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1 – 10 of over 2000James Elgy and Paul David Ledger
Magnetic polarizability tensors (MPTs) provide an economical characterisation of conducting magnetic metallic objects and their spectral signature can aid in the solution of metal…
Abstract
Purpose
Magnetic polarizability tensors (MPTs) provide an economical characterisation of conducting magnetic metallic objects and their spectral signature can aid in the solution of metal detection inverse problems, such as scrap metal sorting, searching for unexploded ordnance in areas of former conflict and security screening at event venues and transport hubs. In this work, the authors aim to discuss methods for efficiently building large dictionaries for classification approaches.
Design/methodology/approach
Previous work has established explicit formulae for MPT coefficients, underpinned by a rigorous mathematical theory. To assist with the efficient computation of MPTs at differing parameters and objects of interest, this work applies new observations about the way the MPT coefficients can be computed. Furthermore, the authors discuss discretisation strategies for hp-finite elements on meshes of unstructured tetrahedra combined with prismatic boundary layer elements for resolving thin skin depths and using an adaptive proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) reduced-order modelling methodology to accelerate computations for varying parameters.
Findings
The success of the proposed methodologies is demonstrated using a series of examples. A significant reduction in computational effort is observed across all examples. The authors identify and recommend a simple discretisation strategy and improved accuracy is obtained using adaptive POD.
Originality/value
The authors present novel computations, timings and error certificates of MPT characterisations of realistic objects made of magnetic materials. A novel postprocessing implementation is introduced and an adaptive POD algorithm is demonstrated.
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The purpose of this study is to develop a model of a starting situation for relationship initiation in turbulent business networks.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to develop a model of a starting situation for relationship initiation in turbulent business networks.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is designed as an extreme single case study that takes its point of departure in a company’s bankruptcy in the Swedish automotive industry.
Findings
This study illustrates how a new business relationship can start from a resource combination previously controlled by one actor (i.e. a single company) in a turbulent business network, thereby bringing nuances to the common understanding that new relationships start in stable business networks where resource combinations are developed between actors in established business relationships.
Originality/value
Previous studies have stated that the development of a mutual orientation between actors leads to the formation of a business relationship. The business relationship then leads to resource adaptations between the two companies. The developed model, however, illustrates that this pattern can be reversed in situations of turbulence. Hence, previously adapted resources might lead to the formations of a business relationship. Based on this observation, the authors argue that there are reasons to question if previous models of business relationship initiation and development in business networks are adequately equipped for analysis in turbulent business networks.
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Farah S. Choudhary and Najma Khatoon
This research paper's goal is to determine whether social media communication has an impact on the loyalty of visitors. The study will explore the correlation between social media…
Abstract
This research paper's goal is to determine whether social media communication has an impact on the loyalty of visitors. The study will explore the correlation between social media activity and visitors' loyalty by examining social media engagement. The research will take the form of surveys and a total of 385 questionnaires given to visitors at various locations of the Ladakh region, asking them about their social media actions and how they relate to loyalty. The data were analysed and tested using various statistical tools such as factor analysis, regression and structural equation modelling. The study's findings will shed important light on the interconnectivity between social media activity, visitor loyalty and the tourism industry. The study's findings show how environmental issues associated with tourism sites may be made aware to visitors through social media marketing and communication campaigns, which may eventually entice them to return.
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Attilia Ruzzene, Mara Brumana and Tommaso Minola
Following the lead of neighboring fields such as strategy and organization studies, entrepreneurship is gradually joining in the adoption of a practice perspective…
Abstract
Purpose
Following the lead of neighboring fields such as strategy and organization studies, entrepreneurship is gradually joining in the adoption of a practice perspective. Entrepreneurship as practice (EaP) is thus a nascent domain of investigation where the methodological debate is still unsettled and very fluid. In this paper, the authors contribute to this debate with a focus on family entrepreneurship.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors develop a conceptual paper to discuss what it entails to look at family entrepreneurship through a practice lens and why it is fruitful. Moreover, the authors propose a research strategy novel to the field through which such investigation can be pursued, namely process tracing, and examine its inferential logic.
Findings
Process tracing is a strategy of data analysis underpinned by an ontology of causal mechanisms. The authors argue that it complements other practice methods by inferring social mechanisms from empirical evidence and thereby establishing a connection between praxis, practices and practitioners.
Practical implications
Process tracing helps the articulation of an “integrated model” of practice that relates praxis, practices and practitioners to the outcome they jointly produce. By enabling the assessment of impact, process tracing helps providing prima facie evidentiary grounds for policy action and intervention.
Originality/value
Process tracing affinity with the practice perspective has been so far acknowledged only to a limited extent in the social sciences, and it is, in fact, a novel research strategy for the family entrepreneurship field.
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Salvatore Cincimino, Salvatore Gnoffo, Fabio La Rosa and Sergio Paternostro
Scholarly interest in the business effects of organised crime (OC) has recently increased. This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) on the conditions under…
Abstract
Purpose
Scholarly interest in the business effects of organised crime (OC) has recently increased. This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) on the conditions under which OC could pose a threat to or take control of firms within a particular context.
