bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the link between Islamic work ethic and innovation capability
Authors: Kumar Naresh , Che Rose Raduan
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an in‐depth analysis of the Islamic work ethic (IWE) and its influence on innovation capability in the public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The foundations of IWE and innovation capability were assessed using a validated questionnaire. A total of 472 employees from the Malaysian public sector participated in the survey.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that the IWE is highly adapted in the public sector. In addition, the respondents collectively declared that the innovation strength in the Malaysian public sector is mounting. The IWE measure was found to be significant with moderate correlation and positive relationship with the innovation capability scale.

Research limitations/implications

While the study was confined to the Malaysian public sector, it has considerable implications for the development of an optimistic workforce in other regions and across sectors.

Practical implications

An understanding of the commitment of the workforce to the IWE and its consequences for innovativeness facilitates HR professionals in designing and implementing change initiatives.

Originality/value

In response to the substantial need to examine IWE and workplace outcomes in a non‐Western environment, therefore, the paper embraces the extent to which IWE sways innovation capability in the public sector. Both scholars and practitioners will find the study valuable.
The dynamics of mindfulness in managing emotions and stress
Authors: Hede Andrew
Published: December 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to review the concept of mindfulness and to show how it can be extended from psychology into management. Also, it seeks to introduce a new model of the psyche which incorporates two types of mindfulness (“meta‐mindfulness” and “supra‐mindfulness”) which can be used by managers to increase their capacity to handle emotional reactivity and to reduce stress.

Design/methodology/approach

It is proposed that the “meta‐self” or Managing Ego plays a key role in emotions management and stress reduction by using meta‐mindfulness to actively monitor one's sub‐selves which react with the external world. The current approach also postulates that an individual's “supra‐self” or inner‐observer is crucial in reducing stress by passively exercising neutral observation of all psychic activity via the above‐mind state of supra‐mindfulness.

Research limitations/implications

The paper indicates how the proposed models of the psyche and of the dynamics of mindfulness in emotions and stress management can be tested empirically in future management research.

Practical implications

Mindfulness techniques are recommended for use by managers in practice to avoid emotional reactivity and to manage stress.

Originality/value

The present approach builds on existing theory to provide new constructs and models that help to explain the dynamics of mindfulness in managing emotions and in reducing stress.
Peter Drucker and the challenge of tyranny
Authors: Finlay Robinson David
Published: December 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to focus the attention of management educators and trainers internationally on the need for cooperation and coordination in developing management skills at the supervisory level. Such action is perceived not only as being highly beneficial in advancing effective management in any type, or size, of organisation, but also as a socially responsible action to offer those in less developed circumstances a positive counter to the perverted appeal of increasingly violent negative elements.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a combination of extensive reading and many years of first‐hand management experience across numerous national and cultural borders.

Findings

There is a perceivable and positive benefit in offering opportunities for enhancement in lower level management training to organisations, the social values of communities, but above all to individuals.

Practical implications

The practical implications are to highlight the urgent need to promote improved coordination of training in management skills internationally, based on improved analysis of training needs in relation to development aims in deprived societies.

Originality/value

The paper is seen as offering an empirically based outline for management educators and trainers to develop widely accepted core principles for the rapid development of lower level management skills, in the context of increasing social need.
Five competitive forces of effective leadership and innovation
Authors: McMillan Charles
Published: December 2009

Purpose

This paper sets out a model of organizational innovation, where leadership and innovation are defined as organizational processes embedded in decision streams in the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the organizational literature on successful and unsuccessful decision processes, placing less on individuals and more on embedded organizational systems that impede quality outcomes.

Findings

The paper defines five forces of leadership and innovation that provide a model of decision processes: skills and capabilities, capacity to learn, capacity to listen, capacity to motivate, and innovation.

Practical implications

The article provides managers with benchmark tools to assess an organization's decision system, its capacity to learn, and its feedback mechanisms.

