bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new MPPT method for photovoltaic systems used for hydrogen production
Authors: Tafticht T. , Agbossou K. , Doumbia M.L. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeIn most maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods described in the literature, the optimal operating point of the PV systems is estimated by linear approximations. These approximations can reduce considerably the performances of the PV systems. This paper seeks to provide comparative analyses of different MPPT methods used in photovoltaic (PV) systems and proposes a new approach that uses a nonlinear expression of the optimal voltage in combination with perturbation and observation (P&O) methods.Design/methodology/approachFirst, an analytical model for determining the nonlinear PV optimal operating point is detailed and each equation is explained. Second, a combination of the new method with P&O method is proposed to reduce the PV losses.FindingsThe simulation results showed that the approach improves clearly the tracking efficiency of the maximum power available at the PV modules output. The implementation of this new method will improve PV systems energy production rate and its long‐term storage in hydrogen form.Practical implicationsThe simulation results showed that the new approach improves the MPP's tracking efficiency of the PV system on average at 92 percent. The implementation of the developed approach in a PV system with hydrogen storage increased the energy transfer from PV modules to the electrolyzer.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a new approach to determine the maximum power point (MPP) from the measurement of the open circuit voltage of PV modules. A nonlinear expression of the optimal voltage was developed and is used in combination with P&O methods. The proposed approach largely improves the performance of the MPP tracking of the PV systems.
Vibration damping with piezoelectric actuators for electrical motors
Authors: Mininger Xavier , Gabsi Mohamed , Lécrivain Michel , Lefeuvre Elie , Richard Claude , Guyomar Daniel , Bouillault Frédéric 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to study the feasibility of a stator vibration damping using piezoelectric (PZT) actuators applied to switched reluctance motors (SRM).Design/methodology/approachA single‐phase structure without moving rotor, but with the same shape as an SRM stator, is introduced to simplify the study and the experimental measurements. Both analytical and finite element methods are used to detail the chosen location and design of the PZT actuators for this structure.FindingsExperimental results show that PZT actuators with a low voltage allow the decrease of the vibration level due to the electromagnetic forces.Research limitations/implicationsTo decrease the vibration level of the SRM stator in the real use of the machine, a closed loop system is necessary. Future works consist of the design of a closed loop numerical controller using an acceleration sensor as strain information.Practical implicationsThe proposed damping method gives a new solution for the SRM noise problem that can be useful for people working on noise reduction on this machine.Originality/valueSo far vibration damping of SRM stator was obtained using a command or a geometry “acoustically” optimised, or active vibration with an auxiliary coil. The solution presented here applies PZT vibration damping to the stator with a thickness more important than the one of classical plates used for PZT damping applications.
A measure for Christmas spirit
Authors: Clarke Peter 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to show that Christmas spirit is often given as a reason or excuse for the goodwill, generosity and altruism associated with the celebration of Christmas. Despite the influence of the occasion on cultural, financial and economic issues, there has been no specific empirical attention toward the structure or measurement of the concept of Christmas spirit. Research into this popular topic is important, timely and has universal appeal.Design/methodology/approachDefining the structure of Christmas spirit drew upon previous academic research about feelings and evaluations. This research employed a process of exploratory factor analysis, correlations, a confirmatory analysis and path analysis that combined the associated constructs. The required information was gathered via a self‐administered survey method where the respondents fell within a sample frame of a parent with at least one child between the ages of three and eight years. A questionnaire package containing two instruments (each of 70 questions), instructions and a self‐addressed return envelope was delivered to five participating schools and seven kindergartens for children to take home to their parents. As a result, 450 acceptable cases were available for analysis.FindingsOverall, the singular finding confirmed that the multi‐dimensional feelings‐evaluation model, as outlined in this study, is a valid measurement of Christmas spirit.Practical implicationsFuture research that incorporates this measure has implications for consumer behaviour theory and the motivation toward Christmas festivities. The findings have consequences for content and themes of advertising, and the scope of brand promotion by owners, promoters and retailers of brands and the associated business activity.Originality/valueChristmas celebrations are a complex amalgam of motives, strategies, attitudes, rituals, behaviours and relationships. Christmas spirit is an important topic of deep interest to consumer behaviour researchers; being an often‐used, but ambiguous term there is a need for theoretical clarification. Therefore, it is timely to explore and develop behavioural theory related to the celebration because of the festivity's economic and social impacts on society.
