bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influences of client focus and company type on innovation and financial performance in the construction industry
Authors: Yusof Nor’Aini , Lai Kong Seng , Marisa Amy 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
As innovation has been recognised as important in improving construction company performances, this study aims to determine the effects of client focus and company type on innovation and company financial performances.

Design/methodology/approach
A self-administered questionnaire was sent to 300 architectural and contractor companies and 163 (54.3%) were returned. The questionnaire data were analysed using a partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings
Client focus was found to have a complementary partial mediation effect on the relationships between innovation and company financial performance and that innovation independently affected company financial performance with the influence being stronger in the architecture companies than in the contractor companies.

Research limitations/implications
The study adopted a broad definition for innovation without considering the innovation types. As different types of innovation require distinct knowledge, skills, capabilities and management practices, future studies could investigate the various types of innovation and their effects on financial performance.

Practical implications
The findings provide valuable suggestions for principals, top management and policymakers on the importance of client focus when developing and disseminating innovation within the company. Also, architecture companies should focus on implementing innovation to stay competitive.

Originality/value
The mediating effects of client focus and the moderating effects of company type were simultaneously analysed on the relationship between innovation and financial performance.
High torque and excessive vibration on the induction motors under special voltage fluctuation conditions
Authors: Ghaseminezhad Morteza , Doroudi Aref , Hosseinian Seyed Hossein , Jalilian Alireza 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
Voltage fluctuation (flicker) is a power quality disturbance that can produce several undesirable effects on industrial equipment. This paper aims to present the methodology and results of investigations undertaken to examine the speed and torque of an induction motor (IM) under voltage fluctuation conditions.

Design/methodology/approach
The IM response to different characteristics of voltage fluctuations is presented. It will be shown that under a special condition the IM torque can even reach two times the rated torque. To show how this occurs, a qualitative discussion is given on the motor response by linearized equations.

Findings
The small-signal analysis was used to determine the frequency which leads to maximum speed fluctuations. It was shown that, if the motor is excited with a modulation frequency (resonant frequency) which is one of its natural frequencies (modes), the mode will act as a fluctuating amplifier and greatly increase the amplitude of torque and speed fluctuations. Sensitivity analysis is also carried out to evaluate the influence of motor parameters on the resonance frequency. The results show that the resonance frequency is not affected at all by the changes in magnetizing reactance. This has been shown that magnetic saturation does not have any impact on the resonance frequency. The most effective parameters are rotor and stator resistances.

Originality/value
With the increasing popularity and use of arc furnace loads in the metallurgy industry and due to the wide application of large IMs in the industry, it is possible that the frequency of torque pulsation locates near a natural frequency and then will create an oscillation with a large magnitude, potentially leading to accelerated fatigue or severe damage of shaft. However, if this phenomenon occurs in industries, the resonance frequency must be filtered from the input voltage. Experimental results on a 1.1 kW, 380 V, 50 Hz, 2 pole IM are used to validate the accuracy of simulation results.
Post-merger integration and subsidiary roles in Chinese MNCs – the case of Chinese M&As in Germany
Authors: Mense-Petermann Ursula 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThis paper adds to the literature on outward Foreign Direct Investments by Chinese Multinational Corporations (MNCs) in advanced economies. Its objective is threefold: to characterize the subsidiary roles that advanced economy targets of Chinese Multinational Corporations (CMNC) takeovers typically adopt, to assess the position that these subsidiary roles grant them within the CMNCs as a whole and to flesh out how subsidiary actors perceive and make sense of the particular constellation as a subsidiary of a CMNC. Furthermore, this paper aims to contribute to theory development on headquarters‐subsidiary relations by suggesting an additional theoretical lens.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on in-depth qualitative case studies from the automotive, mechanical engineering and solar industries and focuses on German firms that have been acquired by Chinese MNCs. Theoretically, the present paper draws on extant post-merger integration (PMI) and subsidiary role research, particularly from a micro-political and sensemaking perspective, refined by adding a neo-imperial dominance – lens.FindingsThe paper reveals the subsidiary roles that German subsidiaries of Chinese MNCs typically adopt and discovers the PMI pattern of “reverse integration” delineating quite a particular form of reverse knowledge transfer. Regarding human integration, it emphasizes the importance of neo-imperial attitudes surfacing in the German subsidiaries.Originality/valueThe value of the paper is in contributing to fill the pending research gap on the subsidiary roles that advanced economy subsidiaries of Chinese MNCs adopt, on the resulting positions of these subsidiaries within the overall Chinese groups and the sense that subsidiary actors make of being acquired by a Chinese MNC. The paper also reveals the importance of neo-imperial dominance patterns and attitudes in PMI in the constellation scrutinized.
Relative export competitiveness of the Nigerian cocoa industry
Authors: Abdullahi Nazir Muhammad , Zhang Qiangqiang , Shahriar Saleh , Kea Sokvibol , Huo Xuexi 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to derive the time-varying relative export competitiveness (REC) of the Nigerian cocoa sector against Nigeria’s share of world agricultural exports (REC_WA) and world merchandise exports (REC_WM) from 1995 to 2018. By concentrating on different factors such as demand and supply capacity, price factors and exchange rate, the authors examine the determinants of REC.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors calculated three different REC indexes. The authors also developed the relative symmetric export competitiveness index for comparative advantage calculation and avoiding the possible bias. The determinants of REC for Nigerian cocoa were captured using the short-run regression (SRR) model.

