bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring trust vis‐à‐vis reliance in business relationships
Authors: Jiang Zhizhong , Henneberg Stephan C. , Naudé Peter 
Published: September 2010

PurposeTo overcome the limitations of applying trust in interorganizational relationships, this paper aims to investigate the significant role of interorganizational reliance in business relationships and develop an original scale to measure this new construct.Design/methodology/approachA total of 20 in‐depth interviews with buying firms were conducted in the UK construction industry. The contents of the interviews were analyzed with NVivo to examine the rational standards underlying the buyer‐supplier exchange relationship.FindingsTrust is a relevant but not in itself a sufficient condition for the development and sustaining of buyer‐supplier relationships. The objective rationality requires that business relationships are centred on organizational needs and benefits which necessitate the rational standard of interorganizational reliance. Reliance remains to be central in business relationships despite low or lack of trust.Research limitations/implicationsFocusing on the construction industry, this paper evaluates the current status of trust and develops an understanding of interorganizational reliance in business relationships.Practical implicationsThe generic use of the term of trust has obscured the meaning and significance of reliance in business relationships. Marketing researchers should put necessary attention and efforts to explore the distinct features and effects of reliance in exchange relationships between organizations.Originality/valueThe paper empirically examines the deficiencies in trust, and demonstrates the significance of reliance in buyer‐supplier relationships. An original measure for the new construct of reliance is also developed through interviews with key informants.
Niche marketing and strategic capabilities: an exploratory study of specialised firms
Authors: Toften Kjell , Hammervoll Trond 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe limited academic literature available on niche marketing has mainly focused on market‐specific factors, and the discussion has in particular centred on the characteristics of what a niche is and what causes it to exist. In an attempt to fill this gap in the literature, the purpose of this paper is to identify the strategic capabilities of niche firms.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, aspects regarding niche marketing and strategic capability are identified and briefly discussed with reference to the existing literature. Next, the methodology for the research at hand is presented, followed by a discussion of its findings. The paper then continues with the conclusion of this research, followed by pinpointing some of its limitations and providing recommendations for future research.FindingsAll the investigated case firms follow a focused differentiation strategy to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. The focus aspect of the niche firms' strategy is mirrored in the reported narrow geographic market focus, which could be limited to only one country, a limited number of customers – one sole customer in one case – or a limited number of customer types. With regard to strategic capabilities, the results were rather similar across cases, particularly for each pair of case firms within similar sectors (wine, organic salmon, and stockfish). From the case firms' point of view, it is clear that having access to high‐quality raw material is critical to their strategy of delivering high‐quality products. Finally, many of the identified resources and competences appear rather static, or fixed over several years.Originality/valueThe strategic capabilities as identified in this paper can be described and placed at different stages within the firms' value chains. Each stage has its own set of important strategic capabilities. These stages are: inbound logistics, production or refinement, and marketing and sales.
Internal marketing: service quality in leisure services
Authors: Yang Hua , Coates Nigel 
Published: September 2010

PurposeIt has been accepted that enhancing the satisfaction of employees, especially customer‐contact employees is important as they can significantly and positively influence customers' satisfaction. In order to improve satisfaction of customer contact employees – caddies in Chinese golf clubs, this paper explores the internal service quality of caddy managers' encounters with caddies from a dyadic perspective (the view of caddy managers and of caddies).Design/methodology/approachA qualitative multiple‐case study methodology was adopted; using critical incident interviews to collect the data. In order to make sense of the data, narrative analysis is used to interpret favourable and unfavourable stories that are related by participants and why the storytellers told the stories in such a way.FindingsNine dimensions were found to construct the internal service quality of caddy mangers in internal service encounters between caddies and caddy managers. They are reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, communication, consideration, fairness, recognition and flexibility.Practical implicationsThe outcome of this research can help the management team to better manage the internal service encounters between managers and caddies in order to improve caddies' satisfaction during service encounters. It can assist Chinese golf clubs in recruiting and training caddy managers.Originality/valueThis research extended the service quality framework to the Chinese golf industry. There have been no previous studies conducted in this sector.
