bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of thermal behavior of mixed-valent iron borates vonsenite and hulsite containing [OM4]n+and [OM5]n+oxocentred polyhedra byin situhigh-temperature Mössbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis
Authors: Biryukov Yaroslav P. , Zinnatullin Almaz L. , Bubnova Rimma S. , Vagizov Farit G. , Shablinskii Andrey P. , Filatov Stanislav K. , Shilovskikh Vladimir V. , Pekov Igor V.
Published: July 2020

The investigation of elemental composition, crystal structure and thermal behavior of vonsenite and hulsite from the Titovskoe boron deposit in Russia is reported. The structures of the borates are described in terms of cation-centered and oxocentred polyhedra. There are different sequences of double chains and layers consisting of oxocentred [OM4]n+tetrahedra and [OM5]n+tetragonal pyramids forming a framework. Elemental composition was determined by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Oxidation states and coordination sites of iron and tin in the oxoborates are determined using Mössbauer spectroscopy and compared with EDX and X-ray diffraction data (XRD). According to results obtained from high-temperature Mössbauer spectroscopy, the Fe2+to Fe3+oxidation in vonsenite and hulsite occurs at approximately 500 and 600 K, respectively. According to the high-temperature XRD data, this process is accompanied by an assumed deformation of crystal structures and subsequent solid-phase decomposition to hematite and warwickite. It is seen as a monotonic decrease of volume thermal expansion coefficients with an increase in temperature. A partial magnetic ordering in hulsite is observed for the first time withTc≃ 383 K. Near this temperature, an unusual change of thermal expansion coefficients is revealed. Vonsenite starts to melt at 1571 K and hulsite melts at 1504 K. Eigenvalues of thermal expansion tensor are calculated for the oxoborates as well as anisotropy of the expansion is described in comparison with their crystal structures.
HMSIW based highly selective filter for radar applications
Authors: Mahant Keyur , Mewada Hiren K. , Patel Amit V. , Vala Alpesh , Chaudhari Jitendra
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present, design and implement a novel half-mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW)-based narrow bandpass filter, which offers advantages like low insertion loss, compact size and high selectivity. Proposed filter will be used in the K-band automotive radar application.

Design/methodology/approach

The filtering response in the proposed design is achieved by inserting inductive posts in the HMSIW cavity. Ansoft high frequency structure Simulator (HFSS) is used for the simulation of the proposed structure, which is a three-dimensional full-wave solver using the finite element method (FEM). The proposed filter is fabricated on the dielectric material RT duroid 5,880 with the dielectric constant ɛr = 2.2, dissipation factor t and = 4 × 10–4 and height h = 0.508 mm.

Findings

Frequency tuning is also carried out by changing the lateral distance between two inductive posts. Moreover, a comparison of the proposed structure with the previously published work is presented. Proposed method provides the unique advantages such as low insertion loss, high selectivity and compact in size.

Originality/value

Indigenous method has been used for the development of the filter. Proposed filter will be used in transmitter subsystem of the K-band radar system operating at the center frequency of 11.2 GHz. Measurement results are well-matched with the simulated one. Obtained measured result shows return loss of 20.39 dB and insertion loss of 1.59 dB with 3 dB fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 2.58% at the center frequency of 11.2 GHz.
BIM in the water industry: addressing challenges to improve the project delivery process
Authors: Kamunda Andrew , Renukappa Suresh , Suresh Subashini , Jallow Haddy
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The UK water industry is a private sector that has no government mandate to implement building information modelling (BIM) but would benefit from its use. Research has identified that fragmentation and inefficiency still existed in the water industry project delivery processes. These issues can be addressed by harnessing the collaboration that BIM brings by using emerging information technology. The UK water industry has had little research in the use of BIM in the project delivery processes over the years.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim of the research is to explore and examine BIM elements currently used in the water industry, as well as understand the organisational cultural support for BIM. It also investigated the adoption of BIM which will enable to improve water industry project delivery processes. An empirical study was performed in the UK given the relatively new and unexplored nature of the research problem, a qualitative research methodology was adopted. In total, 14 semi-structured interviews from six water sector organisations were conducted to collect data, which was then analysed using thematic analysis for inference and conclusion.