Originality/value

The paper raises serious questions about traditional bureaucratic hierarchies, conventional models of leadership and innovation, and offers a fresh perspective on quality organizational innovation.
Improving corporate communications: Lean Six Sigma science has broad reach
Authors: Barnes Courtney , Walker Reid
Published: December 2009

Purpose

A central theme that has always separated C‐suite executives from communications practitioners – the ability to operate within the parameters of immutable data – is beginning to unravel as uncontrollable external forces challenge traditional business approaches. However, while communicators' skills are being recognized as essential to building and maintaining strong reputations and bottom lines, the importance of data‐driven accountability has by no means dissipated; on the contrary, it has only grown as resources dwindle in today's business climate. This paper's purpose is two‐fold: giving communications executives a roadmap for achieving data‐wielding parity in the C‐suite, and offering senior management teams a process through which they can leverage this function's strategic value to a much greater effect – all by applying techniques drawn from Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

The article introduces executives who are not LSS experts – who may even be wary of the concept – to “communications process improvement,” effective LSS methods that can be executed by non‐experts. It details a process for applying communications process improvement (CPI) to various business functions and activities in the context of LSS‐derived procedures.

Findings

The article examines the application of CPI to specific organizational activities, including marketing, communications planning and customer service. When applied as a step‐by‐step procedure mirroring that of LSS (where the steps are define, measure, analyze, improve, control), CPI generates constant, cross‐functional awareness of how things should happen, why they're not happening that way now, and how to make sure they are done properly on a continuously improving basis going forward.

Originality/value

Lean Six Sigma is an established business management strategy that seeks to identify and remove inefficiencies in manufacturing processes. While it is well known in this context, there is very little evidence that management teams are applying the same methodologies to more intangible functions within the other departments – specifically, corporate communications. This article offers executives a standard, step‐by‐step process for doing just that, which they can begin implementing today to transform their communications departments into customer‐facing, data‐driven, proactive cultures of excellence, based on accountability and focused on demonstrable results.
The power of vision: statements that resonate
Authors: Kantabutra Sooksan , Avery Gayle C.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to identify characteristics of visions that are associated with desirable performance outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines findings from various vision studies in American, Australian and Thai businesses to derive characteristics of effective vision statements.

Findings

Effective visions are characterized by conciseness, clarity, abstractness, stability, future orientation, challenge and desirability or ability to inspire in Australian, Thai and US businesses. Such visions are associated with higher performance outcomes.Originality/valueWhile vision is emphasized by authors and consultants as critical to superior performance, little is known about what characterizes effective vision. This study uncovers this unknown.
Heading for the next innovation archetype?
Authors: Prange Christiane , Schlegelmilch Bodo B.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that innovation success builds on consistency between a firm's innovation DNA, its innovation strategy framework, and the alignment of operational elements. In order to identify a future innovation strategy, it is vital to check each individual element and develop a roadmap for change.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature relating to different innovation strategies and coordination mechanisms is reviewed to identify four different ambidextrous designs in support of implementing innovation. These build on organizational and individual approaches and match them with different types of coordination. Case vignettes are used to illustrate the different designs.

Findings

The discussion shows that firms have an innate propensity to adhere to specific types of innovation, which compose their archetypes. While change between archetypes is possible, it only yields success if both innovation strategy and operational elements are consistently readjusted to the new archetype design. Like every change process, this is not an easy undertaking.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the need to examine innovation from a holistic perspective and helps to overcome pitfalls arising from coordination deficits. These pitfalls may relate to an overemphasis on personal qualities, a disconnected or detached approach to other organizational members, or a misperception of reality.
New media: debunking the myths
Authors: Jackson Stuart E.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

This article describes emerging trends in the usage of new media – internet, mobile broadband, e‐commerce, internet‐enabled entertainment, social networking and others – and outlines implications for commercial companies seeking to communicate more effectively with their customers and media companies seeking to develop new business models. The article includes the findings from a proprietary survey of new media usage among 2,100 US households.

Design/methodology/approach

In this article, the author leverages the findings from a proprietary survey of new media usage conducted by L.E.K. Consulting. The author then draws strategic implications for both commercial users of new media and media companies themselves.

Findings

Key findings from the survey are: new media are not only for the young. In fact, internet users in the 50‐64 age demographic spend more time online than the those in the 18‐24 age group. Traditional demographic segmentation based on age and income level does not work well to describe new media usage – instead membership in specific technology segments (e.g. “iPhone Nation”) – provides a better framework to describe target segments. New media usage has expanded to include all income levels, with almost half of the heaviest new media users reporting incomes below $25,000. Games have become a much more broad‐based activity, with almost everyone engaging in some kind of new media gaming activity.

