bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Turnaround across diverse global supply chains using shared metrics and change methodology
Authors: Appelqvist Patrik , Chavez‐Demoulin Valérie , Hameri Ari‐Pekka , Heikkilä Jussi , Wauters Vincent 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to document the outcome of a global three‐year long supply chain improvement initiative at a multi‐national producer of branded sporting goods that is transforming from a holding structure to an integrated company. The case company is comprised of seven internationally well‐known sport brands, which form a diverse set of independent sub‐cases, on which the same supply chain metrics and change project approach was applied to improve supply chain performance.Design/methodology/approachBy using in‐depth case study and statistical analysis the paper analyzes across the brands how supply chain complexity (SKU count), supply chain type (make or buy) and seasonality affect completeness and punctuality of deliveries, and inventory as the change project progresses.FindingsResults show that reduction in supply chain complexity improves delivery performance, but has no impact on inventory. Supply chain type has no impact on service level, but brands with in‐house production are better in improving inventory than those with outsourced production. Non‐seasonal business units improve service faster than seasonal ones, yet there is no impact on inventory.Research limitations/implicationsThe longitudinal data used for the analysis is biased with the general business trend, yet the rich data from different cases and three‐years of data collection enables generalizations to a certain level.Practical implicationsThe in‐depth case study serves as an example for other companies on how to initiate a supply chain improvement project across business units with tangible results.Originality/valueThe seven sub‐cases with their different characteristics on which the same improvement initiative was applied sets a unique ground for longitudinal analysis to study supply chain complexity, type and seasonality.
ICT implementation process model for logistics service providers
Authors: Luisa dos Santos Vieira Carolina , Sérgio Coelho Antônio , Mendes Luna Monica Maria 
Published: April 2013

PurposeInformation and communication technology (ICT) plays a critical role in supporting logistics services outsourcing arrangements. Despite the literature highlighting the benefits of ICT usage by logistics service providers (LSPs), a gap between what is expected of ICT and satisfaction with LSP performance has persisted. Seeking to reduce this gap, the purpose of this paper is to propose an ICT implementation process designed for LSPs.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical model was built, which took into account the ICT implementation models identified in the literature and the LSP requirements from ICT usage. The model was adjusted according to technology innovation and change management practices. A multi‐case descriptive study was conducted to evaluate the adequacy of this model in practice.FindingsThe proposed ICT implementation model designed for LSPs combines both theoretical and empirical research. It comprises 39 activities, of which 32 were available in the literature and seven are new – mainly for aspects related to external integration. Through multiple‐case analysis, the model proved itself appropriate for supporting a step‐by‐step ICT implementation in LSPs.Originality/valueThe paper considers LSP requirements related to integrating and coordinating supply chains in the proposed model. In addition to an engineering perspective, it addresses behavioral issues for technology acceptance. It also exposes the problem posed by the definition of implementation process boundaries. Moreover, it features case studies in the Brazilian LSP industry, which has received little attention in the mainstream literature.
Controller design for an electric power steering system based on LQR techniques
Authors: Chitu Cristian , Lackner Jochen , Horn Martin , Srikanth Pullagura Premchand , Waser Helmut , Kohlböck Markus 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to present a linear quadratic regulator (LQR) employed to improve performance of an electrical power steering (EPS) system.Design/methodology/approachGenerally, EPS is a full electric system having an electrical motor which provides the assist torque on the steering mechanism in order to reduce the workload and to enhance the steering feel of the driver during the steering process. Since the torque sensors are considerably expensive, the authors present a control strategy that eliminates the driver torque sensor by introducing a torque estimator. Three main technical areas are described in this paper. First, the principle and structure of EPS are presented including the dynamic model. Second, LQR and Kalman filter techniques are employed to derive an optimal controller for the EPS system. Finally, the simulations and hardware results are depicted.FindingsThe combined tools of Matlab/Simulink and dSPACE provide the environment for modelling the controller in software and applying it to the actual hardware via a digital signal processing board based on the DS1401 MicroAutoBox. The controller is evaluated via simulation results, dSPACE hardware results, and verified on vehicle testing data.Originality/valueThis paper presents a controller design for an EPS system based on the LQR techniques. Within the controller concept shown, elimination of the driver torque sensor offers advantages in terms of both cost and mechanical performance. Simulations and measured data prove the good functionality of the controller proposed.
