence found in the study reinforces the need to invest in the fight against illiteracy in Brazil.

Social implications

Results show that a portion of the possible beneficiaries of social programs are still “invisible” to the government’s social protection networks, and this highlights the existence of possible errors of exclusion.

Originality/value

The paper compares two groups of illiterate people, a group that lives in an isolated illiteracy situation and the other that does not. It also assesses the effect of literacy externalities on the access to the Brazilian Single Registry.
A comparative study on tribological properties of leaf-surface waxes extracted from coastal and inland plants
Authors: Xia Yanqiu , Zhang Wenyi , Cao Zhengfeng , Feng Xin
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the leaf-surface wax as green lubricant additive and compare the tribological properties between coastal and inland leaf-surface waxes of the same species plant.

Design/methodology/approach

The leaf-surface waxes were extracted from the leaves of Robinia pseudoacacia cv. Idaho and Populus nigra in coastal and inland areas, and then the compositions of the four kinds of leaf-surface waxes were characterized using a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The tribological properties of these leaf-surface waxes as lubricant additives in the base oil of synthetic ester (SE) were investigated by an MFT-R4000 reciprocating friction and wear tester. As well as the surface morphologies and chemical compositions of the wear scars were characterized by a scanning electron microscope and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, respectively.

Findings

The results indicate that all the leaf-surface waxes as additives can effectively improve the friction reduction and anti-wear performances of SE for steel–aluminum friction pairs. Therein, coastal leaf-surface waxes have better tribological performances than inland leaf-surface waxes, which are attributed to that the leaf-surface waxes extracted from coastal plants can form a better protective film on the worn surface throughout the friction process.

Originality/value

This paper investigated a new kind of environmentally friendly lubricant additive and compared the tribological properties of the leaf-surface wax extracted from coastal and inland plants. The associated conclusions can provide a reference to explore the tribological performances of leaf-surface wax as green lubricant additive.
Cross-border e-commerce: consumers’ intention to shop on foreign websites
Authors: Huang Shiu-Li , Chang Ya-Chu
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Little research has been done to investigate how consumers decide to shop across national borders. The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that impact consumers’ intention to shop on foreign websites.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model is developed from the perspectives of consumer perceived trustworthiness and value. The authors also examine how vendor signaling and consumers’ attachment styles affect perceived trustworthiness, as well as how benefits and costs affect perceived value. This study conducts an online survey to test the research model.

Findings

Perceptions of the vendor’s trustworthiness can increase or decrease depending on consumers’ perceptions of the level of legal structure and national integrity in the vendor’s country, as well as the vendor’s website policy and reputation. Consumers with low levels of attachment avoidance or anxiety also perceive a foreign vendor as being more trustworthy. Price competitiveness, product uniqueness, communication cost and waiting cost determine the perceived value of shopping on a foreign vendor’s website.

Originality/value

This study advances our understanding of cross-border e-commerce in the business-to-consumer context. The findings can help researchers and practitioners understand the barriers to cross-border e-commerce, and devise strategies to overcome these barriers.
Human skill integrated motion planning of assembly manipulation for 6R industrial robot
Authors: Liu Yi , Cong Ming , Dong Hang , Liu Dong
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new method based on three-dimensional (3D) vision technologies and human skill integrated deep learning to solve assembly positioning task such as peg-in-hole.

Design/methodology/approach

Hybrid camera configuration was used to provide the global and local views. Eye-in-hand mode guided the peg to be in contact with the hole plate using 3D vision in global view. When the peg was in contact with the workpiece surface, eye-to-hand mode provided the local view to accomplish peg-hole positioning based on trained CNN.

Findings

The results of assembly positioning experiments proved that the proposed method successfully distinguished the target hole from the other same size holes according to the CNN. The robot planned the motion according to the depth images and human skill guide line. The final positioning precision was good enough for the robot to carry out force controlled assembly.

Practical implications

The developed framework can have an important impact on robotic assembly positioning process, which combine with the existing force-guidance assembly technology as to build a whole set of autonomous assembly technology.

