bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic analysis of vibratory insertion process
Authors: Kilikevicius Sigitas , Baksys Bronius 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate theoretically and experimentally the process of compliantly supported peg insertion into a bush for high‐speed assembly, when vibrations are provided to the bush in the axial direction, and to analyse the influence of the parameters of the dynamic system and excitation on the assembly process.Design/methodology/approachThe mathematical model of parts vibratory insertion process is formed and the simulation is performed using a numerical computing software environment. The model includes inertia, compliance, dry friction, insertion speed and vibratory excitation. The three‐dimensional simulation of peg‐in‐hole insertion is accomplished using motion analysis software to test the influence of vibratory excitation on assembly failures, such as jamming and wedging. The experimental setup for the robotic vibratory assembly and the investigation methodology were presented. The experimental analysis of the vibratory insertion process of cylindrical parts with clearance is performed when the compliantly supported peg is inserted by the robot into the bush, which is excited in the axial direction.FindingsThe vibratory excitation allows preventing the balance between the insertion force and frictional forces and so to avoid jamming and wedging. It is advantageous to select such the frequency of vibrations under which the resonance state of the compliantly supported peg does not occur. The parameters of vibratory excitation and initial assembly state are defined which have the principal influence on the insertion duration and the success of the process. The experimental results show the applicability of the mathematical approach.Research limitations/implicationsThe assumption is made that the chamferless rigid peg moves in a plane in respect of the rigid bush with a chamfer. Also, it is considered that there is no impact during the peg and bush contact. The dynamic and static friction coefficient between the parts is equivalent and the insertion speed is constant.Practical implicationsThe results can be useful aiming to design the reliable high‐performance vibratory assembly equipment for peg‐hole type parts, which does not require sensors, feedback systems and control algorithms.Originality/valueThe proposed method of applying the vibratory excitation during the peg‐in‐hole insertion process allows to avoid jamming and wedging, and to minimize the duration of the process.
Attitudes towards environmentally friendly products
Authors: Cheah Isaac , Phau Ian 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to identify the key antecedents and moderators that influence consumers' willingness to purchase environmentally friendly products.Design/methodology/approachA convenience sampling method was employed. A total of 600 self‐administered questionnaires were distributed during lectures in a large Australian university. In total, 256 useable Australian consumer responses were collected and used for analysis.FindingsThe results show that the three antecedents of ecoliteracy, interpersonal influence and value orientation have strong correlations with attitudes towards environmentally friendly products. Consumers with favourable attitudes towards environmentally friendly products are more likely to purchase environmentally friendly products. Perceived product necessity moderates the relationship between attitudes toward environmentally friendly products and the willingness to purchase environmentally friendly products.Research limitations/implicationsLongitudinal studies can be conducted in the future. Other possible moderating factors such as product involvement or pricing can also be explored. A wider range of behavioural indicators can be used to capture a more accurate measurement of environmentally oriented behaviours.Practical implicationsConsumer education about the environment is crucial for consumers to form a more favourable mindset towards environmentally friendly products. Communication initiatives that highlight various environmental support campaigns and environmentally conscious product strategies are some of the ways to encourage purchasing behaviour.Originality/valueThe study empirically examines the antecedents and consequences of attitudes towards purchasing green products in an Australian context. Furthermore, the study uses day‐to‐day necessity products as the product category.
Development of a business‐to‐business critical success factors (B2B CSFs) framework for Chinese SMEs
Authors: Kian Chong Woon , Shafaghi Mathew , Leing Tan Boon 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to critically explore business‐to‐business critical success factors (B2B CSFs) for small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the Chinese B2B marketplace, evaluate the findings, and use the generated CSFs to propose a framework to assist in the marketing management of B2B in China. The proposed framework provides a guideline for academics and practitioners and highlights the significant role of each factor in developing and sustaining effective B2B electronic commerce (B2B e‐commerce) practice for SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed framework is constructed by combining the empirical findings and B2B literature. The quantitative (online survey) was targeted at, proprietors, chief executive officers, managing directors, general managers, sales/marketing managers and export managers in selected SMEs that participated in B2B electronic marketplace (B2B e‐marketplace) in China. The data received from the recipients were processed on SPSS to conduct factor analysis to identify whether a factor structure underlies the correlations between a number of variables.FindingsThe findings are indicative of two sets of internal and external critical factors, including: successful customer relationships, supply chain facilities, global competition, information system/information technology (IS/IT) infrastructure and performances, information visibility, top management support and commitment, government encouragement and commitment, security and trust, and cultural consideration.Practical implicationsSME managers can derive a better understanding and measurement of marketing activities that appropriately balance between traditional and B2B e‐commerce practice. At the same time, the CSF can be integrated into the companies to determine the level of marketing performance in B2B e‐marketplace.Originality/valueThe paper's findings provide new theoretical grounds for research into B2B relationships in the digital business environment. The paper also provides an empirical assessment of the essential components in B2B e‐commerce adaptation, and implications for the means to prioritize CSF.