Consumer attitudes toward counterfeits: a review and extension
Authors: Augusto de Matos Celso , Trindade Ituassu Cristiana , Vargas Rossi Carlos Alberto 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to propose and test a model that integrates the main predictors of consumers' attitude and behavioral intentions toward counterfeits; to help companies understand the main factors influencing consumer behavior toward counterfeits and create effective anti‐piracy strategies.Design/methodology/approachAn integrated model is proposed following the studies by Ang et al. and Huang et al. A survey with 400 consumers was conducted in the Brazilian market and the Structural Equation Modeling technique was used to test the hypothesized relationships.FindingsThe main contribution of the paper is to show that consumer intentions to buy counterfeited products are dependent on the attitudes they have toward counterfeits, which in turn are more influenced by perceived risk, whether consumers have bought a counterfeit before, subjective norm, integrity, price‐quality inference and personal gratification. The paper reinforces the mediator role of attitude in the relationship between these antecedents and behavioral intentions. Moreover, previous experience with counterfeits consumption does not have a direct effect on behavioral intentions, but only an indirect effect through attitude.Practical implicationsThe paper contributes to inform policy makers and managers of brands about the main predictors of consumer's attitudes toward counterfeits. In this way, ads intended to discourage consumption of counterfeits could use the perceived risk as the main message appeal.Originality/valueThis paper investigates the key antecedents and consequences of consumer attitudes toward counterfeits by integrating and testing two recent models dealing with this subject in the marketing literature.
Clustering product launches by price and launch strategy
Authors: Calantone Roger J. , Di Benedetto C. Anthony 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the interaction of pricing strategies with other aspects of launch, in particular, timing, logistics/inventory strategy, and coordination with support organizations, and the effect on profit and competitive performance.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents an empirical study of 215 recent new product launches, focusing on pricing and other strategic and tactical launch decisions and the resulting profitability and competitive performance. Clusters of new product launches are identified and the profitability and competitiveness of each cluster are discussed.FindingsThe paper finds that some clusters are related to greater success than others. The most profitable and competitively successful cluster contained launches supported by solid market research and marked by good timing decisions. By contrast, the least profitable/successful cluster were higher price launches unsupported by adequate research.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited by the fact that the sampling frame is made up of members of a professional association of product development and management, and may therefore be more representative of “best practice” in new product development (NPD) than of NPD in general. The authors believe the use of the key informant method is justified in this study, however this method has been criticized in the past.Originality/valueThe pricing decision for a new product is sometimes oversimplified as a “high‐low” or “skimming versus penetration” choice. The study finds that the actual effect of pricing on ultimate success is much more complex, and that one must consider not only price level, but also the timing of the launch, the logistics and inventory strategy, the extent of market research, testing, and planning, and so forth.
Are drivers of customer satisfaction different for buyers/users from different functional areas?
Authors: Chakraborty Goutam , Srivastava Prashant , Marshall Fred 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe aim of this study is to identify the drivers that influence customer satisfaction in a business‐to‐business context.Design/methodology/approachA survey‐based field study was conducted in which 1,068 business customers of a manufacturer of hydraulic and pneumatic equipment participated. Buyers/users reported their perceptions about and satisfaction with a supplier's product‐related services.FindingsThree drivers of customer satisfaction, reliability, product‐related information, and commercial aspects, were identified. The importance of the last two drivers differed depending on the buyer's/user's primary functional area. For respondents from purchasing and management, commercial aspects were found to be more important than product‐related information. For participants from engineering, maintenance, and production, product‐related information was found to be more important than commercial aspects. The reliability driver emerged as the most important regardless of the functional association of respondents.Originality/valueThe study results elucidate the differences between drivers of customer satisfaction for the buyers/users from different functional areas of an organization.