Originality/value

This paper proposed a new approach to the robotic assembly positioning based on 3D visual technologies and human skill integrated deep learning. Dual cameras swapping mode was used to provide visual feedback for the entire assembly motion planning process. The proposed workpiece positioning method provided an effective disturbance rejection, autonomous motion planning and increased overall performance with depth images feedback. The proposed peg-hole positioning method with human skill integrated provided the capability of target perceptual aliasing avoiding and successive motion decision for the robotic assembly manipulation.
Configurations of control in product development
Authors: Bellora-Bienengräber Lucia
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the emphases given to the levers of control when monitoring product development (PD) are combined with each other, with the type of PD strategy formation and with the degree of innovativeness experienced by the firm. Moreover, the paper aims at identifying those configurations that are equifinal and superior to others in terms of PD and organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data (n= 468) are collected through a structure written questionnaire and analyzed through cluster analysis. Robustness tests investigate the stability of the results across different cluster method choices.

Findings

The paper unravels three configurations: A framing firms cluster, a fatalist firms cluster and a meticulous firms cluster. The first and the third cluster outperform the second cluster in terms of performance.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the paper relate to the possible response bias, the measurement of the variables, the subjectivity in cluster method choices and the static and non-causal nature of results. Future studies are called to validate the findings.

Practical implications

Firms with a partially intended and partially emergent PD strategy formation process and high innovativeness should place high emphasis to the PD beliefs and boundary systems. Firms with a prevailing intended PD strategy formation and a medium innovativeness should emphasize diagnostic and interactive control systems for PD.

Originality/value

In contrast to previous studies, this paper addresses the peculiarities of one specific control problem, i.e. the conflicting control demands that management has to address in PD.
What sustains the novice Malaysian teacher of English: a case study
Authors: Adi Badiozaman Ida Fatimawati
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The study explores how a novice English teacher’s motivation is sustained as she navigates a range of complex educational contexts in her teaching career. Through the lens of self-concept, the purpose of this paper is to gain an in-depth understanding of the role of this construct when navigating the challenges often faced in the early stages of the teaching profession.

Design/methodology/approach

In this case study, data were drawn primarily from a series of interviews with one English teacher over the course of three years. Teaching materials, together with teaching evaluations, were used to compare and validate the information obtained during the interview.

Findings

Despite the challenges faced in each new teaching context, the teacher’s motivation and commitment to the profession were driven and sustained by the high integration of personal goals with one’s self, goal fusion. Furthermore, an inherently strong drive to minimise the discrepancy between her current self and her ideal future self, helped the novice teacher navigate each new setting and its respective demands.

Practical implications

English teachers need specific support and professional development that goes beyond pre-service education into in-service training. It is important that continuous professional development be undertaken to allow opportunities for the conception of reflective practice and reflective practitioners.

Originality/value

Self-concept is not only a means of self-evaluation, but also a key driver for goal-relevant cognitions and behaviours effective for teaching practice.
Minimizing the environmental impacts of mega infrastructure projects
Authors: Gharehbaghi Koorosh , McManus Kerry , Robson Kathryn
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the innovative approaches to further reduce the environmental impacts during the construction of mega transportation infrastructure, particularly for Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

As part of this research, the Sydney Metro was exploited as a case study. This included reviewing the elements of reducing the environmental impacts for the Sydney Metro.

Findings

This research has found that there are six elements of reducing the environmental impacts of the Australian public transport infrastructure process. Moreover, this research also found that for the Sydney Metro, first, the logistic planning and optimisation was carefully developed followed by the remaining five elements.

Originality/value

The originality of this research consists of carefully examining the Sydney Metro’s environmental implications including its on-going EIA and EPA compliance.
The mediating role of adoption of an electronic tax system in the relationship between attitude towards electronic tax system and tax compliance
Authors: Night Sadress , Bananuka Juma
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effect of adoption of electronic tax system in the relationship between attitude towards electronic tax system and tax compliance using evidence from small business enterprises (SBEs) of an African developing economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative research approach where questionnaires with close-ended questions were used. This study’s research design was cross-sectional and correlational. Usable questionnaires were received from 214 managers of SBEs, and data were analysed with the help of SPSS v22 and MedGraph program (Excel version).

Findings

Adoption of electronic tax system is a partial mediator in the association between attitude towards electronic tax system and tax compliance. Results further indicate that adoption of electronic tax system and attitude towards electronic tax system are significantly associated with tax compliance.

