bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adoption vs acceptance of e‐commerce: two different decisions
Authors: Hernandez Blanca , Jimenez Julio , José Martín M. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe main objective of this paper is to compare the differences that exist between the adoption of e‐commerce by potential purchasers and the acceptance of the channel (re‐purchase decisions) by experienced e‐customers. Therefore, the paper seeks to test the influence of online shopping experience on electronic purchase decisions.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual model, an extended technology acceptance model (TAM), is tested using structural equation modelling techniques. In addition, the variations that exist in e‐customer behaviour are checked using a multi‐sampling analysis.FindingsThe findings show that the influence of self‐efficacy and usefulness increases as the consumer gains online shopping experience. The motivations that lead a potential e‐customer to make a purchase are not the same as those that influence an experienced customer. The paper demonstrates the evolution of customer behaviour and the need to differentiate the perceptions of consumers depending on their level of experience.Practical implicationsThe analysis of e‐customer behaviour is a key issue for the development of e‐retailing. Better knowledge about the evolution of consumer behaviour allows a better management of the e‐customer‐firm relationship (e‐business). Firms should bear in mind the relevant perceptions of e‐customers for each decision.Originality/valueDespite the importance that researchers have attached to studying e‐shopping behaviour, not many papers have considered the existence of different types of decision. In fact, the majority only consider an initial stage of e‐commerce and do not analyse the evolution of e‐customer behaviour and the differences observed with respect to acceptance. The paper fills this gap.
Exploring the drivers, scope and perceived success of e‐commerce strategies in the UK retail sector
Authors: Doherty Neil F. , Ellis‐Chadwick Fiona 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore empirically the relationship between the scope of the e‐commerce strategies currently being deployed by the largest and most influential UK‐based retailers, the drivers for their adoption, and perhaps most importantly the degree to which they are perceived to be successful.Design/methodology/approachThe objectives of this research were addressed by using a quantitative research strategy, based on a postal questionnaire survey of the UK's largest retailers. The research strategy produced a wealth of primary data, which were thoroughly analysed using a variety of multivariate, statistical techniques.FindingsThe study's findings suggest that the scope of the retailers' e‐commerce strategies is strongly associated with the strength of management support behind the strategy and its perceived strategic fit. By contrast, the perceived success of their strategies is most strongly associated with the degree to which the retailer has deployed a portfolio of appropriate resources and capabilities, in support of its online operations.Research limitations/implicationsThe major limitation associated with the study is with respect to the rather disappointing response rate of 10 per cent. However, this level of response is similar to many previous surveys in this domain, and it is probably not surprising, given the commercially sensitive nature of the data. Moreover, the extensive phone‐based follow‐up of non‐respondents has provided an important reassurance that any resultant bias is likely to have only a modest effect on the results.Practical implicationsThe findings highlight that, despite their close relationship, the scope of an e‐commerce strategy and its success are rather different entities, and therefore the factors that affect the scope of adoption cannot be relied on to deliver success. In particular, retailer managers must recognise that, while their support and commitment may well be the impetus necessary to deliver a wide‐ranging strategy, its ultimate success may be dependent on their ability to deploy a suitable portfolio of resources and capabilities.Originality/valueThe study makes a major contribution in a number of ways. It provides one of the first attempts to measure the relationship between the drivers, scope and perceived success of e‐commerce strategies, and, in so doing, it delivers an objective comparison between those factors that affect the scope and the success of e‐commerce strategies. Moreover, important new measures of e‐commerce scope and success have been developed and deployed.
Preparing students for front‐line management
Authors: Clydesdale Greg , Tan John 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper attempts to reduce the gap between management education and practice. It emphasises day‐to‐day decisions that middle and lower level managers make. The purpose is to provide an education framework embodying a flexible approach to interpretation and solution creation, suitable for situations of ambiguity and uncertainty.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the current state of tuition in management decision making, then provides a model that, when combined with practical exercises, helps trainees explore the type of problems managers confront on a daily basis.FindingsThe model guided students to think beyond problem definition to identify possible causes, and to think beyond the solution to the consequences of the solution. Use of class members as an education resource enabled a large number of interpretations of what might otherwise be considered “common sense”.Practical implicationsUndergraduate students often lack management experience but this paper argues that the use of real‐world examples with in‐built ambiguity can help prepare management trainees for a wide range of interpretations and create a mental “tool‐box” to better facilitate flexibility.Originality/valueNon‐routine decision making at lower levels of management is an under‐explored academic activity. In an effort to create future leaders, business schools currently instruct on big issues such as strategy and organisational change. This paper argues that management education needs to prepare trainees for the type of problems they will face on a day to basis. To assist with uncertainty and ambiguity, students do not seek the “right answer”, but explore a broad range of interpretations.