Fast evaluation of the lightning electromagnetic field in the time domain with an adaptive piecewise approximation of channel base current
Authors: Lee Jae‐bok , Zou Jun , Li Mo , Chang Sughun 
Published: April 2013

PurposeA fast algorithm is proposed to calculate the lightning electromagnetic field over a perfectly conducting earth surface.Design/methodology/approachThe channel base current is approximated by a number of sub‐domain quadratic functions using the proposed adaptive sampling technique, and the derivative and integral of the channel base current with respect to time can be analytically expressed. With the help of these approximations, the ideal electromagnetic field of the lightning channel can be evaluated along the lightning channel with respect to the height.FindingsThe computational time can be greatly reduced using the proposed approach to evaluate the electromagnetic field of a lightning channel in the time domain.Originality/valueThe adaptive sampling technique is a general‐purposed approach, which can be potentially used in other applications to fit a function with the minimal number of intervals.
Analysis and calculation of slot leakage reactance in the stator bar strands of deficient transposition
Authors: Yan‐ping Liang , Hong‐hao Yu , Xu Bian 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce an analytic method to calculate the slot leakage reactance of stator bar strands in alternative current machines whose stator windings have multiple bars per layer and using deficient transposition.Design/methodology/approachBased on the analysis of deficient transposition, the calculation model of mutual slot leakage reactance between any two strands in one bar is established. The subsection integral method is presented to calculate the slot leakage reactance and analytic function is listed. A pump motor used in nuclear power is taken as an example, and the slot self leakage reactance of any strand in its top layer winding and the slot mutual leakage reactance between one strand and other strands in the same bar are calculated depending on the method described above. The slot leakage reactance of all strands in the top layer winding is calculated when different transposition angles are applied in stator bars.FindingsThe results show that subsection integral method is effective in calculating the slot leakage reactance of stator bar strands of deficient transposition. The slot leakage reactance distribution of all strands is obtained. The transposition angle has a great impact on the slot leakage reactance distribution of stator bar strands.Originality/valueThis paper presents an available method to calculate the slot leakage reactance of any strands in alternative current machine whose stator windings have multiple bars per layer and using deficient transposition, and discusses the impact of transposition angle on the slot leakage reactance. The conclusion can lay the foundation of the effective calculation of circulating current losses in stator bars with deficient transposition.
A reversible flux linkage model of the switched reluctance motor with rotor position computable
Authors: Haijin Chen , Peng Sun , Longfang Yi , Suichun Qu 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a reversible flux linkage model of the switched reluctance motor so that the rotor position can be computed analytically.Design/methodology/approachThe presented flux linkage model uses a Fermi function like equation with four coefficients to fit flux linkage characteristics. In this work, the coefficients are calculated from flux‐current‐angle data using numerical curve fitting with the least squares method. A rotor position model is then derived by inverting the flux linkage model. With a simple estimation scheme based on the rotor position model, the rotor position is estimated continuously. Simulation and experiments are then performed to verify the proposed method.FindingsThe presented flux linkage model agrees well with flux linkage characteristics. The average absolute relative error (AARE) of the model varies between 0.3 per cent and 5.3 per cent. With the derived rotor position model, rotor position can be estimated conveniently for either steady or dynamic operations.Practical implicationsThe simulation and experimental results indicate that the presented model is an eligible candidate for applications such as rotor position estimation, performance simulation and other model based controls.Originality/valueUnlike previously reported methods, the presented flux linkage model is reversible so that a rotor position model can be derived and the rotor position can be computed analytically.
Strategies for business turnaround and recovery: a review and synthesis
Authors: Schoenberg Richard , Collier Nardine , Bowman Cliff 
Published: April 2013

PurposeAgainst a backdrop of continued weak economic conditions and with many firms experiencing declining financial performance, this paper presents a synthesis of the business turnaround literature. It aims to identify which turnaround and recovery strategies have been effective historically, based on the evidence provided by previous empirical research.Design/methodology/approachThe authors review literature that includes 22 empirical studies, which investigated business turnarounds in previous recessionary environments. This literature was reviewed in its entirety, rather than as individual contributions, to synthesise the lessons available for businesses operating in today's challenging economic environment.FindingsThe literature review revealed convergence in the findings of the prior studies. In total, six effective turnaround strategies were consistently identified and four of these relate to the content of the turnaround, namely: cost efficiencies, asset retrenchment, a focus on the firm's core activities and building for the future and two relate to accompanying change processes required for implementation: reinvigoration of firm leadership and culture change.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors highlight areas where knowledge on business turnarounds remains limited and suggest potentially fruitful directions for future research.Practical implicationsThe authors discuss the elements involved in each of the six effective turnaround strategies identified. The authors also provide a contemporary example to illustrate the application of these strategies in the current economic environment.Originality/valueThe paper offers practitioners an evidence‐based view on effective business turnaround and recovery strategies, in addition to providing researchers with an accessible review of the existing literature.