Findings

The study identified that BIM has already changed how projects are delivered by the water companies and their supply chain. Use of emerging technology such as Autodesk Revit, Civil 3D and virtual reality has gained traction and is leading organisations to continue investing in these areas to remain relevant. Although staff training was offered by all organisations within the study cohort, some interviews still thought that more can be done by their organisations as BIM is still maturing. Those interviewed regarded BIM models as data and information rich with the ability to enable the supply chain to obtain quicker approvals.

Originality/value

The paper provides a richer insight into the understanding and awareness of BIM elements used in the water industry to improve project delivery processes. This study suggests that the water industry supply chain has taken positive steps and started to benefit from BIM use. It also recommends that there is a need for cross-sector collaboration to capture and share best and worst practices relating to BIM adoption in the water sector.
The impact of relational governance on the adaptability of international contractors: a comparative study between China and Korea
Authors: Lin Yi-Hsin , Guo Yanzhe , Kim Chan-Joong , Chen Po-Han , Qian Mingwei
Published: July 2020

Purpose

In the process of undertaking overseas construction projects, relational governance has become indispensable for project stakeholders. This study examines how relational governance influences contractors' adaptability to foreign situations and whether such associations are positively moderated by international environmental complexity.

Design/methodology/approach

A crosssectional survey methodology was applied to collect primary data through questionnaires sent to domestic contractors in China and South Korea (hereafter Korea). Multiple regression analysis was used to test the effects of four dimensions of relational governance on contractor adaptability. Thereafter, the Chinese and Korean subsamples were tested separately through moderated regression analysis to explore differences in the influence of relational governance on adaptability.

Findings

The results showed that quality communication, favor exchange and establishing an emotional relationship significantly and positively affected a contractor’s adaptability. However, there were significant differences between the Chinese and Korean international contractors in terms of the moderating effects of international environment complexity.

Research limitations/implications

East Asian engagement in international development is not limited to China and Korea alone, and the study should be replicated using large representative samples from more countries, such as Japan, to gain a fuller understanding of the influence of relational governance.

Originality/value

The results have great significance for the managers of international contractors in East Asian countries and contribute to the research on relational governance and contractor adaptability.
Multicharacteristics optimization of electrical discharge micro hole drilling in Mg alloy using hybrid approach of GRA–regression–PSO
Authors: Ahuja Neeraj , Batra Uma , Kumar Kamal
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Magnesium alloys are becoming prominent as an alternative to the permanent biomedical implants. In present work, electric discharge drilling (EDD) process has been investigated and optimized for ZM21 Mg alloy that can be used for producing perforated bone implants having geometrically precise micro holes.

Design/methodology/approach

Planning of experiments has been carried out in accordance to the Taguchi mixed L18 orthogonal array (OA). The hole overcut (HO), circularity at entrance (Cent) and circularity at exit (Cext) of drilled micro holes were measured as response characteristics during experimentation corresponding to different settings of EDD input parameters. For optimizing multiresponse characteristics, the hybrid approach of grey relational analysis, regression analysis and particle swarm optimization has been implemented.

Findings

It is found from hybrid approach that brass electrode along with Ip; 3 Amp, Ton; 50 µs and Toff; 52 µs outperformed over all other parametric settings against the collective result of response characteristics. The experimental values of response characteristics at suggested optimized setting are HO: 93.48 µm; Cent: 0.988 and Cext: 0.992, respectively.

Originality/value

The optimization of EDD process for developing perforated Mg alloy bone implants, using hybrid approach is still missing.
Understanding and supporting safe walking with purpose among people living with dementia in extra care, retirement and domestic housing
Authors: Barrett Julia , Evans Simon , Pritchard-Wilkes Vanessa
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose this paper is to explore walking with purpose in extra care, retirement and domestic housing settings to better understand and support people living with dementia in these settings, develop recommendations and inform practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods study was used: scoping literature review; online survey of extra care and retirement housing managers in the UK; case studies involving interviews with staff and family carers (n= 14) of ten individuals who engaged in walking with purpose in the different housing settings.

Findings

Although residents who walk with purpose constitute a minority (0–2 residents), managing walking with purpose can be challenging and time consuming. Distraction or redirection was the most common response. Other strategies included identifying the resident’s motivations and accommodating their wishes or walking with them. Culture of care, staff training and dementia-friendly design are keys to effective support for safe walking with purpose. Responses to walking with purpose in the domestic housing settings have raised serious deprivation of liberty issues.

