bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Financial flexibility and the performance during the recent financial crisis
Authors: Meier Iwan , Bozec Yves , Laurin Claude 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe objective of this study is to test whether financial flexibility has value. Using the current financial crisis, the authors investigate whether firms that built up financial flexibility over the years preceding the crisis yield superior performance during the financial crisis.Design/methodology/approachFinancial flexibility is measured along the following dimensions: cash and cash equivalents, debt (short‐term and total) and net debt. These proxies are measured as an average over the five years prior to the crisis, from September 2002 to August 2007. Firms are then sorted into ten portfolios and monthly stock returns for each portfolio are evaluated over the crisis period from September 2007 to March 2010.FindingsThe authors' results show that high pre‐crisis levels of cash do not seem to have a positive impact on firm value during the crisis. However, the results provide evidence that high pre‐crisis levels of debt had a negative impact on firm value during the latest financial crisis, supporting the hypothesis that financial flexibility has value.Originality/valueThe originality of the authors' approach is to evaluate the value of financial flexibility during a financial crisis. The recent financial crisis offers an ideal test case to evaluate whether financial flexibility has indeed value for the firm.
Exciting electrode optimization of a piezoceramic plate type ultrasonic motor by combining artificial immune algorithm and finite element analysis
Authors: Li Cun‐Cen , Yang Ming , Pang Ya‐Fei , Li Shi‐Yang 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose an optimization method by combining artificial immune algorithm and finite element analysis to find the optimal exciting electrode of a piezoceramic plate type ultrasonic motor vibrator.Design/methodology/approachThe artificial immune algorithm is selected as optimizer for its merit of fast convergence to global optimal solution. The finite element analysis is used to calculate the motion trajectory of contact point. The objective function is the work that the vibrator does to rotor. The design variables are the boundaries of exciting electrode on piezoceramic plate vibrator surface.FindingsThe calculated results and the experimental results show that using this method, both the position and the size of optimal exciting electrode of this ultrasonic motor can be quickly and accurately determined.Originality/valueIn order to successfully design an ultrasonic motor, both the position and the size of the exciting electrode must be investigated, so as to change more electric energy into mechanical energy. In this paper, an optimization method by combining artificial immune algorithm and finite element analysis is proposed for the exciting location optimization of a piezoceramic plate type ultrasonic motor to obtain large power output.
Micropolar fluid to improve dynamic response of gear pair system supported by journal bearings
Authors: Chang‐Jian Cai‐Wan 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a numerical analysis of the nonlinear dynamic response of a gear‐bearing system subject to nonlinear suspension effects, micropolar fluid, journal bearing, nonlinear oil‐film force and nonlinear gear mesh force. The results presented in this study provide some useful insights into the design and development of the system for rotating machinery that operates in highly rotational speed and highly nonlinear regimes.Design/methodology/approachThe non‐dimensional equation of the gear‐bearing system proposed in this study is solved using the Runge‐Kutta method. The non‐periodic behavior of this system is characterized using phase diagrams, power spectra, Poincaré maps, bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponents and the fractal dimension of the system.FindingsThe numerical results reveal that the system exhibits a diverse range of periodic, sub‐harmonic, quasi‐periodic and chaotic behaviors. The micropolar fluid is a useful lubricating fluid to suppress nonlinear dynamic responses and improve the dynamic regularity of the systems.Research limitations/implicationsThe unbalance coefficient, damping coefficient, other control parameters and some experiments are also important to identify dynamic behaviors of those systems and they may be regarded as research directions in the future.Practical implicationsBecause of financial constraints, some important experiments are outstanding to identify dynamic behaviors of these systems and await research in the future.Originality/valueThis study has presented a numerical analysis of the nonlinear dynamic response of a gear‐bearing system with nonlinear suspension effects, micropolar fluid, journal bearing, nonlinear oil‐film force and nonlinear gear mesh force.
Thermo‐hygro‐mechanical meso‐scale analysis of concrete as a viscoelastic‐damaged material
Authors: Xotta Giovanna , Salomoni Valentina A. , Majorana Carmelo E. 
Published: June 2013