Learning transfer – validation of the learning transfer system inventory in Portugal
Authors: Velada Raquel , Caetano António , Bates Reid , Holton Ed 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the construct validity of learning transfer system inventory (LTSI) for use in Portugal. Furthermore, it also aims to analyze whether LTSI dimensions differ across individual variables such as gender, age, educational level and job tenure.Design/methodology/approachAfter a rigorous translation process that included forward and backward translation, subjective evaluations of the translated items, and pilot testing, the Portuguese version of LTSI was completed by 484 trainees, who attended different kinds of training courses. Two separate exploratory factor analyses were run to analyze the specific and general domains covered by LTSI. An initial analysis with the validated items and a second one with the validated and research items were also completed.FindingsThe results of the initial factor analyses showed a 16‐factor structure that accurately paralleled the 16‐factor structure of the original English version and revealed that this one is the most parsimonious factor structure. Statistically significant differences in some LTSI dimensions were found across gender and education‐level variables.Research limitations/implicationsData were collected through self‐reported measures using a single instrument applied immediately after the training, which might have affected the internal validity of the study. Although this study covered a wide variety of trainees' business areas and types of training, it might be possible that some types of organizations and training were not included in the analysis, thus limiting the generalization of the results to those contexts.Practical implicationsBased on the results of this study, Portuguese companies are now able to develop their training evaluation practices and to assess the training transfer factors through a valid and reliable instrument.Originality/valueThe paper expands LTSI validity in Europe, demonstrating that it has construct validity for use in Portugal.
Providing demonstrable return‐on‐investment for organisational learning and training
Authors: Elliott Michael , Dawson Ray , Edwards Janet 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to present a holistic approach to training, that clearly demonstrates cost savings with improved effectiveness and efficiencies that are aligned to business objectives.Design/methodology/approachExtending Kirkpatrick's evaluation framework with Phillips's return‐on‐investment (ROI) concepts, the paper conveys a number of successes; including trainee satisfaction and the capturing of improved knowledge and skills.FindingsThe paper includes case studies of how, and to what extent this knowledge has been applied with examples of resulting efficiency savings. The paper shows that there is growing agreement that one of the primary drivers, if not the key driver of long‐term organisational effectiveness, is the ability of an organisation to learn effectively. The methodology requires some additional assessment and course preparation to establish a basis from which to demonstrate learning effectiveness. The financial benefits of the applied learning are far greater than the additional preparatory costs.Practical implicationsLearning organisations that anticipate, react to change and learn, are likely to maintain a competitive advantage. These organisations are constantly looking for more effective and efficient ways of training. Paradoxically, other organisations will often slash training budgets in times of hardship, as training departments are unable to demonstrate the effectiveness of their programmes.Originality/valueThe paper presents a practical example of how training should be applied to truly demonstrate its value in the workplace
Particle swarm optimization combined with normative knowledge applied to Loney's solenoid design
Authors: dos Santos Coelho Leandro , Alotto Piergiorgio 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show, on a widely used benchmark problem, that normative knowledge concepts can be incorporated into particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms in order to improve their search ability.Design/methodology/approachNormative knowledge concepts are used within the framework of PSO algorithms in order to influence the cognitive and social components of the particle behaviour.FindingsIt is shown that the proposed algorithm can significantly improve the performance of PSO on the selected benchmark problem, in terms of both best and average solutions.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the chosen benchmark is considered to be representative of typical electromagnetic problems, different test cases may give less satisfactory results.Practical implicationsThe proposed approach appears to be an efficient general purpose stochastic optimizer for electromagnetic design problems.Originality/valueThis paper introduces the use of normative knowledge concepts to control the cognitive and social components of PSO algorithms.