Towards a framework for controls as determinants of export performance
Authors: Mysen Tore 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review and synthesize empirical literature concerning the role of control mechanisms in export relationships, and to develop a model for controls as determinants of export performance.Design/methodology/approachTo identify relevant papers, a variety of keywords is used in a computerized, bibliographic search, accompanied by manual checking of references in previous research. A combination of content analysis and integrative assessment is adopted to synthesize the findings and develop the framework.FindingsTo a great extent, the results provide support to the argument that the influence of control mechanisms on export performance is contingent upon firm strategy and characteristics, the governance structure and relationship atmosphere established in the exchange relationships, and foreign market characteristics.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis points to a lack of consensus concerning how to define controls. Subsequently, the review and analysis rest on the definition of control mechanisms and export performance. The descriptions, synthesis, and proposed framework indicate a connection between implemented controls, internal, external, and relational dimensions, and consequently to the need of adjusting the control mechanisms to the environment. Hence, the analysis, synthesis, and proposed framework, give advice to managers involved in exporting, as well as providing guidance for future research.Originality/valueThis study is the first to analyze and integrate empirical literature concerning controls as determinants of export performance. As such, the study may inspire further research.
Emerging market multinationals' location choice
Authors: Jain Naveen K. , Lahiri Somnath , Hausknecht Douglas R. 
Published: April 2013

PurposeLocation choice made by emerging market multinationals (EMMs) constitutes an important yet somewhat neglected topic in business research. The purpose of this paper is to develop a research framework that elucidates the role of EMM‐specific resources and internationalization motivations on the location choice of EMMs.Design/methodology/approachThe literature pertaining to firm‐specific resources and internationalization motivations as determinants of location choice is reviewed. This leads to the development of a research framework that takes into account various combinations of resources and motivations in explaining the location choice of EMMs. The paper offers research propositions by linking resources, motivations, and the appropriate choice of locations.FindingsThe paper illustrates that location choices of EMMs are determined by the interplay of various resources (relationship‐based, home experiences‐based, and country created assets‐based) and internationalization motivations (market‐seeking, asset‐seeking, and resource‐seeking).Originality/valueThe paper investigates the simultaneous influence of two important determinants: firm‐specific resources and internationalization motivations on the location choices of EMMs. Prior literature has extolled the importance of these factors in international business but not in the context of the location choices of EMMs. Thus, this paper fills an important void in business scholarship.
Hybrid strategies in Greece: a pleasant surprise
Authors: Salavou Helen E. 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically whether a hybrid, compared with other forms of competitive advantage, contributes to better business performance.Design/methodology/approachBased on 105 food manufacturing firms in Greece, a European Union (EU) member state, this study performs a factor analysis, a cluster analysis and an analysis of variance.FindingsThis study provides evidence in favour of the hybrid as the best‐performing form of competitive advantage for Greek food firms. Specifically, the findings show pure (the cost‐based nichers: 36 firms), combined (the hybridists: 49 firms) and stuck‐in‐the‐middle (the confused strategists: 20 firms) strategic alternatives that differ in terms of performance.Research limitations/implicationsResearch on Porter's dominant paradigm within Europe is surprisingly limited. Given the call for further research on competitive strategy to focus on European firms, this Greek study extends Porter's original model and represents one of the few studies to examine the relationship between hybrid strategies and performance.Practical implicationsManagers should keep in mind that hybrid strategies are usually better and never worse than pure and stuck‐in‐the‐middle alternatives. Emphasis on all dimensions of the hybrid form may be a safe and rewarding option for Greek food players to compete at home against global players.Originality/valueThis study provides new evidence on hybrid strategies within Europe, a subject that lacks sufficient foundation. Despite the contradictory results obtained elsewhere on the Porter‐based perspective since 1980, the empirical evidence within a European country, Greece, suggests a pleasant surprise.