Research limitations/implications

This study had a number of limitations. The completed survey questionnaires represent a self-selected sample of extra care and retirement housing settings, and responses are based on the perceptions of the staff members completing the survey. There were a relatively small number of case study sites (three extra care housing and three retirement housing), and it was not possible to interview family members for all of the residents who walked with purpose.

Originality/value

This study provides unique data on walking with purpose in extra care and retirement housing setting in the UK.
Neighborhood effects of housing program using Jeonse in Korea
Authors: Yun Sungjin
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to introduce the Youth Jeonse Rental Housing Program using the unique characteristics of the Korean housing market to explain its theoretical value in the current theoretical landscape of public housing and to identify the effect of the program on the regional housing price.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses three hedonic price models on the basis of Korea’s housing market, namely, own, jeonse and rent models. Moreover, it uses the hierarchical linear model to include both house- and region-level variables.

Findings

Analysis shows that youth rental housing has no effect on falling prices in the region unlike long-term rental housing. Thus, the policies using regional tenure system are more effective in the social mix than existing public housing policies.

Originality/value

This study introduces the program using Korea’s unique tenure system called jeonse, arguing its advantages for the supplier, recipients and regional neighborhoods. Suppliers can easily provide affordable housing at a low economic and administrative cost, whereas recipients can easily mix socially, have broad housing choices and a fighting chance for a stable life. Additionally, this policy has a low negative impact on the region. Furthermore, this study theoretically presents the potential for mixed paths other than demand or supply policies. It introduces and analyzes special policy objectives for youth housing problems.
Product quality information in supply chains: a performance-linked conceptual framework applied to the Australian red meat industry
Authors: Zhang Yue , Baker Derek , Griffith Garry
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to address the association between the quality and quantity of information in supply chains and the costs and benefits of generating, using and sharing it.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ conceptual framework draws on multiple disciplines and theories of the value and use of product information. Controllable aspects of information, its quality and quantity, are the focus of the study as drivers of firm and chain performance. Structural equation models of constructs at two stages of the Australian red meat supply chain are employed, using data from a survey of 81 sheep and cattle breeders and commercial producers.

Findings

Information quality influences performance more for some product attributes than others and is more influential than is information quantity. Information sharing for many attributes generates benefits only at high cost. Investment in measurement and transmission technologies is supported for intrinsic and extrinsic measures of quality. Differences in respondents' evaluation of information quality are interpreted as evidence of persistent chain failure.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first attempt at quantifying and comparing the benefits and costs of information sharing across multiple stages of a supply chain and the first to assess quantitatively the role played by information quality and quantity in generating costs and benefits.
A tale of two emerging market economies: evidence from payout smoothing in China and Taiwan
Authors: Hoang Edward C. , Hoxha Indrit
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate payout smoothing in two emerging markets – China and Taiwan. The authors conduct a comparative study of two emerging market economies that have common cultural and historical characteristics but have experienced different government systems and different approach to the market-based system.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collect firm-level data from Standard and Poor's Compustat Global database, which covers 5,298 public firms in China and Taiwan during the period 1996–2015, and use a variance decomposition methodology to estimate the smoothness of corporate payout in a common empirical framework that includes net income, and debt and investment policies.

Findings

Overall, the empirical findings support recently proposed theories of joint determination of corporate payout behavior with debt and investment policies. The authors find that debt and investment policies absorb the majority of shocks to net income, and that debt policy is the main shock absorber. Furthermore, the authors show that firms in China follow a similar strategy with their counterparts in United States and smooth their payout. In contrast to firms in China and US, the payout of the Taiwanese firms is relatively highly sensitive to net income shocks.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to use a joint model to empirically investigate the extent to which debt and investment policies are used to keep corporate payout smooth in emerging markets.
Maintaining stability while boosting growth? The long-term impact of environmental accreditations on firms' financial risk and sales growth
Authors: Ye Yuxiao , Yeung Andy C.L. , Huo Baofeng
Published: July 2020

Purpose

In this research, we examine the impact of ISO 14001, an international environmental management accreditation, on the long-term financial risk and sales growth of firms.

Design/methodology/approach

We employ a quasi-experimental design and construct 682 treated and control firms that are matched using propensity score matching. We then test our hypotheses using the difference in difference model.

Findings

We find that, although ISO 14001 leads to lower financial risk, standard management systems such as ISO 14001 actually hinder the sales growth of firms, an unanticipated outcome. In particular, this trade-off worsens over time, becoming particularly more severe among firms that adopt ISO 14001 early and operate in less-polluting industries.

