bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computation of radiative transfer in combustion systems
Authors: Viskanta Raymond 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to review the literature on methods for solving the radiative transfer equation (RTE) and integrating the radiant energy quantities over the spectrum required to predict the flow, the flame and the thermal structures in chemically reacting and radiating combustion systems.Design/methodology/approachThe focus is on methods that are fast and compatible with the numerical algorithms for solving the transport equations using the computational fluid dynamics techniques. In the methods discussed, the interaction of turbulence and radiation is ignored.FindingsThe overview is limited to four methods (differential approximation, discrete ordinates, discrete transfer, and finite volume) for predicting radiative transfer in multidimensional geometries that meet the desired requirements. Greater detail in the radiative transfer model is required to predict the local flame structure and transport quantities than the global (total) radiation heat transfer rate at the walls of the combustion chamber.Research limitations/implicationsThe RTE solution methods and integration of radiant energy quantities over the spectrum are assessed for combustion systems containing only the infra‐red radiating gases and gas particle mixtures. For strongly radiating (i.e. highly sooting) and turbulent flows the neglect of turbulence/radiation interaction may not be justified.Practical implicationsMethods of choice for solving the RTE and obtaining total radiant energy quantities for practical combustion devices are discussed.Originality/valueThe paper has identified relevant references that describe methods capable of accounting for radiative transfer to simulate processes arising in combustion systems.
Multidimensional modeling of two‐phase flow and heat transfer
Authors: Podowski Michael Z. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to discuss a mechanistic modeling concept for local phenomena governing two‐ and multi‐phase flows and heat transfer.Design/methodology/approachAn overview is given of selected issues concerning the formulation of multidimensional models of two‐phase flow and heat transfer. A complete computational multiphase fluid dynamics (CMFD) model of two‐phase flow is presented, including local constitutive models applicable to two‐phase flows in heated channels. Results are shown of model testing and validation.FindingsIt has been demonstrated that the overall model is capable of capturing various local flow and heat transfer phenomena in general, and the onset of temperature excursion (CHF) in low quality forced‐convection boiling, in particular.Research limitations/implicationsWhereas the multiphase model formulation is applicable to a large class of problems, geometries and operating conditions, the closure laws and results are focused on forced‐convection boiling in heated channels.Practical implicationsThe proposed approach can be used to predict multidimensional velocity field and phase distribution in two‐phase flow devices and components used in thermal power plants, nuclear power plants and chemical processing plants.Originality/valueA complete mechanistic multidimensional model of forced‐convection boiling in heated channels is given. The potential of a CMFD approach is demonstrated to perform virtual experiments that can be used in system design and optimization, and in safety analysis.
Boundary element method for thermal flows using k‐ε turbulence models
Authors: Ramšak Matjaž , Škerget Leopold 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to develop a multidomain boundary element method (BEM) for modeling 2D complex turbulent thermal flow using low Reynolds two‐equation turbulence models.Design/methodology/approachThe integral boundary domain equations are discretised using mixed boundary elements and a multidomain method also known as a subdomain technique. The resulting system matrix is an overdetermined, sparse block banded and solved using a fast iterative linear least squares solver.FindingsThe simulation of a turbulent flow over a backward step is in excellent agreement with the finite volume method using the same turbulent model. A grid consisting of over 100,000 elements could be solved in the order of a few minutes using a 3.0 Ghz P4 and 1 GB memory indicating good efficiency.Originality/valueThe paper shows, for the first time, that the BEM is applicable to thermal flows using k‐ε.
National and firm competitiveness: a general research model
Authors: Chikán Attila 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for connecting macro‐ and micro‐level research on competitiveness.Design/methodology/approachBased on some major international survey research reports (by the WEF, IMD, OECD, and the EU) and research experience, a gap is described between national and firm level competitiveness studies. A reasoning why filling this gap is discussed and a general research model connecting the two levels by using Porter's diamond model is developed.FindingsBy using appropriate definitions of national and firm competitiveness and the diamond model a meaningful connection of the two levels can be created, which is useful both for connecting recent research results and as a foundation for further research.Research limitations/implicationsThough the model is based on actual research experiences, its real value will become apparent after having it applied in concrete projects. This process is ongoing.Practical implicationsThe model is a very useful tool in analysing real world situations, from economic policy issues to strategic management.Originality/valueThe paper is a result of extended research on competitiveness and provides a new model for further analyses in a very important field.