PurposeKnowledge of the behavior of concrete at mesoscale level requires, as a fundamental aspect, to characterize aggregates and specifically, their thermal properties if fire hazards (e.g. spalling) are accounted for. The assessment of aggregates performance (and, correspondingly, concrete materials made of aggregates, cement paste and ITZ – interfacial transition zone) is crucial for defining a realistic structural response as well as damage scenarios.Design/methodology/approachIt is here assumed that concrete creep is associated to cement paste only and that creep obeys to the B3 model proposed by Bažant and Baweja since it shows good compatibility with experimental results and it is properly justified theoretically.FindingsFirst, the three‐dimensionality of the geometric description of concrete at the meso‐level can be appreciated; then, creep of cement paste and ITZ allows to incorporate in the model the complex reality of creep, which is not only a matter of fluid flow and pressure dissipation but also the result of chemical‐physical reactions; again, the description of concrete as a composite material, in connection with porous media analysis, allows for understanding the hygro‐thermal and mechanical response of concrete, e.g. hygral barriers due to the presence of aggregates can be seen only at this modelling level. Finally, from the mechanical viewpoint, the remarkable damage peak effect arising from the inclusion of ITZ, if compared with the less pronounced peak when ITZ is disregarded from the analysis, is reported.Originality/valueThe fully coupled 3D F.E. code NEWCON3D has been adopted to perform fully coupled thermo‐hygro‐mechanical meso‐scale analyses of concrete characterized by aggregates of various types and various thermal properties. The 3D approach allows for differentiating each constituent (cement paste, aggregate and ITZ), even from the point of view of their rheologic behaviour. Additionally, model B3 has been upgraded by the calculation of the effective humidity state when evaluating drying creep, instead than using approximate expressions. Damage maps allows for defining an appropriate concrete mixture to withstand spalling and to characterize the coupled behaviour of ITZ as well.
A conceptual model for retail productivity
Authors: Mishra Ashis , Ansari Javeed 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for measuring retail productivity. It intends to identify all the constituents of retail productivity exhaustively, along with their measures and integrate them with a comprehensive model.Design/methodology/approachThe paper summarizes the significant empirical works from the literature along with their study methods and identifies the gaps. The proposed methodology is a combination of various exploratory methods consisting of secondary data analysis, group interviews, depth interviews, observation and questionnaire survey.FindingsA regression‐based conceptual model including each of the output and input variables of retail productivity. It also provides conception logic and measurement method for each of the variables. It identifies the control parameters too and proposes to handle them in the model. The empirical validation provides the significance of various input parameters.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical validation is restricted to one retail format and one vertical (medium‐sized stores and apparel‐life style vertical). However, it provides significant input regarding the way to utilise retail productivity and the strategic directions to improve store level productivity.Practical implicationsThe most significant usage of the model is the standardization of retail productivity concept as a performance measurement tool and its applicability in individual retail stores (micro level). Hence, it is possible to determine the reasons for performance of retail stores and develop appropriate as well as effective strategies. The identification and elaboration of the various parameters of retail productivity would help retailers to redefine and focus on key decision areas.Originality/valueThe paper presents the exhaustive framework for retail productivity with data from the Indian retail sector that is applicable at micro level. It provides direct measure of value component (services) in retail output determination.
Towards the reconciliation of knowledge management and e‐collaboration systems
Authors: Le Dinh Thang , Rinfret Louis , Raymond Louis , Dong Thi Bich‐Thuy 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose an intelligent infrastructure for the reconciliation of knowledge management and e‐collaboration systems.Design/methodology/approachLiterature on e‐collaboration, information management, knowledge management, learning process, and intellectual capital is mobilised in order to build the conceptual framework.FindingsThis paper presents a conceptual framework including a set of concepts and guidelines that can be used to specify an efficient knowledge infrastructure for networked enterprises.Research limitations/implicationsResults from this study uphold the emerging research area of knowledge management in e‐collaboration systems. The proposed framework derived purely from theory and conceptual analysis; more work needs to be done in order to validate and experiment with the framework. Future research remains be carried out to apply the framework on a broader scale, and in particular to determine its applicability relative to various collaboration patterns and current technology development.Practical implicationsResults from this study are important for networked enterprises, especially knowledge‐intensive enterprises, who intend to build e‐collaboration systems to organize their knowledge base and to share it with their partners.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first to address collaborative knowledge management in e‐collaboration systems with a focus on the promotion of learning process and the creation of intellectual capital.
Designing mobile LMS interfaces: learners' expectations and experiences
Authors: Ssekakubo Grace , Suleman Hussein , Marsden Gary 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to present findings of a study that was carried out to identify strategies of enabling learners in developing countries to fully exploit the potential of learning management systems (LMSs). The study set out to: identify the services of learning management systems that are most needed and desired by university learners in developing countries; and identify appropriate access strategies that would guide design decisions on how to effectively and satisfactorily deliver such services to the university students in developing countries.Design/methodology/approachA total of 144 students from two African universities participated in the study by responding to an online survey questionnaire. The questionnaire asked students: how often they accessed LMSs to obtain, create and exchange information and knowledge; their preference for the different devices used for accessing the LMS; the LMS services they are most often required to access; and the services they most desire to use.FindingsThe findings of the survey indicate that the most desired and most accessed LMS services by the students include: assignments, announcements, resources, course outlines and the chat room. At the same time, mobile phones are rated the least used devices for accessing the LMS services, mainly due to inadequate design of LMSs for mobile interaction.Originality/valueThe paper also presents mobile LMS interface designs and ideas achieved through a participatory design process for enhancing the accessibility of the most needed and desired LMS services on mobile phones.
Research on the effects of WTO accession on China's economic growth
Authors: Zhiming Zhang , Xin Zhang , Riming Cui 
Published: June 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to measure the effects of WTO accession on the economic growth of China, and the paths of those effects.