Research limitations/implications

We present a hidden side of environmental accreditations, indicating a potential trade-off in the long-term efficacy of environmental standard management systems.

Practical implications

Firms must be cautious about adopting environmental management systems. Over time, a focus on environmental certification could potentially hinder firms' long-term growth. Firms should also be aware of certification timing and levels of industry pollution to resolve the tension in the trade-off.

Originality/value

This research is one of the first studies demonstrating that environmental accreditations result in a trade-off between reducing financial risk and improving sales growth.
Innovativeness and lean practices for triple bottom line: testing of fit-as-mediation versus fit-as-moderation models
Authors: Yu Wantao , Chavez Roberto , Jacobs Mark , Wong Chee Yew
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the fit between innovativeness and lean practices (LPs) can affect triple bottom line (TBL) performance. Two types of fit are tested: fit-as-mediation in which innovativeness creates TBL performance through the mediation of LPs and fit-as-moderation whereby the effects of innovativeness on TBL performance are moderated by LPs.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modelling and moderated regression are used to test the fit-as-mediation and fit-as-moderation models using survey data collected from 241 manufacturers in China.

Findings

The results show that innovativeness is positively associated with LPs that emphasize operational excellence. Innovativeness indirectly affects all three TBL dimensions through the mediation of LPs, and LPs do not moderate the effects of innovativeness. The applicability of fit-as-mediation model suggests directing attention towards integrating innovation and LPs within same organizational units to achieve improved TBL performance.

Practical implications

The findings suggest manufacturers should involve employees within the same organizational unit embrace an integrated culture of innovativeness and LPs and avoid separate attention to innovativeness and LPs.

Originality/value

This is the first study of which the authors are aware developing and empirically testing both fit-as-mediation and fit-as-moderation models within the same study to understand how innovativeness and LPs work together to influence TBL performance. This study extends the boundaries of current understanding by examining how, when and why the innovativeness – LPs–TBL relationship arises between constructs central to our theories.
An elephant herd grey wolf optimization (EHGWO) algorithm for load balancing in cloud
Authors: Arora Pooja , Dixit Anurag
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The advancements in the cloud computing has gained the attention of several researchers to provide on-demand network access to users with shared resources. Cloud computing is important a research direction that can provide platforms and softwares to clients using internet. However, handling huge number of tasks in cloud infrastructure is a complicated task. Thus, it needs a load balancing (LB) method for allocating tasks to virtual machines (VMs) without influencing system performance. This paper aims to develop a technique for LB in cloud using optimization algorithms.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a hybrid optimization technique, named elephant herding-based grey wolf optimizer (EHGWO), in the cloud computing model for LB by determining the optimal VMs for executing the reallocated tasks. The proposed EHGWO is derived by incorporating elephant herding optimization (EHO) in grey wolf optimizer (GWO) such that the tasks are allocated to the VM by eliminating the tasks from overloaded VM by maintaining the system performance. Here, the load of physical machine (PM), capacity and load of VM is computed for deciding whether the LB has to be done or not. Moreover, two pick factors, namely, task pick factor (TPF) and VM pick factor (VPF), are considered for choosing the tasks for reallocating them from overloaded VM to underloaded VM. The proposed EHGWO decides the task to be allocated in the VM based on the newly derived fitness functions.

Findings

The minimum load and makespan obtained in the existing methods, constraint measure based LB (CMLB), fractional dragonfly based LB algorithm (FDLA), EHO, GWO and proposed EHGWO for the maximum number of VMs is illustrated. The proposed EHGWO attained minimum makespan with value 814,264 ns and minimum load with value 0.0221, respectively. Meanwhile, the makespan values attained by existing CMLB, FDLA, EHO, GWO, are 318,6896 ns, 230,9140 ns, 1,804,851 ns and 1,073,863 ns, respectively. The minimum load values computed by existing methods, CMLB, FDLA, EHO, GWO, are 0.0587, 0.026, 0.0248 and 0.0234. On the other hand, the proposed EHGWO with minimum load value is 0.0221. Hence, the proposed EHGWO attains maximum performance as compared to the existing technique.