Originality/value

The key message of this article is that usage of new media have become ubiquitous across all categories of customers. The author provides a range of specific recommendations to help companies embrace this change, identify new untapped opportunities and unlock new value for customers and shareholders.
Prediction kills
Authors: Marren Patrick
Published: December 2009

Purpose

To emphasize the importance of assessing impacts, rather than focusing on probabilities, in strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presented is a viewpoint/opinion/column.

Findings

This column attempts to demonstrate that attempts to predict certain types of outcomes through complicated mathematical models can actually be dangerous, because they induce in decision‐makers a false sense of security and take their focus off of the potentially huge impacts of the prediction being wrong.

Originality/value

The paper presents an alternative way of viewing future uncertainty to the dominant spreadsheet‐model quantitative predictive approach.
Technology and privacy erosion in United States libraries: a personal viewpoint
Authors: Zimerman Martin
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how technology, in libraries in the USA, erodes privacy on a number of levels. It aims to use examples to point out directly how and where the privacy issue can impact on daily lives.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review encompassed many articles and books on the issues of privacy and anonymity, and the effects of sometimes invisible data leaks.

Findings

There were complex issues dealing with vendors and hackers accessing private information and subsequent use of the private data collected.

Research limitations/implications

Only small indicators of the overall problem have been seen. Much more has to be investigated and learned.

Practical implications

Those who agree with this point of view substantiated by research can learn to protect themselves more effectively when “online.”

Originality/value

Although much has been written about the problem, few articles offer concrete solutions to the problems.
A case study in reference list accuracy
Authors: Gatten Raida
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to replicate and extend research on reference list accuracy to determine whether the same phenomenon exists across disciplines and whether similar conclusions can be drawn.

Design/methodology/approach

Three hypotheses were tested and verified to determine consistency of findings from previous studies and across disciplines. A fourth hypothesis was introduced to investigate the impact of an increasing number of citations to internet resources.

Findings

The study demonstrates some similar patterns to previously reported research. However, the existence of errors in references to journal articles usually did not prevent locating an article. More significantly for fashion scholarship, there were a higher number of citations to URLs than journal articles. Given the high rate of irretrievability for the URL citations in the study, this may have a negative impact on future intellectual contributions.

Research limitations/implications

If decreasing internet content persistence continues, scholarship credibility will be increasingly difficult to maintain. Further research should investigate the retrievability of websites if URLs are incorrectly referenced, given other information provided in the references.

Practical implications

Not only should authors submit the first page or title page of all referenced print materials to editors for reference list accuracy verification, print‐outs of referenced web sites including the URL and access date should be provided.

Originality/value

Irretrievability rates of citations to internet URLs were found to be substantially higher than those of journal articles. This should be of concern to all authors of scholarly works.
Public libraries and popularisation of science
Authors: Vrana Radovan
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings from the research carried out among the directors of Croatian public libraries about cooperation between public libraries and the academic community and about promotion of science in Croatian public libraries. Owing to their number, strategic position in society and the skills and knowledge of librarians, public libraries have an opportunity to cooperate more intensively with the scientific community, expand their holdings with science‐related content and to offer new services. Some already cooperate with the Croatian scientific community by participating in joint research projects and in promoting science. Although cooperation with the scientific community is not among their priorities, Croatian public libraries are enthusiastic to continue with this type of activity.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of the paper offers an introduction followed by a short review of the current position of public libraries in society and possibilities for strengthening their position by cooperating with the scientific community (in the second part of the paper). The third part introduces the research among the directors of Croatian public libraries followed by the presentation of the findings of the same research. An online survey consisting of 19 closed questions was used as a method of research. An e‐mail invitation to participate in the research was sent to all public libraries in Croatia.

Practical implications

The outcome of the research may serve as an orientation to the members of the Croatian academic community when planning new cooperation with public libraries and vice versa. The findings of the research may also serve as an orientation to the directors of Croatian public libraries when considering expansions of their holdings with new material related to science and in the development of new offline and online services.