Research limitations/implications

This study was cross-sectional, and monitoring changes in behaviour over time was not possible. The study used a quantitative research approach, and this limits respondents from expressing their feelings fully. The study was conducted in Uganda, and it is possible that the results of this study can be generalized to developing countries with environments similar to that of Uganda.

Originality/value

Whereas there has been a number of studies on tax compliance, this study provides an initial empirical evidence on the mediation effect of adoption of electronic tax system in the relationship between attitude towards electronic tax system and tax compliance using evidence from SBEs of an African developing economy – Uganda.
When do family firms consider issuing external equity? Understanding the contingent role of families’ need for control
Authors: Kupp Martin , Schmitz Bianca , Habel Johannes
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Prior research has argued that family firms are reluctant to consider external equity as a source of financing because they fear a loss of control, which would limit their socioemotional wealth. However, prior empirical research has neglected potential contingencies that determine whether family firms’ need for control affects their equity financing decisions. The purpose of this paper is to provide first insight into this research void.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds on rational choice theory and a logit regression using secondary data.

Findings

The study shows that the effect of family firm owners’ need for control on their consideration of external equity depends on the extent to which owners expect investors to interfere with management and the extent to which decision making is affected by emotions. Hereby, the present study provides evidence that family firm owners’ decisions to use external equity are more complex than previously presumed.

Research limitations/implications

This study has several limitations that provide fruitful avenues for further research. Overall, the authors list and detail seven different limitations in the paper, e.g. the narrow focus on equity financing, the use of a partial model, the fact that the authors did not conceptualize differences between different types of investors (such as high net worth individuals, private equity firms and venture capital firms) in the model and further more.

Practical implications

The study shows that investors need to understand the complex interplay among family firms’ need for control, expected investor interference and emotional decision making, to correctly assess their chances of success when approaching family firms for equity.

Originality/value

Prior empirical research has neglected potential contingencies that determine whether family firms’ need for control affects their equity financing decisions. The present paper provides first insight into this research void.
Making it better
Authors: Poonnotok Pichamon , Kaewmart Nuchanart , Asarath Tanawan , Pratoomsri Wetid
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe experiences of caregivers in managing psychotic symptoms of persons with schizophrenia in various circumstances.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were obtained via a focus group and in-depth interviews among caregivers who cared for relatives with schizophrenia for more than five years. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis.

Findings

“Making it better” emerged as the main theme describing caregivers’ experiences in trying to manage psychotic symptoms. It comprises four sub-themes including cutting off the wind, protecting from harm, preventing relapses and pulling back to normality. The caregivers gradually learned and adjusted their strategies through trial and error. They tried to stop aggressive and violent behaviors soon after they had begun by giving cool water to their relatives to drink or shower, while expressing their own affect with gently talking. They also dealt with a hardship in protecting the patients, other people, their properties and their own selves from harm resulting from violent behavior. When the psychotic symptoms improved, the caregivers tried to prevent relapses by using various strategies to maintain medication adherence and by soothing their relatives’ mental state. They also tried to pull their relatives back to normal as much as they could by promoting their relatives’ memories and abilities to perform daily functions.

Originality/value

The findings increase knowledge in nursing regarding psychotic symptoms management. The findings can be applied to the development of a program to help caregivers to manage psychotic symptoms effectively in order to promote good clinical outcomes of patients and alleviate the caregivers’ burden.
Internal market orientation as a value creation mechanism
Authors: Boukis Achilleas
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to re-examine the nature, aim and scope of internal market orientation (IMO) and introduce it as a value creation mechanism for the firm’s internal market. A service-dominant logic (SDL)-based perspective of the IMO notion is advanced, and the key steps and phases for value creation in the internal market are outlined.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper bridges the IM discourse with the SDL literature, and the latter’s implications for internal marketing theory and practice are discussed.

Findings

Drawing on the premises of the SDL, IMO re-surfaces as an interconnected operant resource that can be enacted through performing three sets of activities central in the value creation process for internal stakeholders (i.e. value-identifying, value-generating and value-enhancing activities). These groups of relevant value-enabling activities required for IMO enactment are extensively discussed and their role in the value creation process is scrutinized.