Originality/value

This paper illustrates the proposed LB algorithm using EHGWO in a cloud computing model using two pitch factors, named TPF and VPF. For initiating LB, the tasks assigned to the overloaded VM are reallocated to under loaded VMs. Here, the proposed LB algorithm adapts capacity and loads for the reallocation. Based on TPF and VPF, the tasks are reallocated from VMs using the proposed EHGWO. The proposed EHGWO is developed by integrating EHO and GWO algorithm using a new fitness function formulated by load of VM, migration cost, load of VM, capacity of VM and makespan. The proposed EHGWO is analyzed based on load and makespan.
The differentiated and ambidextrous influence of network flexibility on exploratory and exploitative partnership formations
Authors: Huang Yi-Fen , Lu Lin-Hua
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide evidence on the impact of network flexibility and its ambidextrous influence on a firm's exploratory and exploitative partnership selection.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop our hypotheses based on the literature of network flexibility and draw on a sample of publicly listed firms in Taiwan semiconductor and optoelectronics industries. The authors collect our data from survey questionnaires and archival sources and examine our hypotheses by using the generalized linear model (GLM) approach.

Findings

The authors’ empirical findings show that configuration flexibility has a greater influence on exploratory partnerships, while manufacturing flexibility has a greater impact on exploitative partnerships. In addition, when firms are ambidextrous (i.e. have both types of flexibility), they are able to simultaneously obtain both exploratory and exploitative partnerships. The authors’ findings indicate that balancing network flexibility is critical when firms execute ambidextrous alliance strategies.

Research limitations/implications

The authors’ use of survey data to measure network flexibility may limit our observations related to network evolution. In addition, the authors’ use of public annual reports to capture firm partnerships may cause us to ignore informal relationships between partners.

Practical implications

The authors’ empirical findings suggest that the types of partnerships firms develop depend on which types of flexibility they possess. The results further suggest that decision makers have to find a way to develop a balanced strategy between network configuration and manufacturing flexibility when they would like to develop an ambidextrous alliance strategy.

Originality/value

The authors’ study advances the understanding in the literature on supply chain flexibility and its ambidexterity by connecting network flexibility and ambidextrous alliance strategy. The authors offer a guide to supply chain managers in the area of network design.
The revenue and logistics costs of convenience store chains in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Pei-Chun , Lin Chia-Jung , Shen Chung-Wei , Wang Jenhung
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The objectives of this study were to demonstrate that the high-density 7-Eleven c-stores in Taiwan benefit from economies of scale in distribution and can, therefore, leverage the logistics costs; and to decide the proper locations for the future inauguration of c-stores.

Design/methodology/approach

The study spatially analysed the c-stores located in Tainan, Taiwan and examines the influence of spatial configuration on c-store revenue. This study developed models to quantify the revenue and logistics costs that the 7-Eleven convenience store (c-store) chain encountered when adopting a high-density expansion strategy. The revenue models’ parameters were calibrated utilizing data collected from financial statements in 7-Eleven chains’ 2015 corporate annual reports and modelling was used to quantify the influence of agglomeration forces and the distance separating c-stores on revenue.

Findings

Positive agglomeration forces increased 7-Eleven’s company-wide sales and the average daily revenue of its individual c-stores, and decreased those of competitors. The study findings demonstrate the high-density 7-Eleven c-stores in Tainan benefit from economies of scale in distribution and can, therefore, leverage their logistics costs. The spatial analysis concluded that higher-density and higher-revenue c-stores were spatially clustered.

Originality/value

The study extends the use of analytical revenue and spatial models to decide the proper locations for the future inauguration of c-stores.
What is the opposite of speciesism? On relational care ethics and illustrating multi-species-isms
Authors: Westerlaken Michelle
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper articulates a counter-concept to the notion of speciesism with the aim to encourage thinking beyond critique, towards imagining what non-speciesist worlds can actually look like.

Design/methodology/approach

By using the concept of “multi-species-isms” (or “multispecies”, as a simpler adjective), and linking it to feminist and relational ethics of “care”, the paper seeks to unite perspectives from both Critical Animal Studies as well as feminist, posthumanist theories. Already existing traces of multi-species-isms that exemplify different forms of multispecies care are visualised through annotated illustrations that accompany the text. These traces offer a cue for negotiating multispecies worlds without attempting to define their content in all too definite forms.

Findings

Rather than focusing on critiquing oppressive structures, the paper contributes narratives of multispecies worlds that inspire further imagination towards the positive ingredients of such worlds and show more concretely how multispecies care is practised in everyday life.

Social implications

These insights frame a starting point for a repertoire that shows the numerous ways in which multispecies relationships between humans and other animals are already given form.