Design/methodology/approach
– This article carries out a theoretical and empirical analysis on the effect on China's economic growth from WTO accession. First is about the theoretical analysis of the paths of those effects which WTO accession has on China's economic growth. Next is to make empirical test about the effects through dummy variable regression and cross variable analysis.

Findings
– WTO accession has a remarkable and a positive effect on China's economic growth through the following specific paths, i.e. foreign trade path, economic system reform path and FDI path. But so far entry into WTO has not positively influenced China's economic growth through technological innovation.

Originality/value
– Based on the theoretical and empirical analysis, this article puts forward relative policies and suggestions on what China should do in the future.
How does OFDI affect trade development in developing countries?
Authors: Qiang Yongchang 
Published: June 2013

Purpose
– This paper aims to focus on the trade effects of outward direct investment in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach
– To illustrate the effects, the author analyses it from the efficiency of resource utilization, technological advancement and transaction costs, respectively.

Findings
– The author concludes that OFDI has a positive effect on trade development in developing countries.

Originality/value
– Studying the interactions between FDI and trade, the traditional perspective that the investment can only lead to changes in capital endowment in a country is not perfect. These theories were mainly created and founded in developed countries and aimed only to explain their direct investment behavior. If the perspective is shifted to developing countries, it is found that the effect of FDI not only changes the supply-demand relationship of monetary capital, but also significantly influences division of labor and trade through the change in knowledge-oriented factors. Therefore, incorporating international direct investment as a new variable into contemporary international trade theories will enrich the existing theories, and also be beneficial for the development of integration theory of investment and trade.
Recycled brick masonry aggregate concrete
Authors: Cavalline Tara L. , Weggel David C. 
Published: June 2013

PurposeReuse of construction and demolition (C&D) waste as aggregates is becoming increasingly popular for a number of environmental and economic reasons. The purpose of this paper is to explore this topic.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, structural‐ and pavement‐grade portland cement concrete (PCC) mixtures were developed using crushed recycled brick masonry from a demolition site as a replacement for conventional coarse aggregate. Prior to developing concrete mixtures, testing was performed to determine properties of whole clay brick and tile, as well as the crushed recycled brick masonry aggregate (RBMA), and a database of material properties was developed.FindingsConcrete mixtures exhibiting acceptable workability and other fresh concrete properties were obtained, and tests were performed to assess mechanical properties and durability performance of the hardened concrete. Results indicated that recycled brick masonry aggregate concrete (RBMAC) mixtures can exhibit mechanical properties comparable to that of structural‐ and pavement‐grade PCC containing conventional coarse aggregates.Research limitations/implicationsResults for durability performance were mixed, but additional testing to evaluate durability performance is recommended.Practical implicationsAlthough RBMAC has been untested in field applications, results of laboratory studies performed to date indicate that this material shows promise for use in pavement and structural applications. Future testing of RBMAC in both laboratory and field settings will allow stakeholders to gain a comfort level with its properties, identify specific potential uses, and establish guidelines that will assist in ensuring acceptable service life performance.Originality/valueFrom the standpoint of sustainability, use of recycled materials as aggregates provides several advantages. Landfill space used for disposal is decreased, and existing natural aggregate sources are not as quickly depleted. Use of recycled aggregates in lieu of virgin quarried aggregates can potentially result in a lower embodied energy of the concrete, although this is often dependent on hauling costs. This particularly holds true if the methodology used to compute the embodied energy of a structure accounts for the “recovery” of energy at the end of its service life.
The designer in refurbishment projects: implications to the compatibility of design
Authors: Ali Azlan‐Shah , Au‐Yong Cheong‐Peng 
Published: June 2013