Opportunities and threats for competitors in product‐harm crises
Authors: Siomkos George , Triantafillidou Amalia , Vassilikopoulou Aikaterini , Tsiamis Ioannis 
Published: September 2010

PurposeProduct‐harm crises have become an almost familiar phenomenon in today's business environment as technology becomes more vulnerable. Even if a product‐harm crisis is associated with the company that manufactured the defective product, the entire industry may be affected. Not only consumers of the affected company, but also consumers of competitors are affected by the crisis. The paper seeks to deal mainly with the situation of competitors and examines the potential opportunities and threats that may arise when another company in the same industry faces a product‐harm crisis.Design/methodology/approachFor the purposes of this paper, an experiment was conducted that relied on four important influential factors of crisis management (i.e. corporate reputation, crisis scope, external effects, and organisational responses). The crisis was described through a hypothetical scenario. Consumer attitudes towards competitive products were used to determine impending prospects and threats.FindingsThe paper's results demonstrate that consumers are very receptive in buying competitor brands, especially when the extent of the crisis was medium or high and the company involved in the crisis had shown low levels of social responsibility.Originality/valuePrevious research studies on crisis management mainly focus on the affected company and how it confronted the crisis. The paper approaches crisis management from the competitor's perspective. Because a crisis may influence the entire sector, adequate preparation and effective crisis management skills are essential assets for competitors.
Perceived environmental uncertainty's effect on commitment in business‐to‐business channels
Authors: Harrison Jennifer L. , Kelly Stephen J. 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test the null hypothesis that there is no significant association between perceived environmental uncertainty (PEU) and a three component conceptualisation of commitment.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from owner/managers of community pharmacy businesses in New South Wales, Australia, with 268 responses analysed by confirmatory factor analysis to test a measurement model for each construct and a structural model to test the paper's hypothesis.FindingsThe hypothesis was partially supported with results indicating that greater PEU is associated with lower instrumental and normative commitment. The association with affective commitment was more complex. No direct association with PEU was evident, however a standardised indirect effect was identified.Research limitations/implicationsThe primary theoretical implications are that commitment in business‐to‐business channels is evidently affected by PEU, suggesting in part that PEU is likely to have a moderating effect on previously identified antecedents of commitment – including power, idiosyncratic investments, interdependence, trust, and conflict. For practitioners, the implications include the complication that PEU is a relative concept felt by various agents in a market to varying extents. As such, a supplier may benefit by maintaining a watching brief on PEU within a given channel and consider altering the channel strategy to either manage PEU and/or maintain commitment.Originality/valueThe findings provide original evidence that PEU is an antecedent of commitment with no other studies examining this relationship identified. The value lays both in the theoretical and practical implications highlighted in the paper.
Faith‐based and sin portfolios
Authors: Perez Liston Daniel , Soydemir Gökçe 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate relative portfolio performance between sin stock returns and faith‐based returns.Design/methodology/approachSimilar to Hong and Kacperczyk, Jensen's alpha was utilized to conduct tests along with three asset‐pricing models and rolling regression technique to reveal that faith‐based and sin betas move in opposite directions during most of the sample period.FindingsNorm‐neglect was found, in that Jensen's alpha is positive and significant for the sin portfolio. Further, evidence in favor of norm‐conforming investor behavior was found, where Jensen's alpha is negative and significant for the faith‐based portfolio. These findings provide evidence that the sin portfolio outperforms the faith‐based portfolio relative to the market. A rolling regression technique reveals that faith‐based and sin betas tend to move in opposite directions during most of the sample period. The evidence suggests that faith‐based beta has an average estimated beta of one, mimicking the market. The sin portfolio, however, has an average estimated beta of one‐half. Finally, the reward‐to‐risk measure, Sharpe ratio, is statistically higher for the sin portfolio relative to the faith‐based portfolio.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature in the following distinct ways. First, three asset‐pricing models are estimated to examine Jensen's alpha for sin and faith‐based portfolios. Second, a rolling regression procedure is used to examine the dynamic behavior relative to the market of the sin and faith‐based portfolios. Third, use is made of the Jobson and Korkie test, which allows for statistical comparisons of Sharpe ratios. Lastly, daily instead of monthly data and a different sample period are used to examine the research questions posed in this study.