Findings

The strategic position of public libraries in society makes them of interest for promotion of results of developments in many areas of human endeavour, including science, by using their holdings, services and premises. According to the research findings, public libraries participate actively in popularisation of science by using their existing holdings and services. Public libraries in Croatia are promoting science actively and are participating in scientific projects led by scientific institutions. Their holdings contain popular science titles, and they offer services to facilitate access to scientific information. Public libraries included in the survey plan to continue with the promotion of science, as they believe that this activity is important for them.

Originality/value

The paper aims to advance understanding of the role of public libraries in Croatia and their role in promotion of science, and contributes to the growth of library and information science literature on topics related to public libraries.
Extending media literacy: a new direction for libraries
Authors: Nijboer Jelke , Hammelburg Esther
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to emphasise the importance for libraries to address the issue of media literacy in the internet age. The library must claim its key expert role in the field of literacy. The library can function as a platform and playground for consuming and producing media content.

Design/methodology/approach

Research has been carried out on theory, policy and practice in the field of media literacy. The paper provides an overview of ideas on new skills and competences that should be taught to make people media‐literate.

Findings

The paper shows that attention on the issue of media literacy is increasing. Academics and political institutions alike stress the importance of media literacy for participation in society and full citizenship. Libraries must claim their expert position in this field as various organisations outside the library have initiated projects and products on media literacy in recent years.

Practical implications

Library management should develop policies on media literacy and personnel should be trained in essential media literacy skills. Collaboration and knowledge sharing in media literacy between libraries and other organisations are essential.

Originality/value

The paper provides a brief overview of theory and policy on media literacy.
Librarians' perceptions on the use of electronic resources at Catalan academic libraries
Authors: Ollé Candela , Borrego Ángel
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to expand on previous quantitative and qualitative research into the use of electronic information resources and its impact on the information behaviour of academics at Catalan universities.

Design/methodology/approach

A focus group was set up, comprising seven members of the staff of five Catalan academic libraries.

Findings

Participants confirmed the increase in the amount of journal reading among academics, due to the increase in the number of electronic journals available and the improvement in the tools for locating and accessing this information, especially off‐campus access. Librarians were well aware of the importance of internet search engines as the first information source for academics. They regretted having failed to provide users with a single interface to all information products. Academics' perceptions of the usefulness of bibliographic management software have increased dramatically during the last few years, especially among PhD students. Finally, librarians stated that most of the complaints they receive from users were to do with platform breakdowns, difficulties in accessing resources off‐campus, and discontinued resources.

Originality/value

While a large number of studies have measured the use of electronic journals and databases and have surveyed users, few studies have involved librarians in order to triangulate these results.
Librarians and transportationists: views and usage of US transportation database
Authors: Ostrander Margaret , Kleppe Sarah
Published: December 2009

Purpose

Transportation librarians name the Transportation Information Research Services (TRIS) database as a critical resource to meet research needs of the US transportation community. This paper seeks to question the claim with evidence from a small‐scale pilot study seeking to answer the question, “How is TRIS Online meeting the needs of transportation professionals?” The paper also aims to offer an outline of the information‐seeking behaviours of transportationists who participated in the pilot study.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a mixed‐methods pilot study, researchers present observed information‐seeking behaviours of transportation professionals, compared with formal studies about the user group and the consensus of library and information professionals who serve the community.

Findings

Questions remain about the efficacy of TRIS serving its target audience. The results demonstrate that search results received mixed reviews from users and they favoured keyword searching to the near total exclusion of the sophisticated information retrieval features that librarians/information professionals maintain.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on a specific, one‐time interaction between a small pool of professionals and an online database. The results are highly valuable but should not be generalized to describe the information‐seeking behaviour of all transportation professionals.

Practical implications

The researchers recommend that all elements of this pilot study remain, should the project be reproduced on a larger scale; it provides a feasible framework and yields data necessary for extensive analysis.

Originality/value

Baldwin notes, “Although there is a general assumption that a large portion of transportation‐related materials are available on the internet, few, if any, studies have been done on the topic. For most of the transportation community TRIS Online is seen as the most important single means of identifying transportation‐related information resources”.
American Library Association Conference 2009: Encounters with library Literati, Glitterati, Gelati, and Discipuli
Authors: Fran Daley Mary
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a flavor of the content of the American Library Association Annual Conference held in Chicago in July 2009.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a first time conference attendee's description of the issues, content, networking, speakers and participants of this conference. The future and purpose of libraries are discussed.