PurposeIn refurbishment design, the individual designer is the one who ultimately determines the quality and performance of a project, but not his or her organization. Hence, various specific attributes are essential in the designers undertaking refurbishment projects. This directly influences the refurbishment project performance. The aims of this paper are to identify the important designer's attributes of refurbishment works and to develop prediction models for designer selection.Design/methodology/approachThe study started with the identification of an important designer's attributes through literature review followed by a questionnaire survey. A set of questionnaires was distributed to 100 selected designers who handled refurbishment projects in Malaysia.FindingsIn conclusion, the study identified six key designer's attributes in refurbishment projects. The associative test shows that to improve a refurbishment project performance, the designers need to have knowledge, enthusiasm, commitment and coordination skills. From the initial result, two prediction models were produced for the compatibility of design to an existing site.Originality/valueBy identifying the important designer's attributes, this article contributes a reference about the basic requirements that a designer should have in refurbishment projects.
Tapping into Mammon: stakeholder perspectives on developing church tourism in Dublin's Liberties
Authors: Kiely Tony 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore attitudes among church administrators to church tourism, and the vexing challenge of categorizing church properties as tourist attractions for the city visitor. Furthermore, it seeks to ascertain if in the current economic climate, evidence of a collaborative inclination exists between core and peripheral supply‐stakeholders towards delivering a church tourism trail in this visitor‐rich area of Dublin city.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered to coincide with the busiest period of the tourist season. Using a qualitative methodology involving a series of semi‐structured interviews, initial research concentrated on attitudes to church tourism among both church administrators and church visitors. Subsequent interviews with key informants from both core and peripheral stakeholder groups focused on their attitudes to stakeholder collaboration in the development of a localized church tourism trail.FindingsThe findings of this paper would suggest broad support among most church administrators towards tourism and contextualising church properties as heritage attractions. However, operational dissonances associated with “church ethos” and “collaborative engagement”, particularly when embedded within individual fears of being associated with an official “tourist trail” were viewed as collaborative impediments among some traditional and peripheral stakeholders.Originality/valueAs international competition for the urban tourist intensifies, this paper, in adopting a supply‐sided perspective has, through counterpointing psychological barriers to the development of a church tourism product, with the absence of collaboration champions in the area, highlighted a number of limiting factors to adding value to the visitor experience in Dublin's Liberties. Challenges abide!
The link between travel motives and activities in nature‐based tourism
Authors: Mehmetoglu Mehmet , Normann Øystein 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe essence of the demand for nature‐based tourism is an important issue seen from both an academic and practitioner's perspective. One approach to understanding it is to examine the relationship between tourists' travel motivations and activities. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to conduct an empirical study of the links between travel motivations and travel activities within the nature‐based tourism context.Design/methodology/approachPerforming a series of logistic regression analyses, the authors have adopted this approach to empirically investigate the travel motivations and activities (participated/planned to participate) of a sample of nature‐based tourists in Northern Norway.FindingsThe study clearly confirms the strong link between travel motivations and activities. More specifically, the study findings are moderated by the fact that “Novelty”, “Prestige”, and “Physical activity” are the main sources of motivation for participating in whale safaris, fishing and hiking respectively. Furthermore, the findings show that non‐Norwegian tourists are considerably more likely than Norwegians to participate in these nature‐based activities. Theoretical and practical implications of the study are also provided.Research limitations/implicationsThe survey was conducted in a limited geographical area, and the results should accordingly be tested in several places. Analysis of other motives and activities will provide further information.Practical implicationsKnowledge about factors motivating tourists to participate (or not) in certain nature‐based activities is of value to the industry, both in marketing and providing service to the customers.Originality/valueThe paper adds useful knowledge to the relationship between nature‐based tourists' travel motivations and activities.