bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polynomial fitting of nonlinear sources with correlating inputs
Authors: P. Aikio Janne , Rahkonen Timo , Karanko Ville 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to propose methods to improve the least square error polynomial fitting of multi-input nonlinear sources that suffer from strong correlating inputs.

Design/methodology/approach
– The polynomial fitting is improved by amplitude normalization, reducing the order of the model, utilizing Chebychev polynomials and finally perturbing the correlating controlling voltage spectra. The fitting process is estimated by the reliability figure and the condition number.

Findings
– It is shown in the paper that perturbing one of the controlling voltages reduces the correlation to a large extend especially in the cross-terms of the multi-input polynomials. Chebychev polynomials reduce the correlation between the higher-order spectra derived from the same input signal, but cannot break the correlation between correlating input and output voltages.

Research limitations/implications
– Optimal perturbations are sought in a separate optimization loop, which slows down the fitting process. This is due to the fact that each nonlinear source that suffers from the correlation needs a different perturbation.

Originality/value
– The perturbation, harmonic balance run and refitting of an individual nonlinear source inside a device model is new and original way to characterize and fit polynomial models.
Extended Brauer model for ferromagnetic materials: analysis and computation
Authors: Hülsmann Timo , Bartel Andreas , Schöps Sebastian , De Gersem Herbert 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to develop a fast and accurate analytic model function for the single-valued H-B curve of ferromagnetic materials, where hysteresis can be disregarded (normal magnetization curve). Nonlinear magnetoquasistatic simulations demand smooth monotone material models to ensure physical correctness and good convergence in Newton's method.

Design/methodology/approach
– The Brauer model has these beneficial properties, but is not sufficiently accurate for low and high fields in the normal magnetization curve. The paper extends the Brauer model to better fit material behavior in the Rayleigh region (low fields) and in full saturation. Procedures for obtaining optimal parameters from given measurement points are proposed and tested for two technical materials. The approach is compared with cubic spline and monotonicity preserving spline interpolation with respect to error and computational effort.

Findings
– The extended Brauer model is more accurate and even maintains the computational advantages of the classical Brauer model. The methods for obtaining optimal parameters yield good results if the measurement points have a distinctive Rayleigh region.

Originality/value
– The model function for ferromagnetic materials enhances the precision of the classical Brauer model without notable additional simulation cost.
Modeling of streamers in transformer oil using OpenFOAM
Authors: Lavesson Nils , Jogenfors Jonathan , Widlund Ola 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– A model for streamers based on charge transport has been developed by MIT and ABB. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the consequences of changing numerical method from the finite element method (FEM) to the finite volume method (FVM) for simulations using the streamer model. The new solver is also used to extend the simulations to 3D.Design/methodology/approach– The equations from the MIT-ABB streamer model are implemented in OpenFOAM which uses the FVM. Checks of the results are performed including verification of convergence. The solver is then applied to some of the key simulations from the FEM model and results presented.Findings– The results for second mode streamers are confirmed, whereas the results for third mode streamers differ significantly leading to questioning of one hypothesis proposed based on the FEM results. The 3D simulations give consistent results and show a way forward for future simulations.Originality/value– The FVM has not been applied to the model before and led to more confidence in second mode result and revising of third mode results. In addition the new simulation method makes it possible to extend the results to 3D.
Index-aware model order reduction: LTI DAEs in electric networks
Authors: Banagaaya N. , Schilders W.H.A. , Alì G. , Tischendorf C. 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– Model order reduction (MOR) has been widely used in the electric networks but little has been done to reduce higher index differential algebraic equations (DAEs). The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– Most methods first do an index reduction before reducing a higher DAE but this can lead to a loss of physical properties of the system.

Findings
– The paper presents a MOR method for DAEs called the index-aware MOR (IMOR) which can reduce a DAE while preserving its physical properties such as the index. The feasibility of this method is tested on real-life electric networks.

