bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wavelet transform-based steganographic method for secure data communication using OFDM system
Authors: Nipanikar Sanjay I. , Deepthi V. Hima 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
Fueled by the rapid growth of internet, steganography has emerged as one of the promising techniques in the communication system to obscure the data. Steganography is defined as the process of concealing the data or message within media files without affecting the perception of the image. Media files, like audio, video, image, etc., are utilized to embed the message. Nowadays, steganography is also used to transmit the medical information or diagnostic reports. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the novel wavelet transform-based steganographic method is proposed for secure data communication using OFDM system. The embedding and extraction process in the proposed steganography method exploits the wavelet transform. Initially, the cost matrix is estimated by the following three aspects: pixel intensity, edge transformation and wavelet transform. The cost estimation matrix provides the location of the cover image where the message is to be entrenched. Then, the wavelet transform is utilized to embed the message into the cover image according to the cost value. Subsequently, in the extraction process, the wavelet transform is applied to the embedded image to retrieve the message efficiently. Finally, in order to transfer the secret information over the channel, the newly developed wavelet-based steganographic method is employed for the OFDM system.

Findings
The experimental results are evaluated and performance is analyzed using PSNR and MSE parameters and then compared with existing systems. Thus, the outcome of our wavelet transform steganographic method achieves the PSNR of 71.5 dB which ensures the high imperceptibility of the image. Then, the outcome of the OFDM-based proposed steganographic method attains the higher PSNR of 71.07 dB that proves the confidentiality of the message.

Originality/value
In the authors’ previous work, the embedding and extraction process was done based on the cost estimation matrix. To enhance the security throughout the communication system, the novel wavelet-based embedding and extraction process is applied to the OFDM system in this paper. The idea behind this method is to attain a higher imperceptibility and robustness of the image.
Virtual enterprise formation in the context of a sustainable partner network
Authors: Polyantchikov Igor , Shevtshenko Eduard , Karaulova Tatjana , Kangilaski Taivo , Camarinha-Matos Luis M. 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
Various networked organizational forms already exist in the market today, however, all of them share the same problem – lack of fast and objective procedures for partners’ selection when addressing a particular project. The purpose of this paper is to solve such problems by offering an alternative to the existing global market layout, dominated by large corporations.

Design/methodology/approach
This research belongs to the category “fuzzy decision making and multi-attributive decision making,” since it is using methodologies such as the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), the fuzzy-AHP approach, and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution.

Findings
The authors defend that appropriate partner selection is a vital success factor in any collaboration.

Research limitations/implications
The authors have designed a sustainable partner network solution for the field of machinery. Nevertheless, the proposed approach is adaptable to other fields also, whereas the focal player or project owner selects the best partner based on a set of criteria.

Practical implications
The paper includes a feasibility case study for the approval of findings, where several small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from the field of machining collaborate to achieve a common goal.

Social implications
The research focuses on production enterprises (especially for SMEs) and is intended to improve their competitiveness. Small enterprises combining into a network makes it possible to compete with large corporations and helps to decrease project initiation time and project realization risks.

Originality/value
The main idea is to collect information about the available resources of SMEs into a new temporary entity and to utilize those resources for the realization of the tasks of a particularly large project, while meeting customer expectations. In addition, this work also suggests a calculation tool for faster partner evaluation (assessment) based on various criteria for each particular project.
Identification and selection of ICTs for freight transport in product service supply chain diversification
Authors: Muerza Victoria , Larrodé Emilio , Moreno-Jiménez José María 
Published: July 2017