Consequences of the new information and communication technologies for growth, productivity and employment
Authors: Hagemann Harald 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the high rates of economic growth of the US economy and the remarkable acceleration of productivity growth since the mid‐1990s which is widely attributed to the modern information and communication technologies (ICTs).Design/methodology/approachAfter identifying three key factors for Solow's productivity puzzle and examining ICTs as a general purpose technology, three main channels of ICTs' impact in the economy are discussed: the first transmission channel is direct and consists of the effects generated by rapid technical progress within the ICT‐capital goods producing sector. The second one is due to the increasing accumulation and application of ICT goods and services in the user sectors. ICTs' positive spillover effects comprise the third transmission channel, i.e. they lead to “disembodied” increases in efficiency in the sense of “learning by doing” in the end‐user sector.FindingsThe diffusion of ICTs requires investment in all industries, i.e. the improvement of competitiveness on the macro level is strongly linked to investment activities and skill qualifications on the micro level.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper concludes with some comparisons between the US and the German economy where the acute need for infrastructure investment in East Germany in the 1990s limited the possibilities for investment in ICTs exactly at a time of high‐technological dynamism at the start of an upswing of a new Kondratieff cycle. Although some comparisons with the EU are made the impact of ICTs in other countries except the USA and Germany is not discussed more intensively.Practical implicationsA very useful source of information for graduate students and policy makers alike on the theoretical and empirical impact of new technologies on economic development.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an information need for comparing growth in international perspective.
Benchmarking the knowledge competitiveness of the globe's high‐performing regions
Authors: Huggins Robert , Izushi Hiro 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the way in which the knowledge competitiveness of regions is measured and further introduces the World Knowledge Competitiveness Index (WKCI) benchmarking tool.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology consists of an econometric analysis of key indicators relating to the concept of knowledge competitiveness for 125 regions from across the globe consisting of 55 representatives from North America, 45 from Europe and 25 from Asia and Oceania.FindingsThe key to winning the super competitive race in the knowledge‐based economy is investment in the future: research and development, and education and training. It is found that the majority of the high‐performing regional economies in the USA have a knowledge competitive edge over their counterparts in Europe and Asia.Research limitations/implicationsTo an extent, the research is limited by the availability of comparable indicators and metrics at the regional level that extend across the globe. Whilst comparative data are often accessible at the national level, regional data sources remain underdeveloped.Practical implicationsThe WKCI has become internationally recognized as an important instrument for economic development policymakers and regional investment promotion agents as they create and refine their strategies and targets. In particular, it has provided a benchmark that allows regions to compare their knowledge competitiveness with other regions for around the world and not only their own nation or continent.Originality/valueThe WKCI is the first composite and relative measure of the knowledge competitiveness of the globe's best performing regions.
Relative competitiveness of 31 mainland China provinces and states of India and ten economies of Association of South East Asian Nations
Authors: Giap Tan Khee , Yam Tan Kong , Chen Kang 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe paper is a pioneering attempt to study the relative competitiveness of Association of South East Asian Nations – ASEAN‐10, 31 provinces of mainland China and 35 states of India by disaggregate approach vis‐à‐vis ranking and simulation studies.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed methodology is based on the standard ranking adopted by the World Competitive Yearbook but redefines a relevant set of data matrix consisting of 101 indicators to better reflect local conditions and characteristics of local economies. Under the proposed methodological approach, the basis of ranking is the standardized value (STD), and first the 31 economies' average for each indicator were computed following which the standard deviation was calculated. STD was computed by subtracting the 31 economies' average from an economy's original value and then dividing the result by the standard deviation.FindingsThe empirical findings revealed the specific shifts in relative competitiveness between China and India over decades and over four different environments, namely economics, government‐institutions, business social categories. It was found that competitive provinces for China are concentrated along the eastern coastal region, whereas more competitive states of India are well distributed across the Indian continent. This implies that the Chinese government needs to play a more pro‐active role in drawing foreign direct investment to less developed western, central and north eastern China by way of infrastructure development, tax incentives and investment in education in those regions. Studies further revealed that Vietnam is a rapid rising economy drawing closer towards Thailand while Indonesia and Philippines are deteriorating within the ten Associate of Southeast Asian Nations. Based on these empirical findings, comparative strategies and cooperation for growth and development amongst China, India and ASEAN were drawn.Originality/valueThe fundamental raison d'être of this study stems from the desire to address an area of research gap previously overlooked. Most international studies on competitiveness rankings to date either ranked economies across the globe and/or by population sizes. One of the critical issues in emerging economies of Asia is the uneven regional development, especially the urban‐rural growth disparity amongst local economies of China and India. Through competitiveness ranking of vast and diverse economies such as China, India and ASEAN‐10.
