bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emergency supplies requisition negotiation principle of government in disasters
Authors: Liu Jia , Xie Kefan 
Published: October 2016

Purpose
When disasters occur, the Chinese national or local government and their relevant departments (hereinafter referred to as the government) probably need to acquire emergency supplies from suppliers. Before concluding a transaction, the public officials usually negotiate the quality and price of the emergency supplies with the suppliers. They expect to achieve the best relief effect while the suppliers want to maximize their own interests. Therefore, in order to help the government acquire inexpensive emergency supplies with high quality in a short time, the purpose of this paper is to examine the negotiation process and proposes a negotiation principle for the staff.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper first elaborates the characteristics and impact factors of emergency supplies requisition negotiation. Then it establishes a model describing the negotiation on price and quality of emergency supplies between the public officials and suppliers. Afterwards, it proposes an algorithm which can estimate the success rate of the negotiation. Finally, the paper employs the conclusion of the model and algorithm to analyze the emergency supplies requisition negotiation process during the China Lushan earthquake.

Findings
This paper proposes a “WRAD” principle of emergency supplies requisition negotiation of public officials in disasters. First, they should ensure the requisition price is not too low. Second, they would widen the difference between the high price and low price. Third, it is best for them to follow the principle of “ascending negotiation and descending choice” while selecting multiple suppliers to negotiate.

Originality/value
This paper establishes a model to study the emergency supplies requisition negotiation process between the public officials and suppliers based on evolutionary game theory. The model assumes that both the public officials and suppliers are not fully rational individuals, and they need time to consult with each other to find out the optimal solution. This paper proposes an innovative action principle of the public officials during the negotiation process which can help it to acquire inexpensive, high-quality, emergency supplies within a short period from the suppliers.
The evaluation of affection in human-robot interaction
Authors: Samani Hooman 
Published: October 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel method for evaluation of human-robot affection. The model is inspired by the scientific methods of human-human love evaluation. This paper would benefit the researchers in the field of developing new technologies where emotional interaction is involved.

Design/methodology/approach
Among the two available options of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and user study, the latter is adopted and the conventional method of Love Attitude Scale is transformed for human-robot interaction as Lovotics (love + robotics) Love Attitude Scale. A user study is conducted to evaluate the emotional effect of interaction with the robot.

Findings
The proposed method is employed in order to evaluate the performance of Lovotics robot. In total, 20 users experienced interaction with Lovotics robot and answered questionnaires which were designed based on the psychology of love, especially to measure love scales between the participants and the robot. Data from the user study are analyzed statistically to evaluate the overall performance of the designed robot.

Research limitations/implications
Various aspects including human to robot love styles, robot to human love styles, overall love values and gender study are investigated during the data analysis. The concept of human-robot affection is still in initial stage of development. Personal and social robots are increasing and much limitation from artificial intelligence, mechanical development and integration still exist.

Practical implications
This is a multidisciplinary research field utilizing fundamentals concepts from robotics, artificial intelligence, philosophy, psychology, biology, anthropology, neuroscience, social science, computer science and engineering.

Social implications
Considering the recent technical advancement in robotics which is brining robots closer to home, this paper aims to bridge the gap between human and robot affection measurement. The final goal is to introduce robots to the society which are useful and can be especially used to take care of those in need such as elderly.

Originality/value
This paper is one of the first kind to get inspired from scientific human love evaluation methods and apply that to human-robot application.
A new algorithm for mutual funds evaluation based on multiple attribute decision making techniques
Authors: Alibakhshi Reza , Sadeghi Moghadam Mohammad Reza 
Published: October 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to consider compromise solutions of multiple attribute decision-making methods (TOPSIS, VIKOR, and similarity-based approach) in order to evaluate and rank mutual funds and to compare the capabilities of different approaches based on the different traditional indices of mutual funds assessment. In addition, a new algorithm for ranking mutual funds was proposed subsequently.

Design/methodology/approach
In this research, three groups of indices including general, risk-modified performance evaluation, and risk-modified performance evaluation indices using semivariance were used in the mutual funds assessment, which led to the comparison between selected mutual funds, using three mentioned methods and three different groups of criteria. The results of this comparison were compiled and synthesized with linear assignment method. At the end, an algorithm for decision making and investing in mutual funds for professional and unprofessional investors was proposed.