Originality/value

By articulating the actual ingredients of multi-species-isms, rather than focusing on what they are not, the paper seeks to advance a move towards adding multispecies possibilities that can be especially helpful for those researchers, designers and activists concerned with imagining alternative futures.
Comparing social climate across therapeutically distinct prison wings
Authors: Reading Lucy , Ross Gareth E.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the social climate of therapeutic wings and mainstream wings within one prison, to identify positive areas of social climate that can be built upon and areas for improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 1,054 social climate questionnaires (the Essen Climate Evaluation Schema – EssenCES) were sent to prisoner-facing staff and all prisoners within an English Category B prison holding indeterminate sentenced prisoners. Perceptions of social climate on therapeutic wings and mainstream wings and perceptions of social climate between staff and prisoners were compared.

Findings

The results showed that the therapeutic wings felt safer, there were better staff-prisoner relationships and there was better peer support among prisoners than people on the mainstream wings. Also, prisoners felt safer than staff, staff rated the overall social climate as more positive than prisoners and staff felt that they supported prisoners, but prisoners did not feel the same.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation is that the EssenCES measure does not explain the participants’ ratings of the social climate.

Practical implications

There is a need to transfer the principles and values of therapeutic wings to mainstream wings. In addition, there is significant room for improvement in the social climate of this prison.

Originality/value

This is the first study to compare the social climate of therapeutic and mainstream wings within one single prison. The research has a valuable contribution to the development of positive social climates conducive to better clinical outcomes.
Understanding Generation Z expectations for effective onboarding
Authors: Chillakuri Bharat
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Organizations have long recognized that focusing on the onboarding experience is vital to the success of the employee and the organization. Organizations are confronted with inter-generational issues as they prepare to accommodate Generation Z in the workplace. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the expectations of Generation Z from the onboarding program so that the organizations are better equipped to welcome the new cohort.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts the interpretive approach to understand the subjective opinions, thoughts and conversations of the respondents. The study adopted an interpretive research approach for two main reasons. First, in the absence of empirical evidence, such a type of approach is helpful when the study aims to understand the subjective experience of individuals, and often can help in theory construction. Second, the approach helps uncover unknown facts and relevant research questions for further research.

Findings

The results from the study can help organizations to fine-tune the onboarding program that meets the needs of Generation Z. The study identified six essential variables that could be addressed in the onboarding enabling the new hires to quickly onboard the organization.

Research limitations/implications

Data were collected from the students who are pursuing final year of masters in business administration. Since the respondents are business students findings cannot be generalized to the rest of the cohort as these respondents had a fair idea of what to expect from the organizations.

Practical implications

The study presents six important themes for designing and managing an effective onboarding program for Generation Z. It is important to note that the inter-generational differences are natural, and organizations have to live with it. HR professionals have to bear in mind that this is also an opportunity to revisit, redesign and readjust their onboarding programs to suit the new employees.

Originality/value

The literature on Generation Z is at a nascent stage. Empirical studies on Generation Z were conducted to understand their expectation, beliefs and attitude. However, studies related to their expectations during the new hire orientation programs are absent. The present study could be one of the first studies in helping both managers and the HR function in understanding the expectations of Generation Z.
Constraints and benefits of the blockchain use for real estate and property rights
Authors: Konashevych Oleksii
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Many recent social media posts and news may create a perception of big success in the use of blockchain for the real estate industry, land registration and protection of titles and property rights. A sobering outlook is crucial because misleading concepts may bury the whole idea of blockchain use. This paper aims to research the possibilities of blockchain and other distributed ledger technologies (DLT) and applicability of these technologies for different purposes in real estate, property rights and public registries.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is framed with policy studies and focuses on property rights, land registration regulatory framework and information and communication technologies innovations. The context of this paper is decentralization which has been developed in political science studies and the role of blockchain and DLT in it. Therefore, the provided analysis of blockchain and DLT is interdisciplinary research to interpret the facets of DLT technologies in the context of real estate and land title registration.

Findings

Permissioned and private DLT systems cannot be considered a significant evolutionary step in government systems. Blockchain, which is distinguished from permissioned systems as the technology of the immutable ledger that does not require authorities, is a new word in governance. However, this technology has some principal features that can restrain its implementation at the state level and thus require further research and development. The application of blockchain requires a proper architecture of overlaid technologies to support changes of outdated and mistaken data, address issues of digital identity and privacy, legal compliance and enforceability of smart contracts and scalability of the ledger.