Export competitiveness and the catch‐up process of Hungary (1996‐2001)
Authors: Török Ádám 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the development of export competitiveness of Hungary and other new member countries of the EU (NMEs) prior to their accession. It also makes a contribution to the methodology of competitiveness measurement. It links competitiveness analysis to so‐called eclectic trade theories trying to synthesise different approaches to comparative advantage.Design/methodology/approachIntroductory theoretical remarks are followed by a survey of various techniques to measure competitiveness. It defines “fields of competitiveness” in order to gauge Hungary's relative positions vis‐à‐vis her main export competitors. The analysis of export competitiveness of these countries in their main markets within the EU‐15 is based on market shares between 1996 and 2001.FindingsThe most advanced economies of the sample including Spain, Hungary, Slovenia and the Czech Republic showed a “neo‐technological” type of competitiveness development. The “Heckscher‐Ohlin” path based on cheap labour and mass technologies was followed by Portugal, Poland or Turkey for example. The “Ricardian” path with a great degree of reliance on natural resources could be observed in the case of Ukraine and Bulgaria.Originality/valueThe paper makes a contribution to three fields of economics: the economics of transition, competitiveness analysis and trade theory. It proves that the catch‐up process of the NMEs brought about significant changes in their patterns of specialisation and competitiveness which is a feature of transition hitherto neglected by literature. Furthermore, it provides a proof to the so‐called eclectic model of trade theory introduced by Hirsch in the 1970s.
Five ways to transform a business
Authors: Bjelland Osvald M. , Chapman Wood Robert 
Published: May 2008

PurposeFor half a century, experts have offered leaders a standard model of how to transform organizations. It involves unfreezing them, developing a clear picture of the future, managing to make the picture a reality, and then changing systems to support the new ways. However, studies have shown that transformation does not always follow this script. This paper aims to look at four alternatives.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviews more than 50 well documented transformations and compares them to both the standard model and non‐mainstream ideas about transformationFindingsThe paper offers a guide to five distinct, reproducible ways of radically altering organizations: the standard model process (“holism”), transformation through the ambidextrous form, transformation through acquisition/restructuring, the Collins “Good‐to‐great” process, an improvisational transformation process. Hybrid approaches are discussed.Research limitations/implicationsProviding a comprehensive guide to corporate transformation is a problematic undertaking. The authors could not review every case study of transformation, so they cannot say with certainty that their list of documented transformation methods is all‐inclusive. However, their survey gave them good reason to believe these are the five best‐documented transformation processes.Practical implicationsThe paper explains the important advantages of each approach to transformation that make it appropriate for particular purposes.Originality/valueWhen organizations need radical change, leaders need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of all five well‐documented alternative paths to transformation.
What lies beneath? Financial reporting and corporate governance in Australian banks
Authors: Abraham Anne , Deo Hemant , Irvine Helen 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to focus on a number of unexpected disclosures by major Australian banks, to highlight the subjectivity of financial reports and their failure to present an accurate portrayal of the underlying realities, and to propose that corporate governance disclosures are required to provide reassurance that financial reports are trustworthy.Design/methodology/approachMouck's institutional framework of financial regulation portrays financial reporting as a “game” played within a set of rules. It provides insights about the subjectivity of financial reports which are illustrated with archival evidence from banks' reports and activities.FindingsThe banks' financial reports were shown, in the light of later revelations, to portray an unrealistic view of their operations. Disclosures about corporate governance practices play a strong legitimising role, enhancing perceptions that financial reports correspond with organisational realities.Research limitations/implicationsThis study considers a narrow population of companies within one industry. By extending the focus, greater evidence could be provided that accounting standards and financial reporting requirements have lost their connection with business practices.Practical implicationsIn spite of financial reporting reforms, financial reports are becoming less reflective of companies' activities and performance. This questions the usefulness of accounting standards, and the effectiveness of regulatory systems. Future reforms to accounting standards need to address these issues.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates the contention that the financial reports of several Australian banks fail to match the realities that lie beneath is really a broader challenge to the usefulness and credibility of Australia's system of financial reporting and regulation.
