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1 – 3 of 3César Cuevas, Ignacio Mira-Solves and Antonio Verdu-Jover
In the evolving landscape of Industry 5.0 (I5.0), which emphasises sustainability, human-centricity and resilience, mapping the current interrelationship and future research…
Abstract
Purpose
In the evolving landscape of Industry 5.0 (I5.0), which emphasises sustainability, human-centricity and resilience, mapping the current interrelationship and future research directions, the role of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology remains underexplored. Our study addresses this gap by examining the potential of LSS to support I5.0 while identifying areas for further investigation.
Design/methodology/approach
This study's multifaceted approach, which includes systematic literature review (SLR), bibliographic network analysis (BNA) and expert validation (EV), provides a holistic exploration of the interaction between LSS and I5.0 as the basis for well-founded conclusions.
Findings
The analysis yields several valuable insights. Firstly, it demonstrates the absence of a direct link between LSS and I5.0. Secondly, the substantial body of literature analysed establishes connections between LSS and its pillars. Thirdly, the analysis identifies points of intersection, difference and similarity between LSS and I5.0, highlighting the potential of LSS to facilitate implementation of I5.0 through its proven methodologies, continuous improvement culture, risk management, error learning, human–machine collaboration and training and skill development.
Originality/value
This study pioneers the effort to realise the latent potential of LSS in the context of I5.0. Its systematic identification of the synergies between these paradigms fills a critical gap in the literature and gives policymakers, managers and researchers a guide for informed decision-making to maximise the benefits of I5.0 for individuals, companies, society and the planet.
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Karen M. Peesker, Lynette J. Ryals and Peter D. Kerr
The digital transformation is dramatically changing the business-to-business (B2B) sales environment, challenging long-standing views regarding the critical competencies required…
Abstract
Purpose
The digital transformation is dramatically changing the business-to-business (B2B) sales environment, challenging long-standing views regarding the critical competencies required of salespeople. This paper aims to explore the personal traits associated with sales performance in a digital selling environment.
Design/methodology/approach
Using template analysis, the researchers captured and coded over 21 h of in-depth, semi-structured interviews with senior sales leaders from various industry sectors, exploring their perceptions of the personal traits now required of B2B salespeople in the digital landscape.
Findings
The research identifies three high-level trait types critical to sales success within a digital selling environment: “analytical curiosity” – the natural motivation and ability to gather and synthesize sales-related knowledge, “empathetic citizenship” – the ability to establish initial rapport while building long-term trust and “disciplined drive” – the exertion of selling effort in a highly focused and methodical manner across all stages of the sales process.
Research limitations/implications
The present data came from interviews with sales leaders in Canada. A more global sample may lead to additional insights. Moreover, the sample was drawn from long-cycle B2B sales environments; conclusions may differ for short-cycle or business-to-consumer markets.
Practical implications
This paper presents a framework for hiring and developing salespeople in the digital sales environment, identifying personal trait types that sales leaders should look for when hiring: analytical curiosity, empathetic citizenship and disciplined drive. The paper identifies how these trait types influence sales success, suggesting that sales leaders could coach and educate their teams to make the best use of them.
Originality/value
This paper presents a conceptual framework for hiring in the digital sales environment and introduces the trait of analytical curiosity not previously discussed in the literature.
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Wienczyslaw Stalewski, Pamela Bugała and Cezary Galinski
The paper aims to optimise several concepts of the flat-upper-surface wing that could install the largest possible number of photovoltaic cells and test them in flight. A wing…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to optimise several concepts of the flat-upper-surface wing that could install the largest possible number of photovoltaic cells and test them in flight. A wing ideal flat upper surface was necessary to provide the same lighting conditions for each tested cell.
Design/methodology/approach
The optimised wings were built based on a developed family of airfoils having 75% of their upper surface flat. Within the developed parametric model of the wings, the design parameters described the spanwise distribution of base airfoils. Maximisation of the endurance factor was assumed as the main objective. The aerodynamic properties of optimised wings were evaluated using a panel method coupled with boundary layer analysis.
Findings
The paper proves that it is possible to design wings with 75% of their upper surface perfectly flat, which are also characterised by good aerodynamic properties.
Practical implications
The research conducted will allow designing an experimental unmanned aerial vehicle dedicated to investigating the properties of electrical propulsion systems at various altitudes. Data obtained in these investigations will help in the development of future generations of electric-propulsion aircraft.
Originality/value
The innovative wings, developed within the research are unique due to their unusual geometric and aerodynamic properties. They have 75% of their upper surface perfectly flat. That makes them ideal for testing various photovoltaic cells in flight. The biggest challenge was to design the wings so that their specific geometric features did not impair their aerodynamic properties. The paper proves that this challenge has been fully overcome.
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