Originality/value
– MOR has been widely used to reduce large systems from electric networks but little has been done to reduce higher index DAEs. Most methods first do an index reduction before reducing a large system of DAEs but this can lead to a loss of physical properties of the system. The paper presents a MOR method for DAEs called the IMOR which can reduce a DAE while preserving its physical properties such as the index. The feasibility of this method is tested on real-life electric networks.
Convergence behaviour of coupled pressure and thermal networks
Authors: Blaszczyk Andreas , Flückiger Reto , Müller Thomas , Olsson Carl-Olof 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present a method for thermal computations of power devices based on a coupling between thermal and pressure networks. The concept of the coupling as well as the solution procedure is explained. The included examples demonstrate that the new method can be efficiently used for design of transformers and other power devices.

Design/methodology/approach
– The bidirectional propagation of temperature signal is introduced to the pressure network, which enables control of the power flow and a close coupling to the thermal network. The solution method is based on automatic splitting of the network definition (netlist) into two separate networks and iteratively solving the model using the Newton-Raphson approach as well as the adaptive relaxation enhanced by the direction change control.

Findings
– The proposed approach offers reliable convergence behaviour even for models with unknown direction of the fluid flow (bidirectional flows). The accuracy is sufficient for engineering applications and comparable with the computational fluid dynamics method. The computation times in the range of milliseconds and seconds are attractive for using the method in engineering design tools.

Originality/value
– The new method can be considered as a foundation for a consistent network modelling system of arbitrary thermodynamic problems including fluid flow. Such a modelling system can be used directly by device designers since the complexity of thermodynamic formulations is encapsulated in predefined network elements while the numerical solution is based on a standard network description and solvers (Spice).
Challenges facing Islamic Azad University academic leaders in managerial positions
Authors: Hamidifar Fatemeh 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– Over the past three decades, academic leaders at Islamic Azad University (IAU) have been facing different challenges for the success of the institutions. The purpose of this paper is to identify the challenges confronting IAU academic leaders in managerial positions.Design/methodology/approach– In this qualitative study, questionnaires containing open-ended questions were sent to academic leaders in managerial positions at IAU branches in Iran and the collected data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.Findings– The results revealed that the main challenges were categorized into two themes: internal and external environmental factors. Internal challenges were sub-categorized into administration and managerial affairs, financial issues, organizational culture, and students’ affairs. External challenges were sub-categorized into political, economic, social, and technological factors, and international and national competitions.Research limitations/implications– This study is limited to Iran and IAU academic leaders who worked mainly in high-level and middle-level of managerial positions; therefore, the results cannot be generalized. The key implications are related to applying continuous professional growth through collaborative and qualified development programs. The implications could be appropriate for other higher education institutions in Iran.Originality/value– This is the first attempt to study the challenges confronting IAU academic leaders in Iran. The findings can help IAU academic leaders plan the most appropriate framework for professional academic leadership development programs.
Supply chain strategy, flexibility, and performance
Authors: Awais Ahmad Tipu Syed , A. Fantazy Kamel 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to compare the supply chain strategy, flexibility, and performance relationships in the context of SMEs in Canada and Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach
– The research is based on a quantitative approach using a questionnaire survey from a total of 170 small and medium-sized Pakistani manufacturing companies. The current study draws upon the earlier work of Fantazy et al. (2009) for comparative purpose and employs path analysis technique.

Findings
– The results partially confirm the findings of previous study on Canadian SMEs with regard to the relationships among strategy, flexibility, and performance in the context of supply chain. The survey results revealed that SMEs in Pakistan adopt followers strategy in order to achieve financial and non-financial performance. Whereas in the previous study, Canadian SMEs adopted innovative strategy and customer-oriented strategy in order to enhance their performance.

Originality/value
– The literature did not reveal any study which attempted to compare supply chain strategy, flexibility, and performance of SMEs in developed and developing countries. The current study fills this important gap in the literature.
What gets suppliers to play and who gets the pay? On the antecedents and outcomes of collaboration in retailer-supplier dyads
Authors: Rossiter Hofer Adriana , Hofer Christian , A. Waller Matthew 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to adopt and contribute to the further development of the relational view by examining the drivers of retailer-supplier collaboration and its effect on the performance of both the retailer and the supplier.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper draws its conclusions from a structural analysis of dyadic survey data collected from consumer packaged goods suppliers and retailers in Brazil. In addition, objective retailer performance measures (retailer in-stock performance) are included in the data set.