Implementation of activity based costing in Malaysia
Authors: Abdul Majid Jamaliah , Sulaiman Maliah 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe study aims to document and highlight the problems and benefits of implementing activity‐based costing (ABC) in two companies in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachA case study methodology was used to describe the process of ABC implementation in a Malaysian based multinational company as well as a Malaysian multinational company.FindingsAlthough ABC is not widely adopted by companies in Malaysia, it is recognized as a valuable tool to improve the performance of these two companies. Additionally, many of the problems that hinder the implementation of ABC are related to managerial factors rather than the technical aspects of the tool itself. Several factors are pertinent to ensure the success of ABC: top management support, simplifying the ABC implementation process, sourcing suitable ABC software, and finally, ensuring that all affected employees understand and actively support the implementation process.Originality/valueThe findings have significant implications for companies that want to embark on ABC. The problems highlighted may help companies planning to adopt ABC in the near future to better address these issues.
Corporate governance determinants on Australian resource companies' financial instrument disclosure practices
Authors: Taylor Grantley , Tower Greg , Van Der Zahn Mitchell , Neilson John 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to investigate the corporate governance determinants of financial instrument disclosure (FID) practices of Australian listed resource firms in their annual reports for the 2005 financial year. This is an important time period to explain FID patterns for Australian resource companies leading up to formal adoption of the Australian equivalents to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).Design/methodology/approachThe extent of FID was measured using a Financial Instrument Disclosure Index (FIDI) comprised of 120 items of both mandatory and discretionary financial instrument information. Hypothesis testing used empirical data from a representative sample of Australian listed resource firms.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of regression analysis demonstrate that corporate governance characteristics of firms are significant determinants of FID patterns. Univariate and multivariate results showed that FIDs were significantly and positively associated with strength of corporate governance structure and the control variables – leverage, firm size and industry.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to an emerging paradigm that emphasises the link between firms' governance structures and their disclosure responses to financial instruments and in particular, financial derivatives.
Freeform fabrication and characterization of Zn‐air batteries
Authors: Malone Evan , Berry Megan , Lipson Hod 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe paper's aim is to show the development of materials and methods which allow freeform fabrication of macroscopic Zn‐air electrochemical batteries. Freedom of geometric design may allow for new possibilities in performance optimization.Design/methodology/approachThe authors have formulated battery materials which are compatible with solid freeform fabrication (SFF) while retaining electrochemical functionality. Using SFF processes, they have fabricated six Zn‐air cylindrical batteries and quantitatively characterized them and comparable commercial batteries. They analyze their performance in light of models from the literature and they also present SFF of a flexible two‐cell battery of unusual geometry.FindingsUnder continuous discharge to 0.25 V/cell with a 100 Ω load, the cylindrical cells have a specific energy and power density in the range of 40‐70 J/g and 0.4‐1 mW/cm2, respectively, with a mass range of 8‐18 g. The commercial Zn‐air button cells tested produce 30‐750 J/g and 7‐9 mW/cm2 under the same conditions, and have a mass range of 0.2‐2 g. The two‐cell, flexible Zn‐air battery produces a nominal 2.8 V, open‐circuit.Research limitations/implicationsThe freeform‐fabricated batteries have ∼10 percent of the normalized performance of the commercial batteries. High‐internal contact resistance, loss of electrolyte through evaporation, and inferior catalyst reagent quality are possible causes of inferior performance. Complicated material preparation and battery fabrication processes have limited the number of batteries fabricated and characterized, limiting the statistical significance of the results.Practical implicationsPerformance enhancement will be necessary before the packaging efficiency and design freedom provided by freeform‐fabricated batteries will be of practical value.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates a multi‐material SFF system, material formulations, and fabrication methods which together allow the fabrication of complete functional Zn‐air batteries. It provides the first quantitative characterization of completely freeform‐fabricated Zn‐air batteries and comparison to objective standards, and shows that highly unusual, functional battery designs incorporating flexibility, multiple cells, and unusual geometry may be freeform fabricated.