Sorting Pareto solutions: a principle of optimal design for electrical machines
Authors: Di Barba P. , Mognaschi M.E. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to show that the a posteriori analysis of the Pareto front associated with a given design problem facilitates the task of the decision maker and possibly helps to identify innovative solutions. The idea is to investigate the similarities existing among non‐dominated solutions.Design/methodology/approachA permanent‐magnet alternator for automotive applications is considered as case study. The design problem exhibits six design variables and two energy‐related objective functions. A suitable sampling of the objective space is made and non‐dominated solutions, located along an L‐shaped front, are approximated. Results are assessed by means of a successive optimization using NSGA‐II algorithm.FindingsFrom the approximated Pareto front, three optimal devices have been selected and remapped in the design space in order to compare their performance. This is done in terms of iron and copper losses, material costs, rated voltage, and air‐gap induction. Moreover, making the NSGA‐II start from the knee‐point of the front, it is shown that a direct approximation of the two sub‐fronts is possible.Originality/valueIn this paper, a method to sort out the optimal solutions located along the Pareto front is proposed as a possible criterion of decision making; so doing, previously unpredicted solutions might be identified.
Optimization of an axisymmetric linear electromagnetic valve actuator
Authors: Yatchev I. , Gueorgiev V. , Hinov K. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the optimization of a permanent magnet linear actuator with soft magnetic mover for electromagnetic valve. The optimization is carried out with respect to the minimal magnetomotive force ensuring required minimum electromagnetic force on the mover.Design/methodology/approachThree optimization factors are employed. The value of the electromagnetic force and the objective function – the magnetomotive force – are obtained by caring out a full factorial design of experiment. For obtaining the objective function for each parameter combination, nonlinear equation is solved in order to minimize the flux that creates force in backward direction. Thus, several finite element analyses are carried out for each parameter combination. Then, response surface model is created and optimized. The obtained optimal solution is verified again by finite element analysis.FindingsThe paper finds that optimal actuator has been obtained and its force‐stroke characteristics and temperature distribution at steady‐state mode are given.Originality/valueThe valve is optimized by defining optimization function to be the solution of an equation canceling the flux in the nonactive part of the valve.
Optimization of a linear displacement sensor using FEM and secondary model
Authors: Gueorgiev Vultchan , Gergova Zaharinka , Yatchev Ivan 
Published: October 2009

PurposeDifferential sensor for linear displacement has been optimized in terms of linearity and sensitivity. The optimization of the sensor is carried out with respect to its characteristic displacement‐output voltage.Design/methodology/approachResponse surface methodology and design of experiments have been successfully applied for sensor optimization. First, a full factorial experiment – computation of the quasi‐static electromagnetic field of the sensor using the finite element method – has been performed. Secondary model has been created on the basis of finite element results. Then this model has been optimized with respect to two criteria – linearity and sensitivity.FindingsThe mutual influence of both criteria has been studied. In this way an optimal trade‐off between linearity and sensitivity of the sensor was achieved.Research limitations/implicationsRelatively small numbers of optimization criteria have been varied. The results can be further improved by adding additional factors to the study.Originality/valueThe results obtained improve characteristics of this type of sensor and make it low cost alternative to the high‐end linear displacement sensors in low to moderate accuracy applications.
Optimal design of “high magnetic coupling passive loop” for power lines field mitigation
Authors: Canova A. , Giaccone L. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a new concept of passive loop technique called “high magnetic coupling passive loop” (HMCPL) (suitable for buried power lines) along with optimised design parameters.Design/methodology/approachThe optimal design (geometrical displacement and shielding current intensity and phase) for the mitigation of magnetic field produced by flat and trefoil configuration of the power line is carried out by means of genetic algorithm.FindingsDifferent layouts for the source (flat and trefoil configuration) and the shield (introduction of the phase splitting technique) are designed. The optimization parameters are the coordinates of the shield conductors and the transformer ratio of the magnetic core that couple the source and the shield. Moreover, physical constraints as maximum depth of excavation and geometric interference between cables were introduced in the optimization procedure.Originality/valueThe paper deals with a very new technology for field mitigation called HMCPL. Actually, the base layout of the HMCPL does not need an optimal design. On the other hand, in some applications the base layout cannot be used, therefore, the introduction of an optimal design cannot be avoided. In this paper, the optimal design of several configurations is performed showing that the performances of the HMCPL are very interesting even if the base layout cannot be used.