Business‐to‐business negotiating in China: the role of morality
Authors: Al‐Khatib Jamal A. , Vollmers Stacy M. , Liu Yusin 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the effects of Chinese executives' preferred ethical ideologies and Machiavellianism on their perceived appropriateness of negotiation tactics as they operate in a nation transitioning from a planned economy to a market economy.Design/methodology/approachA self‐administered survey of a sample 300 Chinese managers with budgetary and personnel responsibilities in Tianjin, China was obtained for the purpose of the present study. A series of regression analyses were conducted to test the proposed relations.FindingsResults from the regression analyses provided partial confirmations for the proposed relationships. Idealism influenced perceptions of false promises, traditional competitive bargaining, and attacking an opponents' network. Perceptions of traditional competitive bargaining, attacking an opponent's network, and inappropriate information gathering were significantly influenced by relativism. Machiavellianism influenced perceptions of traditional competitive bargaining and misrepresentation of information.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the existing impediments to sampling and data collection in China, the sampling method used is non‐probabilistic, which calls for consideration of the results as exploratory. The present study's sample is drawn from the Northeastern region of China and since ethical beliefs and orientation in China varies by region, the results of the present study cannot be generalized to the total population of China.Originality/valueThe present study aims to provide the following contribution. First, as most studies in the negotiation ethics literature are focused in Western cultural contexts, this study attempts to fill this gap by investigating the negotiation ethical values of executives from Eastern culture. Second, global firms' executives can better understand the ethical mindset of their Chinese counterparts and utilize this knowledge to efficiently and effectively manage the negotiation process with their counterparts in this important market. Third, public policymakers and researchers can also benefit from this study by understanding the external validity and the degree of ethnocentrism of not only their own code of ethics but also the validity of a universal code of ethic.
Establishing a service channel: a transaction cost analysis of a channel contract between a cruise line and a tour operator
Authors: Ng Irene C.L. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight why service firms have difficulty in establishing channels and how transaction costs increase as a result. The paper shows how such difficulties may be overcome a mechanism that uses service capacity strategically.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a case study approach, and conducts a transaction cost analysis of the archival data of a cruise line along with the contract between the cruise line and a tour operator.FindingsThe results show that service intermediaries aren't able to take inventory and are unable to demonstrate their commitment. Consequently, both parties would be unwilling to establish a contract. However, commitment can be achieved through the intermediary investing in relationship‐specific assets that it could recover, subject to performance. Similarly, the firm could pledge its capacity for its investment in the specific assets. Such a mechanism aligns the interests of both.Practical implicationsThis case analyses an actual contract between two service firms and the issues surrounding it.Originality/valueAs contracts and actual company data of this nature are usually confidential, this paper is useful to provide insights into the process of deliberation and formation of service contracts.
The conceptual domain of service loyalty: how many dimensions?
Authors: Jones Tim , Taylor Shirley F. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe majority of research in marketing now represents loyalty as a multi‐dimensional construct; however, agreement on whether it has two or three dimensions is lacking, and measurement of these dimensions has been inconsistent. The purpose of this paper is to utilize theory from the psychology literature on interpersonal relationships to provide theoretical guidance for examining the nature of service loyalty and to uncover its dimensionality.Design/methodology/approachThis paper argues for and tests, using survey data from over 300 service customers, a multi‐dimensional conceptualization of loyalty based on theory from the interpersonal psychology literature.FindingsThe findings of this research highlight that service loyalty is similar to loyalty in interpersonal relationships, providing further evidence for the notion that service provider‐consumer relationships can approximate friendships or even romantic partnerships in terms of loyalty‐like responses. It also suggests that to identify truly loyal customers firms should, at the very least, measure loyalty‐related outcomes from both dimensions.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was limited to consumer‐based services.Originality/valueThis paper identifies several manifestations of loyalty such as altruism, identification, advocacy, willingness to pay more, and strength of preference that are all‐too‐often ignored in commonly used marketing metrics. Viewing service loyalty in the same manner as pro‐relationship behaviors that develop in friendships and romantic relationships shows promise for the understanding of service loyalty.