Design/methodology/approach
We use narrative synthesis and thematic analysis, with a sample of 46 theoretical and empirical studies published over the past 30 years on the relationship between OC and firms within the disciplines of Business, Management and Accounting (BMA).
Findings
SLR and thematic analysis show that scholarly interest has focused on four key domains: OC as a firm, the impact of OC on firms, firms’ efforts to counter OC’s influence and governmental interventions. Using medical metaphors, we also develop a diagram depicting the interplay between OC and firms within the BMA literature.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature shaping an agenda to steer future research towards these four key themes. The effectiveness of anti-OC tools and measures depends on a thorough understanding of local norms, behaviours and business practices. In addition to measurement and methodological challenges, several grey areas remain, including the distinction between criminal enterprises and legitimate businesses. Ambiguities also surround the circumstances under which the OC preys upon firms or employs them to establish dominance over a territory.
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Josephine Davis, Coral Wiapo, Lisa Sami, Ebony Komene and Sue Adams
This paper delves into the enduring influence of Linda Tuhiwai Smith’s groundbreaking work, “Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples,” while examining how the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper delves into the enduring influence of Linda Tuhiwai Smith’s groundbreaking work, “Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples,” while examining how the concept of “struggle” has facilitated Māori-centric nursing education.
Design/methodology/approach
Utilizing a case study approach, a collaboration between Māori and non-Māori nursing academics describes the development of two Māori-centric postgraduate courses. This approach allows for an exploration of the contextual factors surrounding sites of “struggle” in course development and efforts towards decolonization and indigenization.
Findings
The evaluation of a Māori-centric postgraduate course is guided by Smith’s five key conditions for “struggle”. By illustrating the dynamic and intersecting nature of these conditions, the study reveals how various interests, tensions and relationships intersect within academia. We further show how the team actively sought viable solutions to strengthen the Maori nursing workforce and those nurses serving Maori communities through the development of tailored courses.
Originality/value
This case study offers a unique perspective on the tensions inherent in the struggles faced by Māori women and their allies, who utilize cultural frameworks as sites of resistance within Western institutions. We highlight how education can carve out new spaces for Māori within their cultural context and the broader academic sphere. Inspired by Smith’s work, this dialogue transcends academic boundaries, echoing the values, knowledge and experiences of Indigenous peoples marginalized by colonialism.
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Marina Bastos Carvalhais Barroso, Ricardo Silveira Martins and Jonathan Simões Freitas
This study aims to demonstrate a rigorous approach to applying the Repertory Grid Technique (RGT) and Honey’s Content Analysis (HCA) to obtain and process qualitative data through…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to demonstrate a rigorous approach to applying the Repertory Grid Technique (RGT) and Honey’s Content Analysis (HCA) to obtain and process qualitative data through structured interviews.
Design/methodology/approach
An illustrative case study using the OpenRepGrid package from the open-source software R facilitates a deeper understanding of these techniques. The study subjects were employees of a corporate charter company.
Findings
The RGT enables the identification of key attributes as perceived by interviewees regarding the phenomenon, whereas HCA clarifies how these attributes impact the desired analysis outcome. The presented case study identified constructs related to the client–supplier relationship and their impact on service performance from the provider’s perspective.
Research limitations/implications
This study illustrates the use of qualitative methods based on an interpretative naturalistic approach to rigorously and systematically capture interviewees’ perspectives.
Practical implications
The combination of RGT and HCA can be a valuable tool for management studies by allowing controlled researcher interference in empirical investigations. In addition, the data-driven selection of constructs by interviewees can lead to the emergence of novel theories.
Social implications
Using diverse methodologies enables researchers to address complex managerial challenges that often surpass the capabilities of conventional analysis methods.
Originality/value
The proposed methodology offers a robust understanding of phenomena from the interviewees’ perspectives. Consequently, this study highlights the potential of these techniques for theoretical and empirical research in the field of administration.
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Jesus Juyumaya, Cristian Torres-Ochoa and Germán Rojas
The study aims to investigate the effect of autonomy on employee job performance and the mediation effect of engagement. It also explores whether an employee’s age moderates the…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to investigate the effect of autonomy on employee job performance and the mediation effect of engagement. It also explores whether an employee’s age moderates the model.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through a face-to-face survey administered to various types of workers in their workplaces. The selection of companies was based on a database available at the university. Response rate was 35%, yielding 210 instruments with complete responses. Structural Equation Modeling was the chosen method for data analysis.
Findings
Results demonstrate a positive and significant relationship between autonomy and engagement as well as between engagement and job performance. Moreover, engagement plays a full mediating role in the relationship between autonomy and job performance. Additionally, while age does not moderate the relationship, it does have a differential impact on the mediation process.
Practical implications
The creation of management strategies focused on resources such as autonomy must be adapted according to seniority, with the purpose of enhancing employee engagement and performance in today’s organizations.
Originality/value
This paper closes a gap between autonomy and Job Demands-Resources theory by providing evidence on the effects of autonomy, engagement and age on job performance.
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