Findings

This major conference covered many topical issues and themes that are applicable to librarians, information professionals, and library students internationally. It facilitated many valuable networking opportunities.

Originality/value

The paper is a conference report of value to librarians and information professionals, as the variety of themes apply to the various aspects of the library and information professions and education.
American Library Association Conference 2009
Authors: Ashcroft Linda
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a flavour of the content of the American Library Association Annual Conference held in Chicago in July 2009.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of an outline description of the issues, content, networking, speakers and participants of this conference.

Findings

This major conference covered many topical issues and themes, latest trends and research and leading edge technology applicable to librarians and information professionals internationally. It facilitated many networking opportunities.

Originality/value

The paper is a conference report of value to librarians and information professionals, as the variety of themes apply to the various aspects of library and information work.
Field and field‐circuit models of electrical machines
Authors: Demenko Andrzej , Hameyer Kay
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and systemize the 3D finite element (FE) description of electromagnetic field in electrical machines.

Design/methodology/approach

3D FE models of electrical machines are considered. The model consists of FE equations for the magnetic field, equations describing eddy currents and equations, which describe the currents in the machine windings. The FE equations are further coupled by the electromagnetic torque to the differential equation of motion. In the presented field‐circuit model, the flux linkages with the windings are expressed by two components. Attention is paid to the description of machine winding. Both scalar and vector potential formulations are analysed. The FE equations are derived by using the notation of circuit theory. The methods of movement simulation and torque calculation in FE models are discussed.

Findings

Proposed circuit description of electromagnetic field in electrical machines conforms to the applied method of electric and magnetic circuit analysis. The advantage of the presented description is that the equations of field model can be easy associated with the other equations of the electric drive system.

Originality/value

The applied analogies between the FE formulation and the equivalent magnetic and electric network models help formulate efficient field models of electrical machines. The developed models after coupling to the models of supply and control system can be successfully used in the analysis and design electric drives.
Simulation of wave propagation effects in machine windings
Authors: De Gersem Herbert , Henze Olaf , Weiland Thomas , Binder Andreas
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a simulation method for predicting the impedance of machine windings at higher frequencies.

Design/methodology/approach

A transmission‐line model (TLM) is developed based on parameters calculated on the basis of electroquasistatic and magnetoquasistatic finite‐element (FE) model of the winding cross‐section.

Findings

The FE formulations for the low‐ and high‐frequency limits give acceptable results for the respective frequency ranges. An eddy‐current formulation is only accurate on a broader region when the FE mesh is sufficiently fine to resolve the skin depth.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is restricted to frequency‐domain simulations.

Practical implications

The results of the paper improve the understanding of higher‐frequency parasitic effects in electrical drives with long windings.

Originality/value

The paper shows the limitations of the FE methods used for determining the parameters of the TLMs and remedies to avoid these.
Optimization of the electromechanical systems on the basis of coupled field‐circuit approach
Authors: Nowak Lech
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an algorithm of the optimization of the dynamic parameters of an electromagnetic linear actuator operating in error‐actuated control system.

Design/methodology/approach

The elaborated “unaided” software consists of two main parts: optimization solver and numerical model of the actuator. Genetic algorithm has been used for optimization. The coupled field‐circuit‐mechanical model for the simulation of the system dynamics has been applied. Different optimization problems have been considered. The shape of the steady‐state force‐displacement actuator characteristic has been imposed and its deviation has been minimised. Next, the total operation time of the actuator without feedback, and the setup time of the actuator with feedback are minimised. Finally, required trajectory of movement has been imposed and trajectory error is minimised.

Findings

The elaborated algorithm and the computer code can be an effective tool for field‐circuit simulation of the dynamics of an electromagnetic linear actuator that operates in an automatic control system. It enables optimal design of the electromechanical system in respect to its dynamic properties.