An evaluation of reports on the attendance of pupils in out‐of‐school provision
Authors: Reid Ken 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse and evaluate Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) reports on attendance issues within local education authorities' out‐of‐school provision.Design/methodology/approachA full cohort of Ofsted reports on inspections of out‐of‐school units, often known as pupil referral units (PRUs), undertaken in England in 2003 were scrutinised. The attendance data were then analysed statistically and geographically by region. The regions designated were the north of England, London and the Home Counties, the Midlands and the rest of England.FindingsThe findings indicate that unauthorised absence rates in PRUs are more than ten times those reported for primary and secondary schools and for local education authorities (LEAs). Overall, unauthorised absence rates exceed authorised rates throughout a majority of PRUs inspected in England in 2003; the exact opposite to schools. There are considerable variations in rates of authorised and unauthorised absence between PRUs within the same regions and within some LEAs.Practical implicationsOfsted appear to give more latitude towards attendance issues within PRUs than they do in their inspection reports for schools and LEAs. The implications of these findings are considered along with the need for further research.Originality/valueThis is the first article of its kind to analyse and evaluate the implications of Ofsted reports on attendance issues within LEAs out‐of‐school units.
Labour relations in the Spanish public administration in a context of change
Authors: Manuel Lasierra José 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to study the development of new forms of management systems such as quality management in the context of the Spanish public administration.Design/methodology/approachIt reviews the main literature on the topic and relevant policy texts.FindingsThe organisation of work within the private sector has undergone important transformations compared with the model of industrial worker that existed in the mid‐twentieth century. In the public sector, these changes have been less noticeable, at least within the Spanish context. Yet, it has undergone and is still undergoing important changes as far as its economic and social standing, targets and procedures are concerned. Organisational adjustment to such changes has been limited, especially in the area of work organisation.Research limitations/implicationsIt is a general overview of key developments.Practical implicationsIt is relevant for a discussion of the general trends and dynamic of public sector industrial relations in Spain.Originality/valueIt manages to take an overview of changes in the public sector and point to the uncertain development of a new market approach.
Legal requirements for transparency in appointments and promotions in Swedish higher education institutions
Authors: Svensson Göran 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to describe and assess the legal requirements for transparency in appointments and promotions in the higher‐education institutions of Sweden.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses both qualitative and quantitative approaches to explore legal documents, analyse data, and conduct interviews with leading executives in Swedish higher‐education institutions and administrative bodies.FindingsTransparency is shown to exist at all stages of documentation and decision‐making procedures. In particular, appeals to the Board of Appeal are rarely approved.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings might not be applicable to public sectors in other countries. There is potential for further research to explore transparency in similar procedures in other comparable countries.Practical implicationsQuality assurance and quality control with respect to appointments and promotions in higher‐education institutions might be enhanced by legal requirements for transparency of documentation and decision‐making procedures.Originality/valueThe study provides original research into the administration of part of the Swedish public service and suggests that this might be seen as a potential benchmark for quality assurance and quality control with respect to public access to documentation and decision‐making procedures.
Capacity building for decentralisation in Mexico: a psychosocial approach
Authors: Pick Susan , Xocolotzin Ulises , Ruesga Carolina 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine which competencies have to be addressed in individual training programs that can help government officials to implement decentralisation policies in Mexico. The paper is based on a psychosocial approach to training seeking to enhance knowledge and skills.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive structured interview was held with a sample of 75 municipality and state officials, to survey the needs and difficulties experienced by officials in the realization of decentralization measures.FindingsResults show lack of competencies and agency among the officials in various respects, such as fear of decision making and low self confiidence.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis is based on the perceptions and views of the participants. Further steps will be needed to develop and test an actual training program.Practical implicationsLack of success of decentralisation is in part attributable to lack of relevant social competencies among officials. This can be addressed by training programs.Originality/valueThe article advocates a capacity building approach that addresses the individual as well as the institutional and policy environment. It focuses on specific beliefs, knowledge, attitudes and skills that enable kinds of behavior changes likely to facilitate decentralization. When individuals develop psychosocial skills, their competency to take initiative, and to confidently and responsibly deal with difficult situations (i.e. agency) is enhanced.