Originality/value

This conceptual paper aspires to provide a managerially relevant understanding of value creation in the firm’s internal market. An SDL-driven understanding of IMO is advanced setting it as a value creation mechanism appealing to a wider range of organizations.
Appropriating value from industrial buyer-seller relationships by leveraging network capability
Authors: Zhang Jing , Du Mingfei
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how a B2B firm can improve its value appropriation from industrial buyer–seller relationships by leveraging its network capability, as well as the curvilinear moderating role of the firm’s network embeddedness.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper empirically examines seven research hypotheses about the relationship between network capability and value appropriation and the curvilinear moderating effect of network embeddedness based on a questionnaire survey among 232 Chinese B2B firms.

Findings

It is found that network capability helps sellers appropriate value from industrial buyer–seller relationships via information acquisition, network resources and power. The mediating effect of network resources is the highest, followed by power and information acquisition. In addition, a seller’s embeddedness in a business network positively moderates the network capability and value appropriation link in an inverted U-shaped way.

Originality/value

The study makes significant contributions to the literature on value appropriation and also provides insightful implications for B2B firms to capture value from industrial buyer–seller relationships by leveraging network capability and network embeddedness.
Big data management: implications of dynamic capabilities and data incubator
Authors: Shams S.M. Riad , Solima Ludovico
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Big data management research and practice, however, have received enormous interest from academia and industry; the extant literature demonstrates that the authors have limited understanding and challenges in this knowledge-stream to fully capitalize with its potentials. One of the contemporary challenges is to accurately verify data veracity, and developing value from the verified data for an organization and its stakeholders. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to develop insights on how the authors could strategically deal with the contemporary challenges in strategic management of big data, related to data veracity and data value.

Design/methodology/approach

The inductive–constructivist approach is followed to develop insights at the intersection of dynamic capabilities theory and stakeholder relationship management concept, in order to strategically deal with the contemporary challenges in big data management, related to data veracity and data value.

Findings

At the intersection of dynamic capabilities theory and stakeholder relationship management concept, an implication is acknowledged, which has research and practical significance to strategically verify data source, its veracity and value. Following this implication, a framework of a data incubator is proposed to proactively develop insights on veracity and value of data. Empirical insights are also presented in this study to support this initial framework.

Practical implications

For future research in strategic management of big data, academics will have contextual understanding on the particular interconnected and interdependent attributes from dynamic capabilities and stakeholder relationship management research streams to further enhance the understanding on big data management. For practice, these insights will be useful for executives to focus on specific attributes of the proposed data incubator to confirm data veracity and develop insights on how to design, deliver and evaluate stakeholder value based on the verified data.

Originality/value

Following a synthesis at the intersection of dynamic capabilities theory and stakeholder relationship management concept, this study introduces a data incubator to meaningfully deal with the big data management challenges, related to veracity and value of data.
Developing a model for analyzing the factors influencing interpersonal conflict
Authors: Lalegani Zeinab , Isfahani Ali Nasr , Shahin Arash , Safari Ali
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and analyze a model of factors influencing interpersonal conflicts.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was conducted using a mixed method approach. In the qualitative study, the conceptual model of the factors affecting interpersonal conflicts was extracted from semi-structured interviews with 17 relevant experts using a theme analysis technique. Then, three hypotheses were developed based on the model and relevant theoretical evidence. Using a researcher-made questionnaire which was developed earlier based on the qualitative results, a quantitative-based survey was performed to assess the interpersonal conflicts and also the standard scale of the level of interpersonal conflicts (Jehn, 1997). The hypotheses were tested on a sample of 160 employees of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province Gas Company (CBPGC).

Findings

The results of the qualitative study indicated that individual factors including personality dimensions and individual differences; organizational factors including five dimensions of organizational culture, organizational structure, management characteristics, intra-organization factors and human resource systems; and environmental factors influenced the creation of interpersonal conflicts. The results of the quantitative study indicated that organizational factors with an effect size of 0.502 were identified as the most important factor influencing interpersonal conflicts.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study can provide a roadmap to managers of the CBPGC to be aware of the contributing factors to conflict within their organization.