Findings
Using different methods and different criteria proved that the results of similarity-based approach as a MADM technique have the ability to rank and evaluate mutual funds regardless of the criteria used compared to TOPSIS and VIKOR. Furthermore, the authors propose the algorithm of this research as a new model of mutual funds evaluation which considers a wide range of variables with respect to amateur and professional points of view.

Originality/value
The originality of this paper is threefold: first, different criteria were considered to make the evaluation more comprehensive. Second, four different approaches were used to make the results more authentic. Third, a holistic algorithm with its implication was proposed.
Risk measurement and optimization model of coal generation contracts for the difference between prospect M-V and normal triangular fuzzy stochastic variables
Authors: Li Weiwei , Wu Chong , Dong He , Wang Huan , Li Mei 
Published: October 2016

Purpose
Coal and power generation are related upstream and downstream industries. Coal price marketization and electricity price regulation have caused the price of coal to be sensitive to the benefits of generators. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
As a financial tool, contracts for differences can both help balance interests and reduce risks caused by spot price fluctuation. This thesis regards coal demand as a triangular fuzzy stochastic variable while directing a levelling consideration towards risk returns for coal and power enterprises that are involved in coal generation contracts for differences. Risk and benefit measurement models were established between coal suppliers and power generators, and risk and benefit balance optimization models for contract negotiation were constructed.

Findings
A numerical example showed that the above models can be effectively used to avoid the risks of coal-electricity parties.

Originality/value
This thesis regards coal demand as a triangular fuzzy random variable while directing a levelling consideration towards the risk return to coal and power enterprises that are involved with coal generation contracts for differences. The features of this thesis are the following: demand information is regarded as a fuzzy random variable instead of a random variable. With historical data, sales experience and increasingly clear macro-economic conditions, coal and power enterprises are able to make a fuzzy decision – to a certain extent – when the transaction approaches. Accurate market information enables the supply chain system to satisfy the clients’ needs better, improve the profit level or avoid severe financial damages; by developing a feasible set of contracts for different parameters, it is possible to estimate whether the price difference enables supply chain coordination, requires changes or gives accounts to all involved parties of the supply chain; and without the assumption that the traditional M-V rule is unfavourable to decision makers, this thesis proposes the prospect M-V rule, which involves decision makers’ projections of future coal generation prices and enables wide applicability of the response method to contracts for differences.
An extension on PROMETHEE based on the typical hesitant fuzzy sets to solve multi-attribute decision-making problem
Authors: Mahmoudi Amin , Sadi-Nezhad Soheil , Makui Ahmad , Vakili Mohammad Reza 
Published: October 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to extend the PROMETHEE method under typical hesitant fuzzy information for solving multi-attribute decision-making problem in which there is hesitancy among experts.

Design/methodology/approach
Different aggregation and distance functions were developed to deal with HFS. But it is rational that different operators applying in existing methods can produce different results. Also, it is difficult for decision makers to select suitable operators. To address the drawback, this paper develops the PROMETHEE method as an outranking approach to accommodate hesitant fuzzy information. Since the proposed method is constructed on the basis of the pair-wise comparisons, it is independent of the aggregation and distance functions.

Findings
To demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method, the authors provide a numerical example and a comparative analysis. The results indicate that outranking-based methods suggest a better ranking than the aggregation- and distance-based methods.

Research limitations/implications
The proposed approach does not consider the hesitant fuzzy linguistic information decision-making problem.

Practical implications
The proposed approach can be applied in many group decision-making problems in which there is hesitancy among experts.

Originality/value
This paper proposes an extension on PROMETHEE method under hesitant fuzzy information, which has not been reported in the existing academic literature.
Sample size for qualitative research
Authors: Boddy Clive Roland 
Published: October 2016

Purpose
Qualitative researchers have been criticised for not justifying sample size decisions in their research. This short paper addresses the issue of which sample sizes are appropriate and valid within different approaches to qualitative research.

Design/methodology/approach
The sparse literature on sample sizes in qualitative research is reviewed and discussed. This examination is informed by the personal experience of the author in terms of assessing, as an editor, reviewer comments as they relate to sample size in qualitative research. Also, the discussion is informed by the author’s own experience of undertaking commercial and academic qualitative research over the last 31 years.