Quality system implementation process for business success
Authors: Bell Michael , Omachonu Vincent 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the implementation activities involved in certifying a quality management system to the ISO 9000 quality management system standard. This includes developing the best business performance measures that will serve as indicators of an effective quality management system. This paper aims to establish a relationship between implementation activities involved in the quality system and specific business performance measures that can be used to assess the system's effectiveness.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using an online survey combined with publicly available financial reporting information. Regression and other statistical techniques along with text clustering and association of the survey comments were used to analyze the data.FindingsEmphasis on implementing a documentation system were found to be linked to business performance as measured by the return on assets financial measure.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should explore various documentation system aspects such as knowledge management and information sharing in greater detail. A larger sample focused on a specific industry might provide useful information for industry appropriate performance indicators.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of this research focus on the design and implementation of an organization's quality management system in areas that will provide the most benefit to organizations seeking ISO 9000 certification. A baseline measurement can be used prior to implementing the system to strategically manage the implementation process. By understanding how best to implement the quality management system, fewer resources are wasted on ineffective quality management system certification projects and some of the skepticism around the implemention of an ISO 9000 certified quality management system is eliminated.Originality/valueFew quality system researchers target the implementation process for analysis. Combining survey data and publicly held financial represents is a new method for studying ISO 9000 implementation.
Updated proportional hazards model for equipment residual life prediction
Authors: You Ming‐Yi , Meng Guang 
Published: August 2011

PurposeMost current condition‐based maintenance (CBM) systems using proportional hazards model (PHM) assume that enough historical data are available. However, in many practical cases, it is usually costly to collect much historical data prior to real practice (model implementation). This paper aims to focus on the necessity and benefits of updating a PHM with new samples generated in the process of model implementation.Design/methodology/approachFirst, an updating scheme is presented and embedded into the entire cycle of PHM establishment, its application/implementation, and its updating. Next, a simulation evaluation is conducted based on a typical degradation model.FindingsBy updating a PHM using newly generated samples, the precision and reliability of residual life (RL) prediction can be improved, especially close to system failure.Research limitations/implicationsThe current version of PHM is typically for non‐repairable systems or those systems only receiving renewal maintenance. Further research should focus on the inclusion of the effect of imperfect maintenance.Practical implicationsThe updating scheme enables maintenance practitioners to more precisely and reliably predict the RL of an in‐operation system, and enhances further CBM decision making.Originality/valueThis paper highlights the necessity and benefits of updating a PHM using emerging new training resources, which has not received enough attention in existing research/practice of a PHM.
A study on the beam pattern of ultrasonic sensor integrated to textile structure
Authors: Kursun Bahadir Senem , Kalaoglu Fatma , Thomassey Sebastien , Cristian Irina , Koncar Vladan 
Published: August 2011

PurposeDuring the past decades, several researchers have introduced devices that use sonar systems to detect and/or to determine the object location or to measure the distance to an object using reflected sound waves. The purpose of this paper is to use sonar sensor with textile structure and to test it for detection of objects.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, a sonar system based on intelligent textiles approach for detection of objects has been developed. In order to do this, ultrasonic sensor has been integrated to textile structures by using conductive yarns. Furthermore, an electronic circuit has been designed; PIC 16F877 microcontroller unit has been used to convert the measured signal to meaningful data and to assess the data. The algorithm enabling the objects detection has also been developed. Finally, smart textile structure integrated with ultrasonic sensor has been tested for detection of objects.FindingsBeam shape is presented related to identified object and compared with the actual one given in sensor's datasheet in order to test the efficiency of the proposed method of detection. The achieved results showed that the determined beam pattern matches with the actual one given in its datasheet. Therefore, it can be concluded that the integration of sensor was successful.Originality/valueThis is the first time in the literature that a sonar sensor was integrated into textile structure and tested for detection of objects.