Localisation of buried ferromagnetic objects based on minimum‐norm‐estimations
Authors: Eichardt Roland , Baumgarten Daniel , Di Rienzo Luca , Linzen Sven , Schultze Volkmar , Haueisen Jens 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the localisation of ferromagnetic objects buried in the underground. More specifically, it deals with the reconstruction of the XY‐positions, the depths (Z‐positions), the number, and the extension of the objects based on geomagnetic measurements. This paper introduces a minimum‐norm reconstruction approach and evaluates its performance in a simulation study.Design/methodology/approachA minimum‐L2‐norm estimation based on the truncated singular value decomposition method with lead field weighting is proposed in order to localise geomagnetic sources. The sensor setup and positions are taken from real measurements. The source space is formed by an automatically generated grid. At each grid point, a magneto‐static dipole is assumed.FindingsSources with different depths and XY‐positions could be successfully reconstructed. The proposed approach is not overly sensitive to errors/noise in measurement values and sensor positions.Originality/valueThe approach described in this paper can be used for applications like geoprospection, archaeology, mine clearing, and the clean‐up of former waste deposits.
Semi‐discrete time‐domain sensitivity analysis of electromagnetic field
Authors: Gawrylczyk K.M. , Kugler M. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present sensitivity analysis of electromagnetic fields in the time‐domain.Design/methodology/approachThe method utilizing adjoint models is commonly used to evaluate sensitivity. In connection with widely applied finite element method, the time‐stepping scheme for discretization of time functions is used.FindingsThe proposed semi‐discrete method allows us to obtain time‐domain solution without time‐stepping. For space discretization, the authors use finite elements, as usual. The semi‐discrete method delivers analytical and continuous solution for any given time of analysis, which has a form of exponential functions. In order to obtain an analytical formula, there is necessary the integration of sensitivity equation. The paper finds possible solutions of this problem, either the application of Zassenhaus formula or improvement of commutation properties of two matrices.Research limitations/implicationsDrawback of this method is matrices which are losing their symmetry and are no more banded. All calculations in this work were carried out with fully assigned matrices. Comparison of the efficiency of the semi‐discrete method with classical method shows that, despite the high demand for memory, this method can compete in relation to finite elements with the time‐stepping.Practical implicationsThe resultant gradient information may be used for solving inverse problems, such as optimization of magnetic circuits and identification of material conductivity distributions.Originality/valueThe paper offers compact formula for sensitivity evaluation.
Fractional positive linear systems
Authors: Kaczorek Tadeusz 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce a new class of fractional positive continuous‐time and discrete‐time linear systems.Design/methodology/approachSolutions to the state equations of the fractional systems are given.FindingsNecessary and sufficient conditions are established for the internal and external positivity and of the reachability and controllability to zero of the fractional systems.Originality/valueA method for analysis of the fractional positive linear systems is proposed.
On some properties of even‐symmetric and odd‐symmetric dynamical systems
Authors: Jessa Mieczyslaw 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate new properties of continuous‐ and discrete‐time dynamical systems.Design/methodology/approachFirst, definitions of two types of spatial symmetry are introduced. These are used as definitions, which, along with existing knowledge show that it is possible to identify properties of dynamical systems that were previously unknown.FindingsThe main result of the paper is a new theorem regarding new properties of continuous‐ and discrete‐time dynamical systems.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study provides a starting point for further research on the differences between continuous‐ and discrete‐time dynamical systems. This work builds on the definition of spatial symmetry.Practical implicationsThe theorem proved in this paper and the new properties of dynamical systems can be used to introduce new methods of approximating continuous‐time dynamical systems by discrete‐time dynamical systems and vice versa. Such approaches can also be helpful in constructing chaotic sources to model noise.Originality/valueThis paper offers contributions to the broader discussion of differences between continuous‐ and discrete‐time dynamical systems. In particular, the paper supports the statement that many discrete‐time processes cannot be embedded into continuous ones.
On the controllability to the interval of the system governed by a hyperbolic equation
Authors: Bors Dorota , Majewski Marek 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the sufficient condition for the controllability to the interval of the system defined by a nonlinear hyperbolic equation.Design/methodology/approachThe proof of the main theorem is based on the Miranda theorem which is a generalization of the Bolzano‐Weierstrass theorem.FindingsIn the course of the work, it was found that under some assumptions a system is controllable to the interval with the aid of controls from the oblique interval spanned by the given controls. In the end of the paper, an example illustrating the proposed method is derived.Originality/valueThis paper illustrates a procedure for finding a control which steers the system defined by a nonlinear hyperbolic equation to a given state.