Originality/value

This paper shows the constraints of the technology’s properties which were not explained before in the context of title rights and land registration even though technological limits are known in more specific technical sources. Along with the known benefits this meant to help to avoid misinterpretation of some DLT features by non-technical people. A multidisciplinary approach in analyzing the technology and laws helped to better understand what can and cannot be beneficial for public registries and the protection of property rights. The presented outcomes can be laid down as requirements for the technical protocols aimed at addressing the issues of DLT and public policies to put blockchain at the service of society.
Proposal of a hybrid decision-making model for the alignment of the environmental performance
Authors: Boulagouas Wafa , Chaib Rachid , Djebabra Mebarek
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Decoupling of pressures ranging from regulatory compliance and stakeholders expectations to business competitiveness and sustainability, companies need to align their environmental strategies with a broader consideration of these influences. This paper aims at developing a dynamic alignment model to enhance the environmental performance that considers the influential pressures based on a multi-criteria decision-making process.

Design/methodology/approach

Authors have proposed a dynamic model for the alignment of the environmental performance based on a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making approach combining the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). This model considers contemporary strategic dynamism of the environmental performance and provides a methodology to assist companies prioritizing the environmental aspects based on the influential pressures and deciding on the enhancement pathways.

Findings

The proposed model based on a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making process allows prioritizing the environmental aspects considering the allocated weights to the alignment-triggered pressures and draw the way to develop different pathways to improve the alignment.

Practical implications

The proposed dynamic alignment model presents an instrument for the continuous alignment of the environmental performance and an effective management of changes and contributes to minimize gaps and divergences.

Originality/value

In this paper, the environmental performance has been approached through the contemporary strategic dynamism with the deployment of the multi-criteria decision-making techniques to yield an alignment framework for the environmental decision that combines the internal and external approaches for an effective and sustainable improvement of the environmental performance.
Fostering positive deviance: a potential strategy to an engaged workforce
Authors: Sharma Naman
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest positive deviance as a tool to enhance employee engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

The article offers the viewpoint of the author based on the pieces of the current research available on the subjects of positive deviance and employee engagement

Findings

The paper reveals that positive deviance may help the organizations to enhance their engagement levels.

Originality/value

Employee deviance has generally been regarded as negative, the paper suggests that positive deviance can be used to foster employee engagement.
NCSS notable trade book lesson plan: the girl who buried her dreams in a can
Authors: Durm Takisha
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The Girl Who Buried Her Dreams in a Can, written by Dr Tererai, profiles a cultural, yet global experience of the power of believing in one's dream. Through this study of the similarities and differences of how children in the United States and abroad live and dream of a better life, this lesson seeks to enhance students' understandings of the power and authority they possess to effect change not only within their own lives but also in the lives of countless others in world. After reading the text, students will work to create vision boards illustrating their plans to effect change within their homes, schools, communities, states or countries. They will present their plans to their peers. To culminate the lesson, the students will bury their dreams in can and collectively decide on a future date to revisit the can to determine how far they have progressed in accomplishing their goals.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an elementary grades 3–6 lesson plan. There was no research design/methodology/approach included.

Findings

As this is a lesson plan and no actual research was represented, there are no findings.

Originality/value

This is an original lesson plan completed by the first author Takisha Durm.
A health technology assessment between two pharmacological therapies through Six Sigma: the case study of bone cancer
Authors: Ricciardi Carlo , Sorrentino Alfonso , Improta Giovanni , Abbate Vincenzo , Latessa Imma , Perrone Antonietta , Triassi Maria , Dell'aversana Orabona Giovanni
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Head and neck cancers are multi-factorial diseases that can affect many sides of people's life and are due to a lot of risk factors. According to their characteristics, the treatment can be surgical, use of radiation or chemotherapy. The use of a surgical treatment can lead to surgical infections that are a main theme in medicine. At the University hospital of Naples “Federico II”, two antibiotics were employed to tackle the issue of the infections and they are compared in this paper to find which one implies the lowest length of hospital stay (LOS) and the reduction of infections.

Design/methodology/approach

The Six Sigma methodology and its problem-solving strategy DMAIC (define, measure, analyse, improve, control), already employed in the healthcare sector, were used as a tool of a health technology assessment between two drugs. In this paper the DMAIC roadmap is used to compare the Ceftriaxone (administered to a group of 48 patients) and the association of Cefazolin plus Clindamycin (administered to a group of 45 patients).

