bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adopting a specific innovation type versus composition of different innovation types
Authors: Baba Yusif 
Published: March 2012

PurposeAlthough several types of innovation are identified in the extant literature, researchers have not resolved conflicting theoretical predictions about the implication of adopting innovation types. Following the conceptualization of Damanpouret al., this paper aims to distinguish between three innovation types (i.e. services, technological process, and administrative process) and make suggestions for banks on whether to focus their innovation efforts on a specific type or composition of different types in order to optimize the returns to innovation.Design/methodology/approachBased on an empirical case study of a large multinational bank in Ghana (name withheld for anonymity), data were collected with questionnaire instruments from 51 bank managers. Two regression equations were estimated and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).FindingsThe paper finds evidence that focus on adopting a specific innovation type seems to contribute more to performance than adopting bundles of different types of innovation. As the bank focuses on adopting only administrative process innovation it enjoys higher growth in market share than when it adopts services innovation and technological process innovation in conjunction with administrative process innovation.Practical implicationsIt seems that even when resources are in abundance, and complementary changes or innovations are found to be necessary, there is less need to introduce different types of innovation with a more balanced rate simultaneously.Originality/valueThe study proposes to resolve conflicting theoretical predictions and ongoing policy disputes about the effects on business performance (i.e. market share) of the adoption of a specific innovation type versus composition of different innovation types.
Sequential testing for two exponential distributions at arbitrary risks
Authors: Michlin Yefim H. , Kaplunov Vladimir , Ingman Dov 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a methodology for planning of a truncated sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) in which two systems with exponentially distributed times between failures (TBFs) are compared. The study is concerned with tests with arbitrary probabilities of I‐ and II‐type errors.Design/methodology/approachThe study methodology, based on the proposed optimality criteria for these tests, permitted comparison of different modes of truncation and obviated the drawbacks of discreteness and multidimensionality of their characteristics.FindingsThe solution permits planning of a heavily‐truncated test with an average sample number exceeding its counterpart for the optimal (non‐truncated) test by at most a specified percentage. Relationships are outlined for optimal selection of the truncated test boundaries. So are optimality estimation criteria for the constructed test. The superiority of the SPRTs, truncated by the proposed methodology, over their counterparts, processed according to current practices, is demonstrated.Research limitations/implicationsThe solution refers to the case where the compared systems have exponentially distributed TBFs (or times to failure (TTFs) for non‐repairable cases).Practical implicationsThe proposed algorithm and relationships for planning the tests in question can be used by developers of tests for reliability. A planning example from the semiconductor industry is given.Originality/valueThis paper presents a novel approach to planning of truncated SPRTs with arbitrary probabilities of I‐ and II‐type errors. The methodology is also applicable for truncated binomial SPRTs.
EPS dilution after SEOs and earnings management
Authors: Di Hui , Marciukaityte Dalia , Goodwin Eugenie A. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeFirms are concerned about earnings per share (EPS) dilution after equity issues. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether firms manage upward their discretionary accruals around seasoned equity offerings (SEOs) to mitigate the impact of dilution on reported earnings.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employ adjusted discretionary accruals from cash flow statements, normalized by the average common equity, in the multivariate tests.FindingsThere is evidence that SEO‐year discretionary accruals are the highest when contemporaneous operating cash flows are the lowest. Moreover, managers react to temporary rather than permanent declines in operating performance. Firms with the highest SEO‐year discretionary accruals experience the strongest improvements in post‐SEO operating cash flows. In addition, investors are not misled by the SEO‐year earnings management. There is no relation between the SEO‐year discretionary accruals and post‐SEO stock performance. Overall, these findings are consistent with the hypothesis that firms manage discretionary accruals around SEOs to mitigate the effect of temporary EPS dilution.Practical implicationsThe paper's findings suggest that firms manage discretionary accruals during the SEO year to reduce the temporary negative impact of SEOs on operating performance measures, consistent with the EPS dilution hypothesis. Such earnings management makes earnings smoother and more predictable, improving earnings informativeness. The findings also suggest that misleading earnings management is not a common practice during the SEO year.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the literature questioning the evidence that managers frequently engage in misleading earnings management around corporate events. The authors provide an alternative explanation for earnings management around SEOs.