Greenhouse vegetable production in The Netherlands and Switzerland
Authors: Mann Stefan , Breukers Annemarie , Schweiger Jennifer , Mack Gabriele 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a theory that is sufficiently adapted to sector competitiveness. The case of greenhouse vegetable production in The Netherlands and Switzerland is used to explain differences in sector competitiveness.Design/methodology/approachInterviews focusing on the fields of spatial planning, labor, energy supply, and market organization were carried out with stakeholders and producers in both countries and evaluated by Grounded Theory.FindingsThe work shows that the flexibility not only of producers, but also of the whole institutional framework in The Netherlands exceeds the flexibility on the Swiss side by far, which may be an important factor for explaining differences in competitiveness.Research limitations/implicationsThe result that it is a basic difference in flexibility and adaptability that determines sector competitiveness is valid for the vegetable sector. It should be examined whether similar patterns can be found in other sectors.Originality/valueThe competitiveness discussion is transferred to a new economic level, namely the economic sector. Likewise, new answers are found in looking for explanations for differences in competitiveness.
Credit booms in the Caribbean
Authors: Howard Stacia , Lewis‐Bynoe Denny , Moore Winston 
Published: August 2011

PurposeCredit booms have frequently been identified as causes of financial crises. However, credit growth, and the supply of finance, in general, is intimately associated with economic growth. The purpose of this paper is to consider why Caribbean countries go through episodes of credit booms.Design/methodology/approachTwo approaches are employed to identify credit booms. The first approach uses an ad hoc classification rule, while the second technique is based on a Markov‐switching vector autoregressive approach. To explain the number of credit boom episodes occurring over a particular period, a count data model is employed.FindingsThe results suggest that credit booms were more likely to occur during periods of low inflation, above trend economic growth, investment, money supply changes, and world growth. Relatively under‐developed financial systems as well as capital account liberalisation was also associated with the emergence of credit booms.Research limitations/implicationsIt is also possible that bank‐specific factors (e.g. capital adequacy, share of non‐performing loans and bank competition) may also be important determinants of the emergence of credit booms. However, data on these variables were not available over the sample period.Originality/valueThe study provides an alternative approach to identifying credit booms. In addition, the potential role played by external factors and economic policy are also considered.
Real estate valuation, cognitive risk, and translational research
Authors: Wofford Larry , Troilo Michael , Dorchester Andrew 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to consider selected aspects of the relationship between real estate valuation, human cognition, and translational research. Its purpose is to introduce the concept of cognitive risk, to propose a framework for mitigating it, and to develop a stream of translational research to transfer knowledge to real estate valuers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes an interdisciplinary conceptual approach towards the development and study of cognitive risk, and its mitigation. It proposes to broaden the study of behavioral issues in real estate valuation beyond cognitive psychology to cognitive science, and also fields such as time studies and human failure, in order to identify and mitigate cognitive risk.FindingsThe paper offers a framework as a starting‐point for handling cognitive risk. It borrows the concept of translational research from medicine to discuss how basic theoretical knowledge may be communicated to real estate valuers to improve performance.Originality/valueThe paper's concept of cognitive risk and discussion of its mitigation will enrich behavioral real estate by introducing the wisdom of other fields such as cognitive science and time studies. These fields have much to say about managing the risk surrounding human cognition, and will be of both academic and practical value to the discipline of real estate valuation.
Using contingent valuation to measure property value impacts
Authors: Lipscomb Clifford 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to measure the impact of a proposed biomass facility on prospective property values using the contingent valuation method.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a web‐based survey approach to measure respondents' reactions to two scenarios: one that describes the study area currently and another that also mentions the proposed biomass facility.FindingsThe paper found no statistically significant difference in the respondents' WTP for a house based on whether they read about the baseline scenario (no mention of the biomass plant) or the proposed biomass plant.Research limitations/implicationsThe survey sampled males, younger people, and those with higher incomes relative to the county where the facility will be built. A few respondents, who were offered very low bids (5 percent and 15 percent of their current home value), may not have understood the question or were exhibiting strategic behavior.Originality/valueThis is one of the few studies that uses contingent valuation to measure property value impacts.