PurposeFollowing the methodology designed for selecting the best industrial and technological diversification strategy, one of the best methods for achieving the long-term sustainability of companies, the purpose of this paper is to describe its application in the service supply chains (SSCs) sector, specifically, in freight transport in product service supply chains.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology used in diversification processes comprises four stages: evaluation of the technological diversification suitability; selection of the technological diversification strategy; implementation of the diversification strategy; and evaluation of the process.FindingsThe main contributions of the paper are: the proposal of a taxonomy or functional inventory for information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the freight transport industry (FTI); the introduction of a new concept, the technological shrub, a variant of the technological tree that allows interdependencies between the functionality systems; the construction of a technological shrub for ICTs in a standard FTI firm; and the multicriteria selection, based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), of the best diversification strategy that can be incorporated by this standard firm for improving competitiveness. This selection utilises a “bottom-up” approach.Originality/valueThe paper deals with the long-term sustainability of companies by means of technological diversification strategies. Based on the taxonomy constructed for ICTs in the SSC sector and the identification of key technologies for a particular firm, a technological shrub is constructed and a multicriteria procedure is developed in order to select the best diversification strategy.
Decision-making framework with double-loop learning through interpretable black-box machine learning models
Authors: Bohanec Marko , Robnik-Šikonja Marko , Kljajić Borštnar Mirjana 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to address the problem of weak acceptance of machine learning (ML) models in business. The proposed framework of top-performing ML models coupled with general explanation methods provides additional information to the decision-making process. This builds a foundation for sustainable organizational learning.

Design/methodology/approach
To address user acceptance, participatory approach of action design research (ADR) was chosen. The proposed framework is demonstrated on a B2B sales forecasting process in an organizational setting, following cross-industry standard process for data mining (CRISP-DM) methodology.

Findings
The provided ML model explanations efficiently support business decision makers, reduce forecasting error for new sales opportunities, and facilitate discussion about the context of opportunities in the sales team.

Research limitations/implications
The quality and quantity of available data affect the performance of models and explanations.

Practical implications
The application in the real-world company demonstrates the utility of the approach and provides evidence that transparent explanations of ML models contribute to individual and organizational learning.

Social implications
All used methods are available as an open-source software and can improve the acceptance of ML in data-driven decision making.

Originality/value
The proposed framework incorporates existing ML models and general explanation methodology into a decision-making process. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to support organizational learning with a framework combining ML explanations, ADR, and data mining methodology based on the CRISP-DM industry standard.
The complementary/substitution effects of post-privatization corporate governance mechanisms on firm performance in selected MENA countries
Authors: Hassoun Amira Ben , Aloui Chaker 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to expand understanding of the determinants of performance in newly privatized firms by empirically examining the interaction effect of internal corporate governance and Big Four auditors in Middle Eastern and North African countries. Specifically, the paper contributes to the existing literature by identifying whether there is a substitute or complementary relation between internal corporate governance mechanisms and Big Four auditors.Design/methodology/approachA data set of 88 NPFs of MENA countries over the period 1987-2010 is used. The methodology is based on two-stage least squares regression analysis.FindingsResults show that government ownership and the proportion of outside directors can substitute for Big Four auditors. However, foreign ownership and the CEO duality reinforce each other to improve performance of NPFs. Overall, these findings suggest that in the presence of agency problems within privatization process, different combinations of internal corporate governance and Big Four auditors can serve as a monitoring response in NPFs and should yield a superior performance.Practical implicationsThis study gives insights to policy makers’ managers and regulators who are interested in investing in MENA region. The authors argue that information regarding who is auditing the firm is very value relevant for investors investing in the MENA region. Firms with Big Four auditor as external auditors are likely to disclose better information than those that are audited by non-Big Four auditors.Originality/valueThis paper extends the understanding of the determinants of the post-privatization performance in MENA region. It fills the privatization literature void by introducing Big Four auditors as an external governance mechanism. To the authors’ knowledge, the authors’ work is the first study that investigates whether Big Four auditors play an important role and interact with internal corporate governance mechanisms to address the dominant/minority shareholders post-privatization agency problems.
Productivity, institutions, and market beliefs: three entrepreneurial interpretations
Authors: Czeglédi Pál 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
Inspired by the debates among economists about the role of beliefs and informal institutions in economic development, the purpose of this paper is to derive and test different hypotheses about the ways beliefs about the market economy, institutions and policies, and productive entrepreneurship are intertwined.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper derives from the literature three hypotheses unified around the idea of (political, cultural, and market) entrepreneurship. The paper then tests these hypotheses by running various country-level regressions intended to check the relationships between formal institutions and policies (measured by World Governance Indicators and by the Economic Freedom of the World index), productive entrepreneurship (measured by total factor productivity form the Penn World Table), and different kinds of market beliefs from the World Values Survey (WVS).