The Tiger Woods scandal: a cautionary tale for event studies
Authors: Hood Matthew 
Published: March 2012

PurposeTiger Woods suffered minor injuries and major scrutiny into his personal life due to a suspicious car crash. Previous research suggests that his sponsors would be expected to suffer a significant negative shock. The purpose of this paper is to determine if there was such a shock and to clarify the role that the estimation and event windows have on measuring its significance.Design/methodology/approachThe event study methodology is used for Tiger's core sports related sponsors: Electronic Arts (Tiger Woods PGA TOUR), Nike (Nike Golf), and Pepsi (Gatorade) and his sponsors that are unrelated to sports: AT&T, Accenture, and Procter & Gamble.FindingsThe sponsors did not suffer a statistically significant negative cumulative abnormal return. Even under liberal standards and for any event or estimation window that was considered. However, the event windows and estimation windows greatly affected the test statistics.Originality/valueTiger Woods' situation is, perhaps, the perfect case study for many papers that have found a negative stock market reaction to a scandal. Yet, there sponsor's stocks did not have a significantly negative response under any condition studied. Also, the estimation window is found to have a very large impact on the test statistics.
On Lowen's fuzzy compact spaces
Authors: Gallego Lupiáñez Francisco 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to obtain an axiomatic characterization of Lowen's fuzzy compactness.Design/methodology/approachThe paper shows a characterization of Lowen's fuzzy compactness.FindingsThe paper shows new results on fuzzy compactness.Research limitations/implicationsClearly, this paper is devoted to fuzzy topological spaces.Practical implicationsThe main applications are in the mathematical field.Originality/valueThe paper presents original results on fuzzy topology.
A systems thinking approach for project vulnerability management
Authors: Vidal Ludovic‐Alexandre , Marle Franck 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop the concept of project vulnerability in order to focus on the weaknesses of a project system, instead of focusing on risk evaluation only. The paper concentrates on a systems thinking‐based view to highlight the potentially endangered elements of a project, including its outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThe paper gives a broad state of the art in many scientific domains; a definition of project vulnerability; a description of a project vulnerability management process, including identification, analysis and response plan; and a test on an industrial case study.FindingsThe author's project vulnerability management process permits one to concentrate directly on the existing weaknesses of a project system, which may create potential damages regarding the project values creation. By focusing on this system, response plans may be more adapted to the existing short comings of the project.Research limitations/implicationsSome aspects of the vulnerability definition should be refined, like the concepts of susceptibility or cruciality. Other promising works may focus on the evaluation of the non‐resistance and resilience, notably thanks to the introduction of interdependences which exist in complex projects.Practical implicationsA case study was done on a decision support system (FabACT) developed at Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou Pharmacy department. The aim of this project was to achieve a better balance between the workload and the efficiency of the compounding unit.Originality/valueThe paper presents an innovative way to analyse a project's vulnerability by focusing on its existing weaknesses using a systems thinking‐based approach.
Global human resources (HR) information systems
Authors: Kapoor Bhushan , Sherif Joseph 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to advance information systems, research and strategies to manage global human resources. The influx of diversity candidates into the marketplace is driving the wheels of change. With an increase in minorities and international workforce in advanced education and professional positions, employers are choosing to embrace diversity. Those that successfully make this transition will prosper in this new century and beyond. A culturally diverse workforce provides an enriched environment for the development of new ideas, fresh perspectives and innovative methodologies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses the fact that the increasing prevalence of globalization is driven by a number of factors, including shortage of talent in developed countries, availability of low‐cost labor, growing consumers in developing countries, technological progress and worldwide workforce diversity. Human Resources (HR) departments of global companies must assemble global databases that obtain information such as employee's attrition and hiring, compensation and benefits, ethnic, gender, cultural, and nationality distributions. By applying advanced analytical techniques on the global database, HR professionals will get intelligent business insight, predict changes and make informed decisions at operational and strategic levels.FindingsThe global supply of talent is short of its long‐term demand, and the gap is a challenge for employers everywhere. The shortage between the demand and supply of talent is likely to continue to increase notably for high skilled workers and for the next generation of business executives.Practical implicationsOnly those multinational enterprises willing to adapt their HR practices to the changing global labor market conditions will be able to attract and retain high performing employees. Organizations need to place greater emphasis on attracting human capital in addition to financial capital. Global staffing and management of a workforce diverse in culture and language skills and dispersed in different countries are the key goals of global human resources.Originality/valueThe paper tackles one of the most critical problems of educating multinational enterprises to adapt their HR practices to the changing global labor market conditions. In so doing multinational enterprises will attract, develop and retain high performing employees in order to survive and succeed in the global competition. Management of culturally diverse and geographically dispersed workforce is a key goal of global human resources. It is also critical that businesses not only familiarize with local ways of doing business and understand needs of the local consumers, but also to develop a global mindset, global HR information systems and global HR databases. Global HR will play roles and responsibilities in leading organizations towards openness to cultural diversity.