Originality/value

The elaborated algorithm and the computer code presented in this paper can be an effective tool for the field‐circuit simulation of the dynamics of an electromagnetic linear actuator that operates in an automation control system.
A nonlinear time‐varying map of a buck power‐switching amplifier for wide band tracking applications
Authors: El Aroudi A. , Alarcón E. , Rodríguez E. , Leyva R.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to characterize the nonlinear dynamical behaviour of a buck‐based power‐switching amplifier controlled by fixed frequency and pulse width modulation with a proportional‐integral compensator. The system has two forcing frequencies and one natural frequency and therefore it is characterized by three different scales of time. When the frequencies are far one from the other, quasi‐static approximation can be used. However, as the switching and the modulating frequencies become closer, this approximation is not valid and the results based on it lead to erroneous conclusions about the dynamics of the system.

Design/methodology/approach

A discrete time approach is used to reveal the interesting nonlinear phenomena that the system can exhibit. From numerical simulations using the switched model, it is shown that the system can present period‐doubling bifurcation at the fast scale (switching frequency).

Findings

An exact solution discrete‐time model is derived, able to predict accurately the nonlinear dynamical behaviour of the system.

Originality/value

The discrete time model is obtained without making quasi‐static approximation. The exact switched model is used to validate the discrete‐time model obtained. Finally, the effect of the switching frequency instabilities on the output voltage spectrum has been explored.
Modified direct torque control for saturated interior permanent magnet synchronous motors
Authors: Majidi Behrooz , Milimonfared Jafar , Malekian Kaveh
Published: December 2009

Purpose

To optimize the performance of direct torque‐controlled interior permanent magnet synchronous motor drives, the purpose of this paper is to modify the constraints and strategies of such a control while accounting for magnetic saturation.

Design/methodology/approach

The machine model used to investigate the proposed method is the conventional two‐axis machine model, which is modified to include magnetic saturation in the quadrature axis. With the consideration of magnetic saturation, all optimal strategies, which correspond to the maximum torque per ampere and field weakening strategies, and motor‐inverter limitations are derived inT−|ψs| plane to apply in the direct torque control (DTC) method. Such strategies which take magnetic saturation into account and determine the optimal torque and flux commands are derived and implemented in DTC method.

Findings

Using the modified strategies ensures that the machine capacity is applied as much as possible. Simulation results emphasize the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed control process.

Research limitations/implications

In order to use the proposed method, it is necessary to define quadrature‐axis inductance as a function of quadrature‐axis current. Since, in this method, a simplified function is applied, it is not required to know exact magnetic behavior of motor and this simplified function can be easily obtained using finite element softwares.

Practical implications

Using the proposed method in practice results in better dynamic operation as well as maximal usage of the motor capacity.

Originality/value

This paper deals with consideration of magnetic saturation in DTC method which is not done in pervious works.
DFIM vector control sensitivity with current sensor faults
Authors: Abdellatif Meriem , Pietrzak‐David Maria , Slama‐Belkhodja Ilhem
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a doubly fed induction machine (DFIM) operating in motor mode and supplied by two voltage source inverters (in stator and rotor sides).

Design/methodology/approach

The aim is to analyze the current sensor fault effects on the stator flux‐oriented control according to the current input‐output decoupling. This justifies the necessity of a reconfiguration control in order to satisfy the system service continuity. Also, a theoretical development of sensitivity coefficients gives an idea about control robustness toward a current sensor fault.

Findings

This paper emphasizes the system performance close dependency to the current sensor outputs accuracy. Moreover, simulation results point out the operation system deterioration in case of current sensor fault, which leads in most cases to its shut down in contrast with the industrial expectations. In this paper, the suggested solution is the DFIM speed drive control reconfiguration when a current sensor fault occurs in order to ensure system service continuity. MATLAB‐Simulink simulation results illustrate the system behavior before and after a current sensor fault. System performance preservation is performed after control reconfiguration.

Originality/value

This solution presented in this paper is relevant, especially because of its simplicity.
Optimal control of current switching angles for high‐speed SRM drive
Authors: Deskur Jan , Pajchrowski Tomasz , Zawirski Krzysztof
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a method of optimal control of current commutation of switched reluctance motor drive.

Design/methodology/approach

The problem of optimal current commutation control is solved by off‐line selection of switching‐on and switching‐off angles. Selection of optimal values of angles is provided on computer model of the drive with help of particle swarm optimisation method. The optimal angle values are detected as functions of phase current and rotor speed. These calculated optimal values are stored in microcomputer control system memory in form of two‐input look‐up tables. The results are validated on laboratory set up.