Findings
The study showed that Nigeria’s cocoa exports are still competitive despite experiencing some declining stages. Based on the SRR model, higher per capita income had a positive effect on the REC, while higher domestic prices significantly reduced the REC of cocoa. Further, the African Growth Opportunity Act agreement adversely affected the REC of cocoa.

Originality/value
This study provides a foundation for future research and enhances the literature on agricultural trade. This research makes a few contributions both from a scientific and a policy perspective. First, it is the first study on the REC analysis for the Nigerian cocoa industry. Second, a wide range of comparisons of REC among the world’s largest cocoa exporters was provided following implications of the various economic policies and local policy strategies. Third, the latest 24-year data sets were covered.
Corporate social responsibility, green innovation and competitiveness – causality in manufacturing
Authors: Padilla-Lozano Carmen Paola , Collazzo Pablo 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the interplay of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and green innovation in boosting competitiveness in manufacturing in an emerging market context. This study adds green innovation as mediator in the relationship between CSR and competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach
A model with three second-order constructs is developed and tested, in a sample of 325 managers from manufacturing companies in Ecuador, using quantitative and cross-section methods.

Findings
After obtaining adjusted and validated measurement models, a structural equation model was conducted, where the main hypotheses were confirmed, providing empirical evidence that CSR and green innovation significantly influence manufacturing competitiveness in a developing economy.

Research limitations/implications
This study considers only manufacturing companies in Ecuador, focusing on CSR practices in a single territorial case study. It arguably contributes to reinforce the business case for CSR, with new evidence on the causal relationships between CSR, green innovation and competitiveness, in the context of emerging market manufacturing industries. Although the literature often points at a positive relationship between CSR and firm-level competitiveness, supporting empirical evidence remains scarce. This model, introducing green innovation as mediator in the relationship between CSR and competitiveness in developing markets, accounts for a novel theoretical approach.

Practical implications
The findings are consistent with previous research, reporting the positive influence of CSR activities on organizational competitiveness, reducing risks and cost structures, as well as improving the relationship with employees, enhancing talent attraction, retention and productivity. Incorporating formal CSR tools to the model allowed us to highlight the relevance of ‘green’ certifications as a means to provide a competitive edge, along with increased bargaining power in the supply chain, resulting in competitiveness gains. The findings on the role of green innovation suggest a transition from cost-savings to a more strategic leverage on responsible innovation as a source of competitive advantage.

Social implications
Additionally, this research contributes to shed light on the impact of green processes and product innovations on social and environmental performance, providing evidence of a more efficient use of energy and natural resources, increasing productivity and by extension, profitability. CSR shapes an innovation culture that, through the use of social, environmental and sustainability controllers, can create new business models, products, services or processes that boost both firm-level and supply chain productivity, benefits that eventually spill over to the host community.