An application analysis of cluster supply chain: a case study of JCH
Authors: Huang Biqing , Xue Xiao 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to give some theoretical suggestions and practical approaches in support of the implementation of “cluster supply chain” (CSC), which is a new management paradigm and enhances the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through integrating the advantages of supply chain and industrial cluster.Design/methodology/approachA case study of cluster supply chain is carried out applied to JingCheng Mechanical and Electrical Holding Co. Ltd (JCH), which explains the advantages and challenges of implementing the new business pattern. Data presented and analyzed include pre‐CSC and CSC performance of participants.FindingsThe paper clarifies the following questions: When do small firms use cluster supply chain to run a business? How do small firms use cluster supply chain? What effects does the application of CSC strategy have on SMEs' competitive performance?Practical implicationsThe application of CSC strategy can help SMEs to face the global challenges through all kinds of collaborations. Meanwhile, core enterprises can also extend their business at a lower cost by means of this business pattern.Originality/valueThis paper bridges the gap between academic theoretical studies and practical realization through the case study of JCH, which can encourage and lead to managerial ideas and insights to service system realization and avoid deficient or erroneous grounds in the planning, implementation and evaluation of cluster supply chain.
An introduction to alysidal algebra (I)
Authors: Nescolarde‐Selva J. , Vives‐Maciá F. , Usó‐Doménech J.L. , Berend D. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to alysidal algebra. Deontical impure systems are systems whose object set is formed by an s‐impure set, whose elements areperceptuales significances(relative beings) of material and/or energetic objects (absolute beings) and whose relational set is freeways of relations, formed by sheaves of relations going in two‐way directions. Objects and freeways form chains.Design/methodology/approachThe paper looks at the mathematical and logical development of human society structure.FindingsExistence of relations with positive imperative modality (obligation) would constitute the skeleton of the system. Negative imperative modality (prohibition) would be the immunological system of protection of the system. Modality permission the muscular system, that gives the necessary flexibility to the system, in as much to the modality faculty its neurocerebral system, because it allows him to make decisions. Transactions of energy, money, merchandise, population, etc. would be the equivalent one to the sanguineous system. These economic transactions and inferential relations, depend, as well, on the existence of a legislative body with their obligations, prohibitions and permissions that regulate them.Originality/valueThe concepts of alysidal set are introduced, whose elements are chains and coupling function between alysidal sets. Environment is formed as well by different DIS. That is to say, by an alysidal set whose elements are simultaneously systems. Specific interchanges (stimulus‐response) leave certain nodes and act on certain nodes of the alysidal sets (stimulus environment‐DIS‐response environment). The paper defines a special coupling function, denominated gnorpsic function, that can be used for algebraic operations between alysidal sets.
A method for solving nonlinear integro‐differential equations
Authors: Ben Zitoun Feyed , Cherruault Yves 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a method for solving nonlinear integro‐differential equations with constant/variable coefficients and with initial/boundary conditions.Design/methodology/approachThe method converts the given problem into a system of nonlinear algebraic equations. By solving this system, the solution is determined. Comparing the methodology with some known techniques shows that the present approach is simple, easy to use and highly accurate.FindingsThe proposed technique allows an approximate solution in a series form to be obtained. Test problems are solved to illustrate the pertinent features of the method. The accuracy of the numerical results indicates that the technique is efficient and well suited for solving nonlinear integro‐differential equations.Originality/valueThe present approach provides a reliable technique which avoids the tedious work needed by the classical techniques.
Computational resolution of Diophantine equations by means of alpha‐dense curves
Authors: Claudine Bitye Mvondo Esther , Cherruault Yves , Mazza Jean‐Claude 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to use α‐dense curves for solving some Diophantine equations, such as Pythagorean triples, Linear Diophantine equations, the Pell Fermat equation, the Mordell equation for positive values.Design/methodology/approachThe paper's aim is to present the applications in Number Theory of a new method based on α‐dense curves first developed at the beginning of the 1980s by Yves Cherruault and Arthur Guillez. The α‐dense curves generalize the space filling curves (Peanocurves,…) and fractal curves. This technique can be used for solving all problems of operational research in a simple way. The main idea consists in expressing n variables by means of a single one.FindingsApply the method to Number Theory. One of the most important applications is related to global optimization. Multivariable optimization problems coming from operational research or from industry can be quickly and easily solved.Originality/valueThe paper presents a new method based on α‐dense curves for solving Diophantine equations.