Findings
The sociological hypothesis says that more pro-market beliefs provide incentives for innovation by recognizing entrepreneurship as a dignifying activity. The political hypothesis says that people with more pro-market beliefs will demand, and therefore live with, more pro-market institutions and policies. The “Schumpeterian” hypothesis says that it is market institutions that make it possible for entrepreneurs to run against anti-market beliefs, and innovate. The results support the Schumpeterian hypothesis, mainly because market beliefs predict institutions and policies as well as productivity very poorly, while formal institutions and policies make a much better job of this.

Originality/value
The paper contrasts three different hypotheses concerned with the broader consequences of political, cultural, and market entrepreneurship and tests them by making use of the time structure of the observations found in the WVS.
Analyzing enablers of sustainable supply chain: ISM and fuzzy AHP approach
Authors: Kumar Divesh , Rahman Zillur 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThis paper aims to intend to help focal firms which are keen to develop a sustainable supply chain by identifying enablers, in knowing the interrelationships involved and in ranking the enablers.Design/methodology/approachInterpretive structural modeling and fuzzy MICMAC were used for the modeling and clustering of the enablers and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process has been used for the ranking purpose.FindingsAwareness about sustainability incentives, pressure from stakeholders, support from supply chain partners and demand from customer for sustainable products were found very important for developing a sustainable supply chain.Research limitations/implicationsThis research will help practitioners to appreciate the importance of the enablers to focus on the making sustainability adoption feasible across the supply chain. This would also facilitate focal firm management to develop a sustainability culture across the supply chain.Originality/valueSimilar work has not been carried before in which interaction among enablers and their priorities were analyzed using hybrid methodologies in developing country context.
Analysis of Indian retail demand chain using total interpretive modeling
Authors: Deshmukh Arun Kumar , Mohan Ashutosh 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThe study aims to present demand chain management (DCM) modeling of Indian apparel retailers. This will result in a structured model presenting contextual interrelationship among DCM variables so that retailers can proactively manage their demand chain.Design/methodology/approachThe research follows an exploratory research design. It initially involves identification and analysis of influential factors of the implementation of DCM practices through the review of literature. Then, these variables were analyzed using total interpretive structural modeling or TISM followed by a statistical verification and case-based validation of the model.FindingsThe major findings of the paper are: top-management commitment and support, information management and supply chain agility in supply chain are the most significant enablers with the highest driving power. The other apparel retail specific significant variables are assortment planning, category management and marketing orientation. The model also indicates that the firms that implement customer-centric DCM practices do well in terms of organizational performance and thereby achieve differential advantage over their competitors.Research limitations/implicationsBecause the literature on DCM is still in nascent stage, the study bases itself on interpretive method; that is, TISM of analysis with a limited number of experts. Future studies may consider larger sample with more advanced statistical tools such as structural equation modeling for further validation of the findings.Originality/valueThe novelty of the paper lies in the study of an emerging supply chain philosophy; that is, DCM and its key practicesper se. It has rarely been studied from the theory building perspective hitherto. Moreover, TISM-based approach is applied for the first time to study the DCM practices and its driversvis-à-visdependents.
Industrial internet applications for efficient road winter maintenance
Authors: Odelius Johan , Famurewa Stephen Mayowa , Forslöf Lars , Casselgren Johan , Konttaniemi Heikki 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
For the expected increase in the capacity of existing transportation systems and efficient energy utilisation, smart maintenance solutions that are supported by online and integrated condition monitoring systems are required. Industrial internet is one of the smart maintenance solutions which enables real-time acquisition and analysis of asset condition by linking intelligent devices with different stakeholders’ applications and databases. The purpose of this paper is to present some aspects of industrial internet application as required for integrating weather information and floating road condition data from vehicle mounted sensors to enhance effective and efficient winter maintenance.

Design/methodology/approach
The concept of real-time road condition assessment using in-vehicle sensors is demonstrated in a case study of a 3.5 km road section located in Northern Sweden. The main floating data sources were acceleration and position sensors from a smartphone positioned on the dash board of a truck. Features extracted from the acceleration signal were two road roughness estimations. To extract targeted information and knowledge, the floating data were further processed to produce time series data of the road condition using Kalman filtering. The time series data were thereafter combined with weather data to assess the condition of the road.

