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1 – 10 of 624James 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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Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a life-long condition, but the diagnostic process for adults has not been formally established. The purpose of this study was to…
Abstract
Purpose
Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a life-long condition, but the diagnostic process for adults has not been formally established. The purpose of this study was to ascertain which assessment tools are used to assign participants into the group with DCD in studies investigating this condition in adulthood.
Design/methodology/approach
A scoping review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Peer reviewed literature published between January 2008 and April 2024 was searched using five databases: AMED, CINAHL Ultimate, Google Scholar, PubMed and Scopus. Data was extracted using the “Joanna Briggs Institute” scoping review guidelines.
Findings
In total, 36 articles were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria for this review. The Adult Developmental Co-ordination Disorders/Dyspraxia Checklist was the most frequent tool used to measure current and past impact on occupational performance. Level of motor skill was only measured in 51% of the studies, and none of these studies used tests with norms for an adult population. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children 2 was the most commonly used tool to measure level of motor skill.
Originality/value
Findings from this scoping review could be used in the creation of a pilot pathway for the assessment of adults for DCD.
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Rabiya Nawaz, Maryam Hina, Veenu Sharma, Shalini Srivastava and Massimiliano Farina Briamonte
Organizations increasingly use knowledge arbitrage to stimulate innovation and achieve competitive advantage. However, in knowledge management its use in startups is yet…
Abstract
Purpose
Organizations increasingly use knowledge arbitrage to stimulate innovation and achieve competitive advantage. However, in knowledge management its use in startups is yet unexplored. This study aims to examine the utilization of knowledge arbitrage by startups, specifically during COVID-19.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed an open-ended essay methodology to explore the drivers and barriers that startups face in utilizing knowledge arbitrage. We collected data from 40 participants to understand the role of knowledge arbitrage in startups’ knowledge management practices.
Findings
This study’s findings highlight the significance of knowledge arbitrage for startups. The benefits identified include organizational benefits such as building networks, innovating new products and achieving competitive advantage and financial benefits such as cost reduction and sales growth. The study also identifies several technological and organizational drivers and barriers that startups confront during knowledge arbitrage.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the existing literature on knowledge management by extending our understanding of knowledge arbitrage’s role in startups. Additionally, it sheds light on the importance of knowledge arbitrage for startups and the challenges they face, particularly in a disrupted environment reared by COVID-19. The study provides insights for the scholars and practitioners interested in effective knowledge management in startups.
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Shihyu Chou, Chi-Wen Chen and Zi-Ling Shen
This study aims to explore how consumers’ purchase intentions concerning dietary supplements are affected by two pivotal factors: pharmacist professionalism and celebrity endorser…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore how consumers’ purchase intentions concerning dietary supplements are affected by two pivotal factors: pharmacist professionalism and celebrity endorser attractiveness. In addition, this study investigates the moderating role of consumers’ awareness of product knowledge about dietary supplements in the relationship between brand trust and purchase intention.
Design/methodology/approach
The research data was collected through online questionnaires from a convenience sample of 340 individuals residing in Taiwan. The research model, consisting of four hypotheses, was formulated based on a literature review. The partial least squares structural equation modeling technique was used for data analysis.
Findings
The findings indicate positive effects of both pharmacist professionalism and celebrity endorser attractiveness on dietary supplement brand trust. The results also suggest a significant impact of brand trust on purchase intention. Finally, product knowledge significantly moderates the relationship between brand trust and purchase intention.
Practical implications
The findings from this study provide valuable insights for marketers, pharmacists and practitioners about the drivers of consumers’ dietary supplement purchase behavior. It will enable marketers to develop better strategies for the dietary supplement market segment.
Originality/value
This paper has made a significant contribution to the understanding of consumer buying intentions toward dietary supplements, addressing a gap in the literature. First, unlike previous research, this study considers both pharmacist professionalism and celebrity endorser attractiveness in the research model, effectively bridging this gap. Furthermore, this study identifies the pivotal role of brand trust as a critical factor in enhancing consumers’ purchase intentions toward dietary supplements, offering valuable insights for dietary supplement companies regarding consumer purchase decision-making.
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Curt M. Adams and Patrick B. Forsyth
Early conceptual thinking about distrust and more recent neurological evidence reveals that distrust is not the same as low trust. They are distinct mental states, active in…
Abstract
Purpose
Early conceptual thinking about distrust and more recent neurological evidence reveals that distrust is not the same as low trust. They are distinct mental states, active in different brain regions and shaped by different experiences. We use this evidence to conceptualize teacher distrust in the school principal and to construct a set of hypotheses for empirical testing.