Originality/value

The use of mixed method to identify the causes and factors of interpersonal conflict and analyzing a context different from previous studies can be considered as the innovations of this study.
Development of a management support tool for stricto sensu graduate programs
Authors: Câmara Ricardo Antônio , Maccari Emerson Antonio , Ferraz Renato Ribeiro Nogueira
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the contribution of a project management approach to develop a tool to support the management of Brazilian stricto sensu graduate programs (SS-GP). The Adaptive approach was chosen by applying the Project Management Life Cycle (PMLC) method.

Design/methodology/approach

The study corresponds to the concept of applied research. The qualitative approach was used. The research strategy was the action research, where participants cooperate to understand their environment, identify problems and seek a solution, simultaneously producing and using the knowledge produced.

Findings

The results showed one possible way to apply a contingency project management approach to develop the tool. In addition, indicated that its application facilitated the project work, especially when finding a solution for the project’s development and when dealing with the changes inherent to the uncertainties about the problem.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of more updated information and the limitation of time and resources led to the reduction of the environment scope and of the number of functionalities developed.

Practical implications

To contribute to the generation of knowledge and expertise to support the management of SS-GP in activities such as providing information to the CAPES evaluation system, academic production analysis, collaborative researcher network analysis and post-graduation program monitoring and evaluation.

Originality/value

To fill a gap pointed out by several studies, that it is not possible to automatically generate input lists to be processed by ScriptSucupira tool, based on filtered criteria, comprising the entire universe of the Brazilian SS-PG. The creators of ScriptSucupira also declared to ignore the existence of an artifact similar to that.
AI: the HR revolution
Authors: Gulliford Fred , Parker Dixon Amy
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are already here, influencing almost every single industry in one way or another. Organisational scientists at Qlearsite use AI and machine learning to unleash the business potential languishing in workforce data – something previously unusable because of its format. This paper aims to track the initial implementation of AI up to present day, based on Qlearsite’s corporate experience.

Design/methodology/approach

Using actual experiences, Qlearsite were tasked with demonstrating how businesses can better understand their workforce, identify performance hurdles and develop strategies to clear them, ultimately improving productivity.

Findings

While initial implementation strategies may have faced challenges by senior human resources (HR) members across industries, the multiple benefits are evident and measurable against corporate success and productivity levels today.

Originality/value

Where HR leaders and senior decision-makers struggle to solve ongoing issues, such as absenteeism, an acute problem for the financial services industry. This paper demonstrates the true value of AI, with complex issues solved by data analysis – a monumental and expensive task for any employee to carry out.
Reduction in components using modified topology for asymmetrical multilevel inverter
Authors: Mohanty Kanungo Barada , Thakre Kishor , Chatterjee Aditi , Nayak Ashwini Kumar , Kommukuri Vinaya Sagar
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This study aims to propose a modified topology for an asymmetric multilevel inverter as a basic module that generates 13-level output voltage waveform. The basic module consists of eight switches (unidirectional and bidirectional switch) and four DC voltage sources with unequal magnitudes. The proposed topology reduces the number of switches, isolated DC sources, cost and size of the circuit significantly as compared to other topologies. In addition, the proposed circuit provides a modular structure for a multilevel inverter.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed configuration is implemented through simulation and hardware development of a single-phase 13-level inverter prototype. A multicarrier-based pulse width modulation scheme is adopted for generating switching signals by using dSPACE real-time controller.

Findings

To demonstrate the advantages of the proposed configuration, a comparative analysis is carried out with other multilevel topologies in terms of number of switches, gate driver circuits, on-state switches and blocking voltage on the switches. The comparison results confirmed that the proposed configuration requires less number of components for the same number of voltage levels. Moreover, the peak inverse voltage on switches and losses is lower in the proposed configuration.