Findings

The results show that the LOS of patients treated with Ceftriaxone is lower than those who were treated with the association of Cefazolin plus Clindamycin, the difference is about 41%. Moreover, a lower number of complications and infections was found in patients who received Ceftriaxone. Finally, a greater number of antibiotic shifts was needed by patients treated with Cefazolin plus Clindamycin.

Research limitations/implications

While the paper enhances clearly the advantages for patients' outcomes regarding the LOS and the number of complications, it did not analyse the costs of the two antibiotics.

Practical implications

Employing the Ceftriaxone would allow the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery to obtain lower LOS and a limited number of complications/infections for recovered patients, consequently reducing the hospitalization costs.

Originality/value

There is a double value in this paper: first of all, the comparison between the two antibiotics gives an answer to one of the main issues in medicine that is the reduction of hospital-acquired infections; secondly, the Six Sigma through its DMAIC cycle can be employed also to compare two biomedical technologies as a tool of health technology assessment studies.
Knowledge risk prevention strategies for handling new technological innovations in small businesses
Authors: Temel Serdal , Durst Susanne
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to name and categorize risks related to emerging technological innovations and to propose a number of countermeasures. The emphasis is placed on knowledge risks that are grouped under human, organizational and technological spheres and are presented from a small business perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The presented paper takes into account the prior literature and the authors’ thoughts and experiences to identify potential knowledge risks and countermeasures.

Findings

Having a better overview of possible knowledge risks that may emerge in conjunction with the adoption and application of emerging technological innovations can help small businesses to better assess these new developments and their possible upsides and downsides. The proposed risks and countermeasures can also help policymakers as well as other organizations working for or together with smaller businesses to help them maintain and even increase their competitiveness.

Practical implications

Different implications are suggested for not only managers and employees in small businesses but also other stakeholders working for or with small businesses.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first one that focuses on how small businesses can improve their decision-making regarding the adoption of new emerging technological innovation from a knowledge risk perspective.
Primary and secondary place of residence, the digital link and the rise of presence
Authors: Bachimon Philippe , Eveno Patrick , Gélvez Espinel César
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the gradual commercialisation of second homes in non-urban locations and identifie a spectrum that ranges from lending to rentals to home exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a conceptual one based on a review of literature relating to the acquisiting and use of secondary residences or “second homes”.

Findings

This paper observes that the secondary residence is often the object of a material over-investment that is symbolic and mental. The owners never quite leave their main place of residence when in the secondary one. The result is not two complementary spaces, but a hybrid space made up of the interlocking of the two. This paper also concludes that digitalization has made it easier to rent a secondary residence for a short period of time, using for instance the Airbnb platform, thus making it more an object of trade than a second home. From a sustainability perspective, the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to bring to the relatively rapid growth of short-term renting a halt. Further, it may encourage owners to be more psychologically and physically invested in their secondary residence, thereby contributing more to the local economy.

Originality/value

Few authors have considered the way digital tools can alter the relation with the secondary place of residence.
An experimental investigation of thrust force, delamination and surface roughness in drilling of jute/carbon hybrid composites
Authors: Margabandu Sathiyamoorthy , Subramaniam Senthilkumar
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to deal with the influence of cutting parameters on drill thrust force, delamination and surface roughness in the drilling of laminated jute/carbon hybrid composites.

Design/methodology/approach

The hybrid composites were fabricated with four layers of fabrics, which are arranged in different sequences using the hand-layup technique. Drilling experiments involved drilling of 6 mm diameter holes on the prepared composite plates using high-speed steel and solid carbide drill materials. Analysis of variance was used to find the influence, percentage contribution and significance of drilling parameters on drilling-induced damages. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was also conducted to understand the fracture behavior and surface morphology of the drilled holes.

Findings

The experimental study reveals that the most significant effect was the feed rate influenced the drill thrust force and the drill speed influenced both delamination factor and surface roughness of hybrid fiber-reinforced composites. From observations, the suggested combination for drilling jute/carbon hybrid composites is carbide drill, spindle speed of 1,750 rpm and feed of 0.03 mm/rev.

Originality/value

The new lightweight and low-cost hybrid composites were developed by hybridizing jute with carbon fabrics in the epoxy matrix with interplay arrangements. The influence of cutting speed and feed rate on delamination damage and surface roughness in the drilling of hybrid composites have been experimentally evaluated.