Findings
In the case study, examples of visualisation and analytics to support winter maintenance planning, execution and resource allocation were presented. Reasonable correlation was shown between estimated road roughness and annual road survey data to validate and prove the presented results wider applicability.

Originality/value
The paper describes a concept of floating data for an industrial internet application for efficient road maintenance. The resulting improvement in winter maintenance will promote dependable, safe and sustainable transportation of goods and people, especially in Northern Nordic region with harsh and sometimes unpredictable weather conditions.
Developing knowledge from entrepreneurial actions – toward a taxonomy
Authors: Ben Mahmoud-Jouini Sihem , Paris Thomas , Bureau Sylvain 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to enrich our understanding of entrepreneurs’ daily deeds, tasks and activities. The research investigates the ways in which entrepreneurs seize opportunities and gain knowledge from the start to the expansion of their ventures.

Design/methodology/approach
Two case studies were developed based on a longitudinal fine-grained analysis of two ventures over two years. Entrepreneurs’ success and learning were modeled in line with grounded theory methodology. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources in the form of semi-structured interviews and archival documentation.

Findings
The authors develop an original conceptual framework that consists of ten entrepreneurial learning opportunities and four knowledge development modes. There are ten generic types of actions that entrepreneurs take. There are then four distinctive ways to transform these experiences into knowledge. The model is assessed in absolute terms and relatively to existing taxonomies.

Research limitations/implications
The findings question the premises on which entrepreneurial learning research traditionally relies. Opportunities can be open-ended rather than purely instrumental. Similarly, knowledge can be emerging as much as it can be espoused. This opens-up space for further research.

Practical implications
For practitioners, the findings suggest new ways for making sense of the daily experience of their entrepreneurial endeavor. The learning modes suggested can be used by coaches and mentors when helping entrepreneurs in their venture.

Originality/value
The research provides empirical evidence of what entrepreneurs do. This may help cast traditional debates about what there is to do (logical necessity) and what there is to know (a priori knowledge) in a new light.
Developing early career professional auditors at work
Authors: Plant Kato , Barac Karin , De Jager Herman 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the determinants of internal audit workplace learning success for developing early career internal audit professionals in South Africa.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research design was used to collect data through focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews from 65 internal audit stakeholders including internal audit employers’ early career; internal auditors’ workplace learning assessors; and presenters and members of the education and training committee of the professional body in South Africa on their experiences of the determinants of workplace learning success for internal auditors.FindingsIn line with workplace learning theories, it was found that there are five determinants of internal audit workplace success: the learning environment, management support, the early career internal auditors’ commitment (attitude and motivation to learn) and a relevant, structured and effective formal workplace learning programme.Practical implicationsInternal audit employers, early career internal auditors, workplace learning assessors and presenters as well as the Institute of Internal Auditors globally and in South Africa can use the results of this study as a benchmark for their internal audit workplace learning practices.Originality/valueThis paper provides insight into the determinants of workplace learning success for internal auditors and contributes to the limited body of knowledge in auditing on developing professional competence in the workplace.
Oversight of audit quality in the UK: insights into audit committee conduct
Authors: Sulaiman Noor Adwa 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the conduct of the audit committee (AC) in terms of its oversight role of audit quality in the UK.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses semi-structured interviews with 11 AC members and 11 audit partners.FindingsThe findings show that the conduct of the AC in relation to audit quality involves the assessment of the contents of the reports prepared by the external auditors for the AC. Furthermore, the oversight of audit quality by the AC involves a thorough assessment of the presentation of the external auditors during the interaction and communication between the two parties. This illustrates the AC’s role as an effective monitoring mechanism when overseeing the audit quality. However, the conduct of the AC in overseeing four major areas (independence, appointment, remuneration and effectiveness of audit process) related to audit quality, as recommended by the UK Code of Corporate Governance, provides mixed results. The findings highlight the ceremonial role of the AC in those areas, which demonstrates the limited supporting role of the AC in enhancing audit quality. Furthermore, it is suggested that the effectiveness of the oversight role is influenced by the quality of the chairman of the AC and the quality of the relationship between the AC and the external auditors.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature by providing additional insights into the conduct of the AC in overseeing audit quality as well as additional evidence concerning the role and effect of the AC in relation to audit quality as prescribed by the UK Code of Corporate Governance.