Findings

Three different criteria of optimal control, which are taken into account: the maximum electromagnetic torque for given reference current, the maximum ratio of electromagnetic torque to root mean square value of phase current and the minimum electromagnetic torque ripples, gave a good results validated by simulation and experimental investigations.

Practical implications

A simple control method is proposed to optimise switched reluctance motors drive behaviour. Such an approach can be recommended for practical implementations.

Originality/value

The off‐line optimisation of switching angles, which is realised on computer model, is sufficient to obtain a good control effect.
Instantaneous torque control using flux‐based commutation and phase‐torque distribution technique for SR motor EV
Authors: Goto Hiroki , Nishimiya Ayumu , Guo Hai‐Jiao , Ichinokura Osamu
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new instantaneous torque control method for switched reluctance motor (SR motor) and presents experimental data in electric vehicle (EV) application.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed control method uses two kind of techniques: a flux‐based commutation technique prevents the negative phase torque always. On the other hand, a direct phase‐torque distribution technique gives suitable each phase‐torque command under limited DC voltage. These techniques can track motor torque to the command. These control schemes are implemented on a small processor and a field programmable gate array.

Findings

The experimental results of the EV show small torque ripple at low speed on both acceleration and regenerative braking. Changing the parameter of the current stop angle can improve torque ripple at high speed. The proposed method can effectively control motor torque.

Practical implications

The proposed method can reduce torque ripple but the implementation is very simple. The proposed control method can be used for any applications. So, that contributes to expand the application of SR motors.

Originality/value

The proposed control scheme requires just static torque curve obtain by finite element analysis or simple experiments. Complex parameters, such as nonlinear inductance, current to torque profiles, and other heuristics parameters, are not necessary. The proposed control is simple but practical.
Forced dynamics control of PMSM drives with torsion oscillations
Authors: Vittek Ján , Briš Peter , Makyš Pavol , Štulrajter Marek
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the design and verification of a new control algorithm for the drive with permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) and flexible coupling based on “Forced dynamics control”. Control laws are derived and tested for the rotor and load angle control and achieve non‐oscillatory position step response with a specified settling time.

Design/methodology/approach

“Forced dynamics control” is a new control technique based on feedback linearization which forces rotor or load position to follow demanded position with prescribed closed‐loop dynamics. The proposed control structure is developed in two steps: first, the feedback linearisation is applied to the rotor speed and then similar technique is used for position control loop.

Findings

The proposed controller is of the cascade structure, comprising an inner speed control loop, respecting vector control principles and outer position control loop designed to control the rotor or load angle, respectively. Estimates of load torques acting on the motor and load side as inputs of control algorithms are produced in observers and used to compensate disturbances offering a certain degree of robustness. Preliminary experiments confirm that proposed system follows the ideal closed‐loop dynamics with moderate accuracy.

Research limitations/implications

The focus is on experimental verification of the position control of flexible PMSM drive with two position sensors and moderate precision, where the oscillations due to hardware setup, achieved sampling frequency and corresponding observers adjustment are limited up to 50 rad s−1.

Practical implications

The designed control structure can substantially improve control performance of industrial plants subjects to torsion oscillations.

Originality/value

Experimental results of a novel control structure for the PMSM drives with torsion oscillations are sufficiently promising and confirmed that the rotor and load angle responses follow the prescribed ones fairly closely.
Robust invariant set‐based protection of multi‐mass electrical drives
Authors: Vašak Mario , Perić Nedjeljko
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to elaborate a robust model‐based protective control algorithm for multi‐mass motor drives that are subjected to physical and safety constraints on their variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The algorithm relies on the off‐line computed maximum robust controlled invariant set or its approximation for the given drive system and imposed constraints. It can be used to patch any existing drive control scheme with a firm constraints satisfaction guarantee. The online patch implementation is actually a simple correction of the control signal computed with the existing control scheme, with a mandatory state observer.

Findings

Performance of the patch is tested on a two‐mass drive system in combination with classical two‐mass drive speed controllers – P+I and reduced state controller. All constraints violations that exist in the presented responses obtained without the protection patch are suppressed by using the patch which shows the effectiveness of the approach. A brief implementation analysis shows that a digital signal processor could be used for online implementation of the controller with the protective patch.