Do peer effects shape property values?
Authors: Des Rosiers François , Dubé Jean , Thériault Marius 
Published: August 2011

PurposeBoth hedonics and the traditional sales comparison approach are derived from a similar paradigm with respect to how prices, hence market values, are determined. While the hedonic approach can provide reliable estimates of individual attributes' marginal contribution, it may – unlike the sales comparison approach – underestimate the prominent influence that surrounding properties exert on any given nearby housing unit and sale price. This paper seeks to develop a simple method for reconciling the two approaches within a rigorous conceptual and methodological framework.Design/methodology/approachPeer effect models, an analytical device developed, and mainly used, by labour economists, are adapted to the hedonic price equation so as to incorporate nearby properties' influences, thereby controlling for non‐observable neighbourhood effects. In addition to basic, intrinsic, building and land attributes, the ensuing model accounts for three types of effects, namely endogenous interactions effects (i.e. comparable sales influences, or peer effects), exogenous, or neighbourhood, effects and, finally, spatial autocorrelation effects.FindingsPreliminary findings suggest that integrating peer effects in the hedonic equation allows bringing out the combined impacts of endogenous, exogenous and spatially correlated effects in the house price determination process, with spatial autocorrelation of model residuals being significantly reduced, even without resorting to a spatial autoregressive procedure.Research limitations/implicationsFurther investigation is still needed in order to find out which submarket delineation should be used to obtain optimal model performances.Originality/valueThe paper leads to the conclusion that the comparable sales approach, as used in traditional appraisal practice, is valid, although its application is typically flawed by the too small sample size generally used by appraisers. Further investigation is still needed, however, in order to find out which submarket delineation should be used to obtain optimal model performances. This raises the paramount question as to whether the peer effect variable is adequately measured and addresses the tricky issue of kernel determination in spatial statistics and related applications, such as GWR.
How does private firms' investment respond to uncertainty?
Authors: Rashid Abdul 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the extent at which idiosyncratic and financial market uncertainty affect the UK private manufacturing firms' investment decisions.Design/methodology/approachA firm‐level panel data covering the period from 1999 to 2008 drawn from the Financial Analysis Made Easy database was analyzed using the system‐generalized method of moments (GMM) technique to purge time‐invariant unobserved firm‐specific effects and to mitigate the potential endogeneity issues.FindingsThe results from the two‐step robust system‐GMM estimation indicate that firms significantly reduce their capital investment expenditures when uncertainty (measured by either form) increases. The findings also reveal that private firms' investment is more sensitive to idiosyncratic uncertainty than to financial market uncertainty. The results related to firm characteristics suggest that the firm‐specific variables such as debt‐to‐assets ratio, growth of sales and cash flow‐to‐assets ratio are also important in the determination of private firms' investment. The sensitivity analysis confirms that the findings are robust to an alternative method of estimation as well as to an alternative measure of idiosyncratic uncertainty.Practical implicationsThe findings of the paper are useful for firms' investment decisions and authorities in designing effective fiscal and monetary policies.Originality/valueThe main value of this study is to investigate the effects of both idiosyncratic and financial market uncertainty on the investment decisions of private limited manufacturing firms.
Tourism branding and nation building in China
Authors: Scott Noel , Suwaree Ashton Ann , Ding Peiyi , Xu Honggang 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework for nation branding based on the concepts of co‐branding and perceived fit, and to apply these concepts to discuss the type of nation brand that China may develop and how this brand relates to individual destinations through brand architecture.Design/methodology/approachBranding is a deliberate process applied to the shaping of a nation's image and reputation on the global stage, in the heightened global competition for ascendancy. The paper reviews selected literature of national identity and nation branding to identify models, techniques and prior research that informs nation branding. This paper examines national branding and nation building from the perspective of international tourism promotion and development.FindingsThe formation of the Chinese national identity is the result of a complicated historical progression, as well as current national aspirations, and the process of globalization and the introduction of the market system. Branding the nation in the globalised world is a strategy or tool in the competition for attention and wealth, as well as a tool of self‐affirmation. Nation brands are more complex to develop and less tangible than corporate brands.Originality/valueThe paper identifies that value of examining nation branding as a form of co‐branding, with the related concepts of perceived fit, brand architecture as well as existing techniques.