Findings
In qualitative research, the determination of sample size is contextual and partially dependent upon the scientific paradigm under which investigation is taking place. For example, qualitative research which is oriented towards positivism, will require larger samples than in-depth qualitative research does, so that a representative picture of the whole population under review can be gained. Nonetheless, the paper also concludes that sample sizes involving one single case can be highly informative and meaningful as demonstrated in examples from management and medical research. Unique examples of research using a single sample or case but involving new areas or findings that are potentially highly relevant, can be worthy of publication. Theoretical saturation can also be useful as a guide in designing qualitative research, with practical research illustrating that samples of 12 may be cases where data saturation occurs among a relatively homogeneous population.

Practical implications
Sample sizes as low as one can be justified. Researchers and reviewers may find the discussion in this paper to be a useful guide to determining and critiquing sample size in qualitative research.

Originality/value
Sample size in qualitative research is always mentioned by reviewers of qualitative papers but discussion tends to be simplistic and relatively uninformed. The current paper draws attention to how sample sizes, at both ends of the size continuum, can be justified by researchers. This will also aid reviewers in their making of comments about the appropriateness of sample sizes in qualitative research.
Making up performance: the construction of “performance” in venture capital firms’ portfolios
Authors: Heinzelmann Rafael 
Published: October 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate performance measurement practices in venture capital firms. Specifically, the author examines how two organizations make complexity and uncertainty manageable by mobilizing performance measurement. This study draws on the framework of pragmatic constructivism (PC) (Nørreklit et al., 2016; Nørreklit et al., 2006, 2010), focusing on the integration between the four dimensions of PC, namely, facts, values, possibilities and communication.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper adopts a comparative case study methodology.

Findings
The findings show that performance measurement practices are strongly influenced by values playing out via integration in actor-world relations, whereas Venture A mobilizes an actor-centric approach, leading to an open, holistic performance measurement system (PMS) which is based on non-financials, a close involvement in operational matters and actors’ judgement using accounting as “learning machines” (Burchell et al., 1980); and Venture B draws on an analytical approach emphasizing on the role of financial indicators and control enacting accounting as “answer machines” and as “tool for computation” (Burchell et al., 1980). These different approaches to PMS, actor-centric vs analytical, are guided by different values about actor-world relation(s).

Originality/value
The paper provides a context-sensitive account on the relationship between uncertainty and performance measurement practices. First, this paper contributes by providing evidence on how actors use accounting to manage uncertainty and complexity by differently integrating actor-world relation(s) (Nørreklit, et al., 2016; Nørreklit et al., 2006). Second, this study resonates with recent calls for more industry-specific and context-sensitive investigations (Messner, 2016). Finally, the author contributes to the literature asking for more research on the role accounting plays in managing uncertain conditions (Chenhall and Moers, 2015).
The regulation of cross-border audits of development NPOs: a legitimacy perspective
Authors: Ahrens Thomas , Fabel Frank , Khalifa Rihab 
Published: October 2016

PurposeThe audit of development funds that flow between development not-for-profit organisations (DNPOs) is virtually free from effective external regulation. When programme DNPOs subcontract development work to field DNPOs, they are under current international audit rules free to specify audit frameworks that are limited to the accuracy of the books. Questions of the efficacy of the development work can thus be bracketed off. This paper aims to develop an argument for improving the regulation of cross-national audits of DNPOs.Design/methodology/approachBased on a review of the applicable audit regulation and ongoing debates of legitimacy and accountability, this paper articulates a series of problems that should be considered in the regulation of cross-national DNPO audits with reference to their specific legitimacy communities.FindingsThe special consideration that is due to the beneficiaries of development activities suggests that cross-national DNPO audits should be regulated not just with reference to general audit and accounting rules. Consideration should be given as well to some of the key context variables that potentially have a bearing on the likelihood that the audited development programmes meet the claims of the legitimacy community of development. These can include the level and depth of accountability afforded to the beneficiaries, potentially conflicting legitimacy relationships, the nature of admissible records for the audit and the provisions for programme funds to cover the overheads of field DNPOs.Practical implicationsThe managerial implications of this paper concern the regulation, commissioning and conduct of cross-national DNPO audits. The authors propose a series of remedies to the scoping of field DNPO audits in a cross-national context.Originality/valueFocusing on the functioning of cross-border NPO audits, this paper adds an important facet to ongoing discussions about the accountability of current regulation to represent the new interdependencies brought about by the forces of globalisation.
Investigations for dimensional accuracy of AMC prepared by using Nylon6-Al-Al2O3 reinforced FDM filament in investment casting
Authors: Singh Sunpreet , Singh Rupinder 
Published: October 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the dimensional accuracy of aluminium (Al) matrix composites (AMCs) prepared by using an alternative reinforced fused deposition modeling (FDM)-based sacrificial patterns in investment casting (IC) process. Further in this work, a barrel finishing (BF) process has been introduced as an intermediate step for the improvement of surface finish of sacrificial patterns and to study the effect of BF process parameters on dimensional features of the casted AMCs. In the present research, an effort has been made to ascertain the capability/producibility of the proposed route for obtaining good geometrical tolerances.