Originality/value

Robust invariant sets theory is efficiently and effectively used in a new application area – protection of multi‐mass electrical drives.
Common mode oscillations in electrical drive systems
Authors: Weidinger Thomas
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis of common mode oscillations of several kilohertz in electrical drive systems. The analysed oscillations occur especially in electrical drive systems with active front end (AFE), common DC link and long motor cables and are independent of the well‐known reflection phenomenon. Owing to the resulting overvoltages, the motor isolation lifetime may be significantly reduced.

Design/methodology/approach

For the analysis of the described problem, all parts of the common mode system of an electrical drive system are carefully modelled. This leads to an analysis of the frequency behaviour of the common mode system. The excitation mechanisms are also analysed and simulation in the time domain is performed to show the resulting overvoltages. Finally, measurements confirm the findings.

Findings

The investigations identified the reasons for the oscillations: the common mode system behaviour, including the common mode resonant behaviour of some special kinds of motor. Furthermore, the excitation mechanism is found to be dependent on the modulation schemes of the AFE and the inverters. Accordingly, a special remedy concerning the modulation is derived and compared to other known remedies. The results of the simulations show the good efficiency of the proposed remedy.

Originality/value

The presented results describe important basics for the development of electrical drive systems. By taking these issues into consideration, many unpredictable failures can be avoided.
Identification of electrical parameters in a power network using genetic algorithms and transient measurements
Authors: Dong Wei , Zanchetta Pericle , Thomas David W.P.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The knowledge of power network parameters (which are usually unknown or poorly quantified and cannot be measured directly) is very valuable for power system modelling, simulation, protection and control; since it is fundamental for solving many problems such as minimizing the effect of voltage distortion, active filter control or relay setting. The purpose of this paper is to develop a new, easy, effective and reliable method for power network parameters identification.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed identification method is based on current transient injections performed by a pulse width modulated power converter (which can be a rectifier or an active filter already installed in the network) and the analysis of the resultant network voltage response at the point of common coupling using genetic algorithms optimization.

Findings

Simulation tests show the effectiveness of the proposed identification strategy achieving negligible errors, even in practical conditions when measurement noise is included. It is also a very flexible method since the optimization routine can be updated or modified in order to improve the performance.

Originality/value

The developed method is non‐invasive, and uses only hardware already present on the power system, identifying the single parameters rather than the total impedance. It will provide improvements to several areas of power quality control. For example, when used within a stand‐alone piece of instrumentation, it will be possible to build up mesh equivalent networks of unknown power and distribution systems, which can then be used for load flow studies, protection or harmonic penetration prediction.
A new control method in startup progress for power turbine generators as waste heat recovery system using an overall shipboard system model
Authors: Matsui Nobumasa , Kurokawa Fujio , Shiraishi Keiichi
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new control method for a power turbine generator (PTG) as a waste heat recovery system using an overall shipboard system model that ascertains startup characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The PTG system is a waste heat recovery‐type generation system making use of exhaust gas from the main shipboard diesel engines. With the PTG systems, control during startup is not entirely clear. Startup characteristics from power turbine startup through synchronization to the system bus are ascertained using an overall shipboard system model.

Findings

A startup sequence control is clarified for a combination of gas valve operation and load bank. A prototype constructed on the basis of the simulation. As a result, in the startup process, so as to limit speed overshooting that is 0.83 p.u. at 100 percent output from main diesel engine as the severest condition. The synchronization to the system bus is attained, and highly satisfactory results are achieved.

Originality/value

The PTG is an extremely effective system for fuel cost reduction in the face of rising fuel prices, and systems capable of providing several thousand kilowatts are being considered.
Business schools in an age of globalization
Authors: Parker Lee D. , Guthrie James
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the role of the business school now and in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of an editorial review and argument.

Findings

The paper acknowledges the impact of globalization and “marketization” on business schools.

Research limitations/implications

The editorial offers scope for accounting academics to engage with the university and protect against business school corporatization and/or privatization. This is an important issue in higher education, not only in Australia, but internationally.

Originality/value

The paper provides important empirical data and research information to scholars in the interdisciplinary accounting field of research about the future for business schools.