Originality/value
This study aims at bridging the research gap on the interplay of CSR, green innovation and competitiveness in manufacturing in an emerging market context.
Analysis, design and experimentation of high-pass negative group delay lumped circuit
Authors: Du Hongyu , Yang Rong , Gu Taochen , Zhou Xiang , Yazdani Samar , Sambatra Eric , Wan Fayu , Lallechere Sébastien , Ravelo Blaise 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce an innovative theoretical, numerical and experimental investigations on the HP NGD function. The identified HP NGD topology under study is constituted by first order passive RC-network. The simulations and measurements confirm in very good agreement the HP NGD behaviors of the tested circuits. NGD responses with optimal values of about -1 ns and cut-off frequencies of about 20 MHz are obtained.

Design/methodology/approach
The identified HP NGD topology understudy is constituted by a first-order passive Resistor-capacitor RC network. An innovative approach to HP NGD analysis is developed. The analytical investigation from the voltage transfer function showing the meaning of HP properties is established.

Findings
This paper introduces innovative theoretical, numerical and experimental investigations on the HP NGD function.

Originality/value
The NGD characterization as a function of the resistance and capacitance parameters is investigated. The feasibility of the HP NGD function is verified with proofs of concept constituted of lumped surface mounted components on printed circuit boards. The simulations and measurements confirm in very good agreement the HP NGD behaviors of the tested circuits. NGD responses with optimal values of about −1 ns and cut-off frequencies of about 20 MHz are obtained.
Linearisation of flow sensors using evolutionary optimised function-based methods
Authors: J. Babitha Thangamalar , A. Abudhahir 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
This study aims to propose optimised function-based evolutionary algorithms in this research to effectively replace the traditional electronic circuitry used in linearising constant temperature anemometer (CTA) and Microbridge mass flow sensor AWM 5000.

Design/methodology/approach
The proposed linearisation technique effectively uses the ratiometric function for the linearisation of CTA and Microbridge mass flow sensor AWM 5000. In addition, the well-known transfer relation, namely, the King’s Law is used for the linearisation of CTA and successfully implemented using LabVIEW 7.1.

Findings
Investigational results unveil that the proposed evolutionary optimised linearisation technique performs better in linearisation of both CTA and Mass flow sensors, and hence finds applications for computer-based flow measurement/control systems.

Originality/value
The evolutionary optimisation algorithms such as the real-coded genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimisation algorithm, differential evolution algorithm and covariance matrix adopted evolutionary strategy algorithm are used to determine the optimal values of the parameters present in the proposed ratiometric function. The performance measures, namely, the full-scale error and mean square error are used to analyse the overall performance of the proposed approach is compared to a state of art techniques available in the literature.
A novel multi-input DC-DC landsman converter for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
Authors: Maria Lucas Antony Freeda Rani , Durairaj Subbulekshmi 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to develop high accurate and unified maximum power point tracking technique that tracks the maximum power from both the photovoltaic (PV) array and wind energy conversion system, (an unified maximum power point tracking technique implemented for both wind and solar sources to track maximum power with higher accuracy).

Design/methodology/approach
In recent times, multi-input Direct Current- Direct Current (DC-DC) converter has attracted attentiveness, to conserve more energy and to achieve more efficiency. The kinetic energy of the vehicle is converted to electrical energy and further stored into the battery, during the regenerative braking (moreover, the battery gets charged during the regenerative braking process by converting the kinetic energy of the vehicle into electrical energy). During such a process, only the pulse width modulation schemes of the inverter are changed. To charge electric vehicles (EVs), two renewable resources as solar and wind are combined to produce electric power. Therefore, it was conveyed that the EV will be continuously getting power without interruption using various sources and regenerated power.

Findings
The performance and effectiveness of the proposed system are studied by extensive simulations and (are) validated using a prototype of the system. The results prove that the proposed system achieves an efficiency of 95.2%, which is higher than that of the multi-input DC-DC converters existing in the literature.