Numerical pulse test for synchronous machines
Authors: Mäkelä Olli , Repo Anna‐Kaisa , Arkkio Antero 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose the numerical pulse test for the parameter estimation of the synchronous machine models.Design/methodology/approachIn order to generate data for the parameter estimation, the numerical pulse test was utilized. This test was implemented within the two‐dimensional finite element analysis (FEA). From the test data, the parameters of the equivalent circuit model were estimated. The differential evolution algorithm was used to minimize the cost function.FindingsThe equivalent circuit model with the estimated values of the parameters matches well with the data generated by the FEA. Thus, the equivalent circuit model with the parameters estimated represents the behavior of the machine accurately.Originality/valuePreviously, the numerical pulse test for synchronous machines has not been introduced. The numerical pulse test takes the real operation point of the machine into account. In the test, phenomena like the changing permeability distribution and the eddy‐currents in the damper bars (windings) are considered unlike in the standardized standstill frequency response test.
Computer models of 3D magnetic microfibres used in textile actuators
Authors: Wiak Sławomir , Firych‐Nowacka Anna , Smółka Krzysztof 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the idea of designing and manufacturing intelligent clothes with magnetic fibres. The main goal of the research is to create the universal generator of computer structural models for whole bundles of magnetic microfibres.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the algorithm of magnetic microfibers computer modelling. It covers both finite element method (FEM) and reluctance network method. This paper deals with creating 3D computer structural models of magnetic microfibres, which could be introduced as the textile magnetic sensors or actuators. Because of very complicated 3D microfibres structure, it is hoped that the quickest possible method can be found to solve the problem.FindingsThe results focus on the methodology presented in the paper which can be implemented in building 3D equivalent B/H curve of the microfibers set by using the field method – combining reluctance network method and FEM. Defining the proper magnetic B/H curves of magnetic fibres will enable the production of smart and resistant clothes.Originality/valueFirst, the paper presents the original idea of modelling magnetic microfibres by use of the reluctance network method. So far, there are only measurements characteristics of B/H curve of magnetic microfibres. The paper proposes an innovatory way of determining magnetic microfibres parameters. This universal computer models allows for evaluation of a limiting value of magnetization (magnetic permeability, etc.).
Transient thermal field modelling
Authors: Bolte Ekkehard , Kipp Burghard 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a thermal model for apparatus and assemblies, especially electrical drives, capable of predicting the temperature distribution under steady state or transient operational conditions.Design/methodology/approachStarting from Fourier's partical differential equation, the regions of interest are represented by lumped parameters, i.e. by R, C‐networks, and the heat flow is modelled by a system of non‐linear ordinary differential equations. Thus, the thermal equivalent circuit model is established. Next step is an analytical approach to predict the temperature functions in the considered sub‐regions. The presented analysis is validated by a benchmark example and by measurements.FindingsThe usefulness of the model is demonstrated by means of benchmark calculations and comparisons with measurements. It is relevant to the design stage as well as to the performance prediction, particularly with respect to on‐line control techniques.Research limitations/implicationsThe accuracy of the model would benefit from further research into the mathematical representation of the heat flow by thermal resistances and capacitances, particularly taking into account the temperature dependency.Practical implicationsThe paper presents a valuable tool for engineers involved in temperature problems.Originality/valueEfficient analytical thermal analysis is presented in this paper, taking into account a large number of potentially non‐linear elements (sub‐regions).
Skin effect experimental validations of induction motor squirrel cage parameters
Authors: Boglietti Aldo , Cavagnino Andrea , Ferraris Luca , Lazzari Mario 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe paper deals with the experimental validations of the corrective coefficient used to take into account the skin effect in the equivalent circuit rotor resistance of induction motors with squirrel cages.Design/methodology/approachLocked rotor tests have been performed at several supply frequencies on different induction motors; the collected experimental data have been used to validate the rotor parameters analytical estimation obtained by means of a numerical procedure previously proposed by the authors.FindingsThe reported analyses regard both open and closed rotor slots. For frequencies up to 80‐100 Hz, the reported comparison between experimental and calculated skin effect corrective coefficients shows that the adopted model allows to get satisfactory results in terms of accuracy, lower than 3 percent for open rotor slot machines. The upper frequency limit has to be judged taking into account the objective difficulties to estimate accurate values of the rotor parameters from experimental tests.Practical implicationsThe proposed algorithm can be easily implemented and added to self‐made induction motor design software tools.Originality/valueThe proposed procedure allows the computation of the skin effect in induction motor squirrel cage without the use of finite element method approaches.