Findings
– The results indicate that a supplier's customer orientation is an important determinant of supplier relationship-specific investments and, ultimately, supply chain collaboration. The empirical results also indicate that retailers stand to benefit the most from a supplier's collaborative efforts. In addition, there is evidence that a supplier's customer orientation is positively related to its own performance.

Research limitations/implications
– The limited sample size – a result of the dyadic nature of the data – constitutes a limitation and, at the same time, presents opportunities for future, larger-scale studies. Nonetheless, this study highlights the value of customer orientation and collaboration in terms of driving performance outcomes for both suppliers and buyers, while invoking the notion that the benefits of supply chain collaboration accrue differentially over time from the retailers’ and suppliers’ perspectives.

Originality/value
– While many of the relationships set forth in this research have been implicitly assumed by proponents of the relational view, this study furthers the development of the relational view by explicitly modeling supplier relationship-specific investments and customer orientation as antecedents of collaboration. Moreover, the study contributes to the literature on buyer-supplier collaboration by simultaneously exploring to what extent both suppliers and retailers derive benefits from such collaboration.
Spillover effects of a firm's relationship marketing orientation in the logistics triad
Authors: Rossiter Hofer Adriana , J. Smith Ronn , R. Murphy Paul 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The central tenet of this paper is that a firm's efforts to nurture a long-term relationship with a third-party logistics (3PLs) will be influenced by its strategic orientation toward its own customers. The purpose of this paper is to propose that there will be a spillover effect of a firm's relationship marketing orientation (RMO) toward its customers on the nature of a firm's relationship with its 3PL, positively impacting its logistics performance.Design/methodology/approach– A survey was administered to logistics managers in Brazilian firms that employ the services of a large 3PL. The model was tested via structural equation modeling.Findings– Results of this research suggest that a firm's RMO toward its customers has a positive impact on the long-term orientation (LTO) toward the relationship with its 3PL, ultimately improving the firm's operations performance. Additionally, the findings reveal that the positive effect of RMO on LTO is stronger for higher levels of a firm's dependence on its 3PL.Research limitations/implications– The results provide initial evidence that when a RMO is embedded in a firm's strategies toward its customers, there will be spillover effects on both the nature and outcomes of relationships with other partners, such as 3PLs. Research limitations include the survey implementation in an emerging market, and surveying clients of a single 3PL.Practical implications– From the perspective of the 3PL, when selecting new clients, it is important to investigate how these potential clients relate to their own customers. In other words, 3PLs should investigate whether these potential clients embrace RMO toward their downstream customers. If that is the case, the client will be more likely to have LTO with the 3PLs with which it works.Originality/value– While most studies in logistics outsourcing demonstrate that interorganizational conditions are key determinants of long-term and collaborative relationships with 3PLs, this study provides initial evidence that when a strategic orientation – RMO – is embedded in a firm's strategies and operations toward its customers, there will be spillover effects on both the nature and outcomes of relationships with 3PLs as well.
Reverse logistics in the pharmaceuticals industry: a systemic analysis
Authors: A. Narayana Sushmita , A. Elias Arun , K. Pati Rupesh 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present a systemic analysis of the complex interaction of factors affecting the reverse logistics (RL) processes in a pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC).

Design/methodology/approach
– This study uses a systems thinking approach. Initial problem structuring involved the analysis of behavior-over-time of main variables and incorporated stakeholder analysis. Further, a participative group model building process was used to develop a systems model.

Findings
– The model was analysed to identify a set of feedback loops operating in the system responsible for the complexities of the problem. To address this, the stakeholders identified three strategic interventions. The first intervention relates to returns avoidance by alleviating market flooding of medicines, second intervention aims at improving the infrastructure for quality and performance management and the third targets balanced risk sharing between the main stakeholders involved in the supply chain. The findings suggest strong linkage between RL network design and key activities in returns management. The study lays a platform for developing a simulation model.

Research limitations/implications
– Data collection was confined to stakeholders belonging to a PSC based in the South Indian state of Kerala and excluded the participation of doctors due to practical constraints. The application of systems thinking and modelling was limited to the qualitative phases of the methodology.

Practical implications
– The study illustrates a participative process capable of revealing the differing viewpoints of multiple stakeholders involved in a PSC.