An examination of the critical factors affecting consumer acceptance of online banking
Authors: Maditinos Dimitrios , Chatzoudes Dimitrios , Sarigiannidis Lazaros 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe recent advances in the technology of electronic banking have helped develop new ways of handling banking affairs, especially through online banking. Moreover, the rapid development of the internet has stimulated the banking sector towards encouraging customers to make their transactions online. The purpose of this paper is to introduce an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) model as a tool for examining the factors that have a significant impact on customers' online banking acceptance.Design/methodology/approachThe typical TAM constructs were enhanced with the variables of perceived risk and quality of the internet connection. The proposed conceptual framework of the study (extended TAM), was tested on a sample of Greek internet users. Data were analysed using the “structural equation modelling” technique.FindingsResults provide overall support for the extended TAM model and confirm its robustness in predicting customers' intention of adoption of internet banking. More specifically, results underlined the important impact of perceived usefulness, security risk and performance risk on the intention to use internet banking. On the contrary, the impact of perceived ease of use and quality of the internet connection seemed to have only an indirect effect on internet banking adoption.Practical implicationsThe paper makes an analytical effort in order to point out areas that banking organisations should emphasize in order to successfully implement online banking and, therefore, harvest its potential benefits.Originality/valueThe paper proposes an enhanced conceptual framework (extended TAM) that examines vital issues concerning online banking acceptance, thus providing valuable outcomes for decision makers and academics. To the best of the researchers' knowledge, such an extension of the TAM model has never been examined in the relevant literature. Moreover, the results of the study may be generalised in other developed countries whose financial sector faces significant challenges (e.g. Spain, Italy, Portugal, Ireland, etc.).
Economics and business as if caring matters: investing in our future
Authors: Eisler Riane 
Published: April 2013

PurposeIn this time of disequilibrium, old approaches are not capable of meeting our growing challenges. In addition to worrying about customers, employees, products, and services, managers and business owners have to consider matters such as globalization, the environment, instant communications, and technologies once only imagined in science fiction. Not surprisingly, there is a growing perception that we need new ways of thinking about business, economics, and society. The aim of this paper is to address this urgent matter.Design/methodology/approachThis paper addresses this urgent matter through the lens of an underlying theme of this issue: “care is worthy of investment, policy, and practice because it delivers both measurable results and a more humane world”.FindingsOffering a perspective that goes beyond the capitalism vs socialism debate, it shows that the failure to recognize the economic value of the work of caring and caregiving has been a major obstacle to more equitable and sustainable ways of living and making a living.Practical implicationsIt proposes measures of economic health that take into account the value of care, as well as the large, still generally ignored, contributions of women, who do most of the care work in both market and nonmarket economic sectors.Social implicationsIt places economic valuations in their social context from the perspective of two new social categories: the partnership system and the domination system, revealing the imbalanced gendered values inherent in the latter.Originality/valueIt shows the financial value of caring and proposes economic inventions – economic measurements, policies, and practices – that support caring for people, starting in early childhood, as well as caring for our natural environment.
Sustainable human capital: product innovation and employee partnerships in technology firms
Authors: Banerjee Preeta M. 
Published: April 2013

PurposeTo date, sustainability in technology firms has focused on improving outputs while maintaining the same inputs. The purpose of this paper is to propose a six‐stage model for enhancing inputs as well as outputs, named sustainable human capital. The paper extends traditional views of individuals as human capital, measured as formal education and direct experience to incorporate more holistic and humanistic views of informal education and indirectly related experience. This allows technology firms, whose lifeblood is innovation, to increase employee satisfaction and performance, quality and quantity of technology firm innovation, and societal well‐being in the form of sustainable products and services.Design/methodology/approachThis paper extends concepts in innovation management to build a holistic model of employees as sustainable human capital. By bridging theory and practice, this paper provides a framework for knowledge‐building partnerships and, thus, relational wealth, or the value created by and for a firm through its internal relations among and with employees.FindingsA model of sustainable human capital starts with pre‐hiring processes (raw materials), on‐boarding (design stage), training and development (production stage), developing external partnerships and integrating individual employees with the ecosystem (distribution stage), building internal relationships through mentoring (use and maintenance stage), and employee's exit through succession planning (recovery stage).Originality/valueTechnology managers have been utilizing a lifecycle approach for product innovation, yet have de‐coupled the product from the people, the fundamental source of innovation. Thus, re‐incorporating the human aspect to the lifecycle approach offers practices for holistic engagement of employees in innovation. Just as management literature pushed economists to shift their views of employees from homogeneous units of human capital to heterogeneous individuals, sustainability literature must evolve in its approach to start thinking of employees as discrete individuals with differentiated skills that change over time.