Originality/value
A novel multi-input DC-DC landsman converter for powering plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) is proposed in the research. This method proposes a new cost effective and efficient technique for HEVs with brushless DC motors. Wind power, battery and PV panel are used as the input sources for the proposed converter.
Residential building defects investigation and mitigation – a comparative review in Victoria, Australia, for understanding the way forward
Authors: Sandanayake Malindu , Yang Wei , Chhibba Namita , Vrcelj Zora 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThe issue of building defects is a growing concern that affects all major construction stakeholders as a result of costs and time implications of reworks. The magnitude of the problem is severe with statistics highlighting defects often result in 4% of the total cost of construction of a building. Despite the importance of this problem, studies have seldom considered development of systematic approaches to enhance the quality control process in construction.Design/methodology/approachBuilding defects is a growing concern that affects all major construction stakeholders because of costs and time implications of reworks. Magnitude of the problem is severe with statistics highlighting defects often result in 4% of the total cost of construction of a building. Despite the importance, studies have seldom considered development of systematic approaches to enhance the quality control process in construction.FindingsResults indicated that poor workmanship is the main cause of building defects and incomplete works is a frequently detected defect type. Results categorised defects based on cost and frequency to identify the severity. Findings also identified four focus areas including control measures, technology use audit and inspections and promotion of best knowledge.Research limitations/implicationsThe study lacks generalisation as it covers only Victorian scenario and further studies are needed to generalise the findings.Originality/valueThe study provides a deeper understanding of the challenges currently facing the residential construction industry in Victoria, Australia, and underlines the need for developing quantitative models and methodologies to improve current processes, practices and policies for effective defects minimisation in Victoria, Australia. The systematic methodological framework can also be adopted by researches across the globe to effectively analyse the options for minimising residential building defects.
Designing an accommodation strategy: findings from an architecture school
Authors: Riratanaphong Chaiwat 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
This study aims to explore the need for space (demand) and the provision thereof (supply) in the Faculty of Architecture building at Thammasat University Rangsit campus using variables from the designing an accommodation strategy (DAS) framework; these variables are incorporated to test and improve the framework. Another purpose is to examine the planning and development of the faculty building to understand its strategy, which serves as a means to contribute to the planning and development theory.

Design/methodology/approach
A case study of the Faculty of Architecture building was conducted at Thammasat University in Thailand. The DAS framework was used to reconstruct and examine the development process of the building to determine the gaps between supply and demand in terms of building space, to reflect on the building plan and process and to make suggestions as to how the DAS framework might be improved. Research methods included interviews and document analysis concerning space requirements and provision in the Faculty of Architecture building.

Findings
The gaps between supply and demand in terms of the faculty building space are affected by the condition of the building (i.e. building obsolescence), the number of building users and the changing environmental context. This study shows that both pre-design and post-occupancy evaluation are essential to collect data concerning the match or mismatch between supply and demand of space and to assess users’ needs and preferences concerning the faculty building. Regarding the building development process, factors impacting the step-by-step planning of the real estate interventions include the organisational context (public/private sector) and the management of the construction project (time, cost, quality). The DAS framework is found to be useful for structuring the information-generating processes necessary to determine gaps between demand and supply in terms of space and for making decisions regarding real estate interventions.

Research limitations/implications
Additional case studies in different environmental and organisational contexts are required to test the DAS framework and improve data validity. This study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic period, which affected data accessibility.

Practical implications
The results provide insight into the influence of various factors on the decision of corporate real estate. The DAS framework can be used to explore the range of demand for and supply of space and to find an optimal match.

Originality/value
This paper shows valuable steps in planning and development of educational real estate and a first application of the DAS framework in Thailand. The findings confirm the importance of the physical learning environment of architecture schools, particularly the studio spaces required in architecture education.
The feasibility of artificial intelligence performing as CEO: the vizier-shah theory
Authors: Ünal Aslıhan , Kılınç İzzet 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the feasibility of artificial intelligence (AI) performing as chief executive officer (CEO) in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors followed an explorative research design – classic grounded theory methodology. The authors conducted face-to-face interviews with 27 participants that were selected according to theoretical sampling. The sample consisted of academics from the fields of AI, philosophy and management; experts and artists performing in the field of AI and professionals from the business world.

Findings
As a result of the grounded theory process “The Vizier-Shah Theory” emerged. The theory consisted of five theoretical categories: narrow AI, hard problems, debates, solutions and AI-CEO. The category “AI as a CEO” introduces four futuristic AI-CEO models.

Originality/value
This study introduces an original theory that explains the evolution process of narrow AI to AI-CEO. The theory handles the issue from an interdisciplinary perspective by following an exploratory research design – classic grounded theory and provides insights for future research.