Global optimization with alpha‐dense curves: resolution of Boolean equations
Authors: Claudine Bitye Mvondo Esther , Cherruault Yves , Mazza Jean‐Claude 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to use α‐dense curves for solving Boolean equations, 0‐1 integer programming problems such as the shortest path problem or the knapsack problem.Design/methodology/approachThe paper's aim is to present the applications in Boolean algebra and 0‐1 integer programming of a new method based on α‐dense curves first developed at the beginning of the 1980s by Yves Cherruault and Arthur Guillez. The α‐dense curves generalize the space filling curves (Peanocurves,…) and fractal curves. The main idea consists in expressing n variables by means of a single one.FindingsApply the method to Boolean algebra and 0‐1 integer programming.Originality/valueThe paper presents a new method based on α‐dense curves for solving Boolean equations and 0‐1 integer programming problems.
A class of functions whose sum of zeros has bounded real part
Authors: Mora G. , Mora‐Porta G. , Sepulcre J.M. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to introduce a new class of entire functions whose zeros (zk)k≥1satisfy ∑k=1∞Im zk=O(1).Design/methodology/approachThis is done by means of a Ritt's formula which is used to prove that every partial sum of the Riemann Zeta function,ζn(z):=∑k=1n1/kz,n≥2, has zeros (snk)k≥1verifying ∑k=1∞Re snk=O(1) and extending this property to a large class of entire functions denoted byAO.FindingsIt is found that this new classAOhas a part in common with the classAintroduced by Levin but is distinct from it. It is shown that, in particular,AOcontains every partial sum of the Riemann Zeta functionζn(iz) and every finite truncation of the alternating Dirichlet series expansion of the Riemann zeta function,Tn(iz):=∑k=1n(−1)k−1/kiz, for alln≥2.Practical implicationsWith the exception of then=2 case, numerical experiences show that all zeros ofζn(z) andTn(z) are not symmetrically distributed around the imaginary axis. However, the fact consisting of every functionζn(iz) andTn(iz) to be in the classAOimplies the existence of a very precise physical equilibrium between the zeros situated on the left half‐plane and the zeros situated on the right half‐plane of each function. This is a relevant fact and it points out that there is certain internal rule that distributes the zeros ofζn(z) andTn(z) in such a way that few zeros on the left of the imaginary axis and far away from it, must be compensated with a lot of zeros on the right of the imaginary axis and close to it, and vice versa.Originality/valueThe paper presents an original class of entire functions that provides a new point of view to study the approximants and the alternating Dirichlet truncations of the Riemann zeta function.
Robot‐based resistance soldering of optical components
Authors: Gatej Alexander , Pyschny Nicolas , Loosen Peter , Brecher Christian 
Published: March 2012

PurposeLaser systems are becoming more and more a commodity in many fields of application and this is driving a strong trend towards increasingly efficient production technologies and miniaturized products. A central aspect of laser production is the assembly where the majority of cost is due to manual operations. Resistance soldering of optical components is an upcoming technology for automated assembly, especially for high power laser applications. This technology transfers design and packaging concepts from the electronics industry into photonics. The purpose of this paper is to present recent developments in the field of this soldering technology and to show the first experimental results in combination with robot‐based handling.Design/methodology/approachSoldering results were examined by resistance measurements, shear testing and optical analysis of the melting zone.FindingsThe experiments conducted proved the viability of robot‐based automated resistance soldering of optical components. Analyses of current and voltage profiles gave valuable information for process control possibilities without additional sensors and validated the theoretical considerations of the temperature dependency of material properties. Shear testing underlined the necessity for accurate mechanical contact arrangement and opened fields for further process developments.Originality/valueRobot‐based resistance soldering of optical components represents a promising joining technology for the automated assembly of laser systems. Existing solutions with mechanical fixtures hamper the miniaturization of optical systems and concurrently increase material and production costs. Manual and semi‐automated gluing of components is an alternative process with significant disadvantages regarding the robustness of the process and the resulting joint connection.
Developing a model for the bond heel lifetime prediction of thick aluminium wire bonds
Authors: Merkle Lutz , Sonner Marcus , Petzold Matthias 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish a law on the durability of thick aluminium wire bonds in low cycle fatigue for different geometries and wire diameters under a purely mechanical load.Design/methodology/approachBond wires with different geometries were tested with various loads and a mechanical test bench, and their endurance was determined. The same load situation was modelled with finite element analysis and then compared against the experimental results.FindingsA correlation was found between the plastic strain per cycle and the determined lifespan. Therefore, the lifespan can be calculated by mechanical‐plastic simulation for various loop geometries and loading cases.Practical implicationsThe loop height strongly influences the durability of the wire bond, whereas other parameters, such as the loop angle, have a weaker influence on the bond heel lifetime.Originality/valueThe mechanical simulation is able to replace the time‐consuming lifetime experiments.