Originality/value
– It provides a holistic approach based on the systems thinking and modelling methodology for analysing the complexities related to RL in the Indian pharmaceutical industry.
Sales promotion influencing consumer brand preferences/purchases
Authors: E. Schultz Don , P. Block Martin 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– This paper aims to investigate whether or not ongoing sales promotion contributed to the declines in “no brand preference” (NBP). Part of an ongoing series investigating the growth of US consumer’s responses of NBP for more than 1,500 frequently purchased consumer product brands. Data were drawn from responses to a very large (1.1 million) online longitudinal consumer questionnaire during 2002-2012.

Design/methodology/approach
– Additional research, combining this data set with two other major US longitudinal studies, confirmed results. This study focused on determining reasons for NBP increase. Initial data set included use of and influence of 23 in-store promotional tools. These were investigated to determine impact and effect.

Findings
– Four leading sales promotional tools, based on consumer influence, were coupons, home samples, in-store samples and retail shopper cards. Shopper cards had most influence on purchase of secondary, not primary brands in categories. Shopper cards are a clearly underused promotional tool in building brand preference and sales.

Research limitations/implications
– Limited to US consumer products only. No attempt made to connect media advertising and in-store media impact or effect.

Practical implications
– Future investigation should focus on other geographies, synergy between media advertising and promotional techniques. Also, the study is all aggregated data; individual brand investigations should be made. Shopper cards appear to be a major opportunity for secondary brands. More focus on cooperative activities between brands and retailers would benefit both.

Originality/value
– Paucity of longitudinal customer-view research on shopper cards identifies both manufacturer and retailer opportunities, particularly secondary brands.
Self-efficacy as an antecedent of cognition and affect in technology acceptance
Authors: Kulviwat Songpol , C. Bruner II Gordon , P. Neelankavil James 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– This paper aims to examine whether self-efficacy plays an important role in shaping the effect of cognition and affects in high technology adoption. It also examines whether cognition and affect mediate the effect of self-efficacy on attitude toward adoption.

Design/methodology/approach
– Using an experimental survey to collect data, subjects performed two different tasks (utilitarian and hedonic) to make sure that they had cognitive and affective experiences to draw upon as they developed attitudes toward the focal innovation. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the model.

Findings
– The result shows that self-efficacy influenced cognitive perceptions and emotional reactions. Specifically, self-efficacy was found to play a substantive role in shaping individuals’ attitudes via a cognitive route (perceived usefulness and ease-of-use) and an affective one (pleasure, arousal and dominance).

Research limitations/implications
– The study of self-efficacy as an external variable provides further insights into the process and is expected to increase the explained variance of the theoretical model.

Practical implications
– This study confirms that a belief about something besides the product also plays a key role; it is the confidence consumers have in their own abilities to understand and effectively use a new piece of technology.

Originality/value
– The research makes important contributions to our understanding of technology acceptance and has implications for marketing managers.
Do females in advertisements reflect adolescents’ ideal female images?
Authors: Leung Ng Yu , Chan Kara 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this study was to investigate how Chinese adolescent girls and boys construct their own ideal female images in response to gendered advertisements based on Arnett’s (1995) theory of self-socialization and Hirschman and Thompson’s (1997) three interpretive strategies. A qualitative interview study was conducted for this purpose.

Design/methodology/approach
– Altogether, 32 adolescents aged 15-19 living in 16 different provinces in China were recruited for a face-to-face interview. Three advertisements were shown depicting an elegant woman, an urban sophisticated female and a strong woman, and interviewees were asked to describe the appearance, the personality and the work and family life of the female character in each advertisement. They were asked to choose one of them as most closely representing their ideal female image.

Findings
– The interviewees constructed their ideal female images from the advertisement that best suited their ideal appearance, personality and work and family life. Female interviewees aspired to be like the elegant woman, identified with the urban sophisticated female and rejected the strong woman in the ads. Male interviewees appreciated the urban sophisticated female but rejected the strong woman.

Research limitations/implications
– With just 32 interviewees, the generalizability of the findings is limited.

Practical implications
– Female central characters in advertisements should be pilot-tested among the target audience to maximize levels of aspiration and identification.

Originality/value
– This is the first study to examine ideal female images from gendered advertisements among adolescent boys and girls in China.