Originality/value

In the available literature, numerous topologies are presented with main emphasis on the reduced components count. In this study, the authors proposed a new topology for an asymmetrical source configuration. The performance of the proposed topology under steady-state and dynamic conditions is evaluated using simulation and experimental implementation.
Asymmetric cyclic deformation behavior of SA 333 steel at elevated temperatures
Authors: Kumar Girendra , Kumar Ashok , Bar H.N.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of mean stress and stress amplitude on the asymmetric cyclic deformation behavior of SA333 Gr-6 C-Mn steel. Such type of loading may arise during the service period because of the load fluctuations, thermal gradients and sudden loading like seismic events. Tests were also carried out at different temperatures to understand the effect of it on sensitiveness of the materials deformation behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Cylindrical specimen of 8-mm gauge diameter and 15-mm gauge length was fabricated from the pipe section along its axis. Stress controlled ratcheting tests were carried out by using triangular waveform for cyclic loading. The strain accumulations were measured using 12.5-mm gauge length extensometer. Ratcheting tests were carried out at fixed stress amplitude of 400 MPa and mean stress varying from 0 to 75 MPa, whereas at the fixed mean stress of 100 MPa and stress amplitude varies from 300 to 400 MPa at 300°C. To study the effect of temperature on ratcheting behavior, tests were carried out at a load of 100 MPa mean stress and 350 MPa stress amplitude, with a varying temperature between room temperature and 350°C. The stress rate of 115 MPas-1 was kept constant for all the tests.

Findings

Increase in mean stress and stress amplitude, ratcheting strain and plastic strain amplitude increases, whereas ratcheting life decreases. With an increase in temperature, ratcheting life increases and strain accumulation decreases up to 300°C, whereas on further increase in temperature, strain accumulation increases with reduction in ratcheting life. Minimum ratcheting rate was observed at 250°C and 300°C. The dynamic strain aging (DSA) phenomena lead to the hardening of the material. The investigated steel shows DSA temperature regime lies between 250°C and 300°C. The failure modes at 250°C and 300°C temperature was transgranular, whereas at 350°C complete ductile.

Research limitations/implications

The stress rate and loading condition may vary to study the ratcheting behavior.

Practical implications

From this study, the critical cyclic load may be determined. The DSA temperature regime of this material is determined at this stress rate. This could help to evaluate the cyclic deformation behavior of the material with temperature changes.

Originality/value

In this investigation, the DSA temperature regime has been determined where maximum ratcheting life, minimum strain accumulation and ratcheting rate were observed. The critical load where the minimum life of the material occurred at elevated temperature is 100 MPa mean stress and 400 MPa stress amplitude.
University Tuition Fees and High School Students’ Educational Intentions
Authors: Bahrs Michael , Siedler Thomas
Published: April 2019

This paper studies whether higher education tuition fees influence the intention to acquire a university degree among high school students and, if so, whether the effect on individuals from low‐income households is particularly strong. We analyse the introduction and subsequent elimination of university tuition fees in Germany across states and over time in a difference‐in‐differences setting. Using data from the Youth Questionnaire of the German Socio‐Economic Panel (SOEP), we find a large negative effect of tuition fees on the intentions of 17‐year‐olds to acquire a higher educational degree, with a decrease of around 8 percentage points (10 per cent). Individuals from low‐income households mainly drive the results. This study documents that the introduction of relatively low university tuition fees of €1,000 per academic year can considerably lower young people's educational intentions.
Physician network position and patient outcomes following implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy
Authors: Moen Erika L. , Bynum Julie P. , Skinner Jonathan S. , O'Malley Alistair J.
Published: April 2019

Objective

To evaluate two novel measures of physician network centrality and their associations with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) procedure volume and health outcomes.

Data Sources

Medicare claims and the National Cardiovascular Data Registry data from 2007 to 2011.

Study Design

We constructed a national cardiovascular disease patient‐sharing physician network and used network analysis to characterize physician network centrality with two measures: within‐hospital degree centrality (number of connections within a hospital) and across‐hospital degree centrality (number of connections across hospitals). The primary outcome was risk‐adjusted 2‐year case fatality. Hierarchical logistic regression estimated the effects of physician's within‐hospital and across‐hospital degree centrality on case fatality. We included 105 109 ICD therapy patients and 3474 ICD implanting physicians in our analyses.

Principal Findings

After controlling for other physician and hospital characteristics, we observed greater risk‐adjusted case fatality among patients treated by physicians in the highest across‐hospital degree tertile compared to lowest tertile (OR [95% CI] = 1.10 [1.04‐1.16], P = 0.001) and lowest tertile volume physicians compared with highest volume (OR [95% CI] = 0.90 [0.84‐0.95], P < 0.001). Physician's within‐hospital degree tertile was inversely associated with case fatality but not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Degree centrality measures capture information independent of procedure volume and raise questions about the quality of physicians with networks that predict worse health outcomes.