Numerical modeling of the coupled electromagnetic and thermal fields in the controlled solidification process
Authors: Nagy Ştefan , Leuca Teodor , Mich Claudiu 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the numerical modeling of the coupled electromagnetic and thermal fields for the controlled solidification process of non‐ferrous alloys.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a numerical modeling program for the controlled solidification process modeling to allow visualization of the model and collection of the data. The data are then processed using spreadsheets in order to obtain graphic representations for the variations of the measured values.FindingsThe probes cast using this method will have a uniform structure, without micro‐fissures. If the solid part growth of the molten is controlled, the process can be stopped that creates solidification centers, thus the material structure will be homogenous. A solution for this matter is given by the control of the solidification structure using forced heating of the liquid part with eddy currents and forced cooling of the solid part. The evolution of the area with eddy currents and the cooled one controls the phase transformation.Originality/valueIt is presented here a computation method for the thermal field diffusion and the results of the numerical modelling of the thermal and electromagnetic fields during casting process with controlled solidification layer for the non‐ferrous alloys.
Thermal analysis of a high‐energy density pre‐biased choke
Authors: Wrobel Rafal , McNeill Neville , Mellor Phil H. 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe main limit of an electromagnetic design lies in its thermal performance. Accurate prediction of the temperature within a new device is therefore very desirable. The purpose of this paper is to present an accurate method of predicting temperature that has been applied for design of a high‐energy density choke.Design/methodology/approachThe thermal analysis has been carried out using initially a two‐dimensional (2D) finite element method (FEM) and then a thermal lumped parameter network. The heat flow within the network was informed from the 2D FEM analysis.FindingsThe presented lumped parameter thermal model of the high‐energy density choke has been experimentally validated and shows good agreement with the test data. The high‐energy density equal to 0.49 J/kg is demonstrated as a result of the improved thermal management and permanent magnet biasing.Practical implicationsThe results show a 1.75 increase of the energy density for the new choke design as compared with more conventional design. The low weight and volume of such components are desirable in many applications including automotive and aerospace.Originality/valueThe presented method allows for fast temperature predictions that can be used in design and optimisation of high‐energy density inductors.
Calculation of load‐dependent equivalent circuit parameters of squirrel cage induction motors using time‐harmonic FEM
Authors: Stermecki Andrej , Bíró Oszkár , Preis Kurt , Rainer Siegfried , Krischan Klaus , Ofner Georg 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to define a time‐efficient numerical procedure for the extraction of load‐dependent equivalent circuit (EC) parameters of induction machines. The parameters are determined for every operating point, thus their variation due to skin effect and material saturation under arbitrary load condition is taken into consideration.Design/methodology/approachTwo methods are presented and compared. The first one is based on the numerical simulation of the standard measurement process, yielding an EC with constant parameters. A time‐harmonic finite element analysis is applied in the second method to calculate the load‐dependent EC parameters. Material linearization and the superposition principle for the magnetic flux are employed to define the leakage inductances.FindingsA distinct load dependence of all EC parameters has been proven as well as the clear disparity between stator and rotor leakage inductances. These effects can only be taken accurately into account by the EC obtained by the second numerical procedure proposed.Originality/valueThe presented method successfully overcomes typical problems of the measurement process and of the standard numerical procedure for EC parameter estimation, thus the obtained EC parameters are load‐dependent while the physical interpretation of the variables and parameters remains straightforward. Hence, the paper of the internal machine variables is enabled.
Separation of saliency information for speed sensorless detection of induction machines flux and rotor position
Authors: Wolbank Thomas M. , Metwally Mohamed K. 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe an effective method to eliminate or substantially reduce the modulation harmonics due to saturation and inter‐modulation for sensorless speed control induction motor drives at low and zero speed with high loads using artificial neural networks (ANNs).Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the separation of the saturation signal, the slotting signal, and the inter‐modulation signal components in squirrel cage induction machines operating at low and zero frequency using ANNs has been experimentally implemented and measurement results are given.FindingsThe measurement results show the advantages of the application of the proposed technique at low and zero speed sensorless control even at high load levels.Originality/valueThe paper describes an effective method of eliminating or reducing modulation harmonics in induction motor drives.