Design/methodology/approach
Alternative reinforced FDM filaments were developed using single screw extruder whose melt flow index was matched with the commercial acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene filament. IC sacrificial patterns, fabricated on existing FDM system without making any change in its hardware/software, were barrel finished for improving the surface finish. The effect of FDM, BF and IC process parameters, namely, type of filament, volume of CAD-based cubical pattern, pattern density, BF time, BF media weight and numbers of IC slurry layers, was studied using Taguchi L18 OA approach.

Findings
Dimensional accuracy of casted AMCs developed was optimized successfully using Taguchi L18 orthogonal array. Optical microscopic analysis made on the castings highlighted the presence of Al2O3 particles which will result into the improvement of mechanical and tribological properties. International tolerance grade of cast AMCs was calculated and found acceptable as per ISO standard UNI-EN-20286-I (1995). Further, there are strong possibilities of process to be under statistical control at proposed settings.

Originality/value
The paper describes a new route for the development of AMC. The effect of FDM, BF and IC process parameters on dimensional accuracy of AMCs developed is also highlighted in the present research.
The achievable mechanical properties of SLM produced Maraging Steel 300 components
Authors: Hermann Becker Thorsten , Dimitrov Dimitri 
Published: October 2016

Purpose
Selective laser melting (SLM) is a process that produces near net shape parts from metallic powders. A concern with SLM-produced metals is the achievable materials performance with respect to mechanical properties. Particularly, three important aspects strongly affect the mechanical properties of the material: internal stresses resulting from steep temperature gradients and high cooling rates, the resulting microstructure and the occurrence of pores and flaws.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents SLM-produced maraging steel 300 (18Ni-300), an iron-nickel steel alloy often used in applications where high fracture toughness and strength are required. The steel’s achievable tensile, crack growth and hardness properties and the manner in which these compare to the wrought counterpart are reported. In addition, this paper investigates the porosity distribution and achievable density, residual stress levels and post-processing procedures using heat-treatments.

Findings
It is found that tensile properties, hardness and microstructure compare well to its wrought counterpart. Fatigue growth rates are also comparable, though they are influenced by residual stresses and microstructure.

Originality/value
The investigation into the mechanical performance addresses two issues: the achievable mechanical properties and the understanding of the link between the manufacturing process and the achievable material performance.
Process parameters optimization for improving surface quality and manufacturing accuracy of binder jetting additive manufacturing process
Authors: Chen Han , Zhao Yaoyao Fiona 
Published: October 2016

PurposeBinder jetting (BJ) process is an additive manufacturing (AM) process in which powder materials are selectively joined by binder materials. Products can be manufactured layer-by-layer directly from three-dimensional model data. The quality properties of the products fabricated by the BJ AM process are significantly affected by the process parameters. To improve the product quality, the optimal process parameters need to be identified and controlled. This research works with the 420 stainless steel powder material.Design/methodology/approachThis study focuses on four key printing parameters and two end-product quality properties. Sixteen groups of orthogonal experiment designed by the Taguchi method are conducted, and then the results are converted to signal-to-noise ratios and analyzed by analysis of variance.FindingsFive sets of optimal parameters are concluded and verified by four group confirmation tests. Finally, by taking the optimal parameters, the end-product quality properties are significantly improved.Originality/valueThese optimal parameters can be used as a guideline for selecting proper printing parameters in BJ to achieve the desired properties and help to improve the entire BJ process ability.