Design/methodology/approach
A correlational research design with teacher survey data was used for the empirical study. Teacher survey data came from a sample of high school teachers in a metropolitan area of a southwestern state in the United States. A total of 801 high school teachers received an electronic survey by email. Useable responses were received from 416 teachers, leading to a 52% response rate. Hypotheses were tested with structural equation modeling in AMOS 28 using Robust Maximum Likelihood estimation.
Findings
The empirical evidence demonstrates that distrust and trust have different antecedents and that these perceptions have opposite relationships with teacher work stress and loyalty behaviors.
Originality/value
This study is a first step toward better understanding the distinction between distrust and trust in school role-relationships.
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Marzieh Ronaghi, Mohammad Hossein Ronaghi and Elahe Boskabadi
Augmented reality (AR) is an advanced version of the dynamic physical space that is perceived and received via visual, audio, digital and other sensory stimuli. The capabilities…
Abstract
Purpose
Augmented reality (AR) is an advanced version of the dynamic physical space that is perceived and received via visual, audio, digital and other sensory stimuli. The capabilities of virtual technologies change the field of university and education considerably. The necessity of using virtual technologies in the education field was revealed more in unforeseen disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The adoption of a technology by its users is an important factor in the successful implementation of the technology. The present study evaluates several factors affecting the adoption of AR technology in the realm of tertiary education.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is applied in nature, and the necessary data were gathered through a survey questionnaire. The opinions of 621 students were investigated using a simple random sampling method. The multinomial logit test was used in this research.
Findings
It was found that individual and social factors such as age, education level, major and economic characteristics such as one’s income in a month, expenses of a person in a month, the level of access to high-speed internet and access to a laptop or smartphone are effective in AR technology adoption in the field of academic education.
Originality/value
The theoretical contribution of this study is to identify the key factors that influence the adoption of AR technology and develop a model specifically applicable to the educational field. The results of this research can be used by university managers and educational policymakers for the efficient and effective use of this technology.
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Ike C. Ehie and Luis Miguel D.F. Ferreira
Given the sudden increase in plant investments across the manufacturing sector due to recent disruptions in the global supply chain caused by the COVID pandemic, the…
Abstract
Purpose
Given the sudden increase in plant investments across the manufacturing sector due to recent disruptions in the global supply chain caused by the COVID pandemic, the Ukraine/Russian war, ocean piracy incidents, and others, there is a need to strategically align the investments decisions with the overall business strategy. This study aims to establish whether strategic alignment enhances the effect of plant investments on operational performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the fifth version of the Global Manufacturing Research Group (GMRG V) dataset, we employ a structural equation model (SEM) to establish the moderating role of strategic alignment in plant investments-operational performance relationships.
Findings
The results suggest that strategic alignment enhances the positive effect of plant investments on operational performance, especially in cost, delivery, flexibility, and innovation. However, we found partial support for the moderating role of strategic alignment on quality performance.
Research limitations/implications
Although the study was based on the GMRG global dataset and numerous papers have been published using the same dataset, the use of a convenience sample on a select group of companies may limit the generalizability of the results. With the increase in new plant investments in computer chip manufacturing, electronics, and electrical in recent years, the findings could help corporate executives maximize the benefits of their investment decisions. Companies should ensure that their plant investment decisions are strategically aligned with their overall business strategy to achieve optimal outcomes.
Practical implications
With the increase in new plant investments in computer chip manufacturing, electronics, and electrical in recent years, the findings could help corporate executives maximize the benefits of their investment decisions. Companies should ensure that their plant investment decisions are strategically aligned with their overall business strategy to achieve optimal outcomes.
Originality/value
The study comprehensively demonstrates that the extent of improvement in operational performance depends on how closely plant investment decisions align with the overall company strategy. Manufacturers should align major investment decisions with competitive priorities driven by market requirements to enhance operational performance.
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Siraj Ahmed, Jukka Majava and Kirsi Aaltonen
The purpose of this study is to investigate the benefits and challenges of implementing circular economy (CE), as well as shed light on the influence of procurement strategy in CE…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the benefits and challenges of implementing circular economy (CE), as well as shed light on the influence of procurement strategy in CE implementation in construction projects.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research approach with abductive reasoning was adopted. The empirical data were collected from the construction industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Findings
The results reveal that clients, consultants and contractors have limited awareness, knowledge and motivation to implement CE in construction projects. The absence of incentives to design projects following CE principles, lack of involvement of contractors and suppliers, non-use of materials that use CE principles and current procurement strategies are the main challenges for the implementation of CE in the UAE.
Originality/value
Previous research offers limited knowledge on CE and its implementation in construction projects particularly from a procurement strategy perspective. The findings of the study provide new knowledge of the benefits, challenges and role of procurement strategy for implementing CE. It is suggested that collaborative and partnering-based procurement methods are needed to facilitate the effective implementation of CE.
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