E. Gómez, J. Roger‐Folch, A. Molina, J.A. Fuentes, A. Gabaldón and R. Torres
The aim of this paper is to present an approach, able to deal with different models for anisotropy in the finite element method, and how it can be integrated in its formulation.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to present an approach, able to deal with different models for anisotropy in the finite element method, and how it can be integrated in its formulation.
Design/methodology/approach
This approach is to apply this to the study of power transformers, in which grain‐oriented steel sheets are usually used. In this type of analysis, magnetic characteristics of the steel sheets such as non‐linearity and anisotropy, or even the hysteresis, must be taken into account.
Findings
The Newton‐Raphson method is generally used to solve the system of equations, but it is a CPU‐time‐consuming task, especially when finite element models and circuit equations are coupled and therefore, time is considered in the analysis.
Originality/value
An approach able to deal with different models for anisotropy in the finite element method is presented.
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A. Molina, A. Gabaldón, M. Kessler, J.A. Fuentes and E. Gómez
The main objective of this paper is to obtain the duty‐cycle probability forecast functions of cooling and heating aggregated residential loads. The method consists of three…
Abstract
The main objective of this paper is to obtain the duty‐cycle probability forecast functions of cooling and heating aggregated residential loads. The method consists of three steps: first, the single loads are modelled using systems of stochastic differential equations based on perturbed physical models; second, intensive numerical simulation of the stochastic system solutions is performed, allowing several parameters to vary randomly; and third, smoothing techniques based on kernel estimates are applied to the results to derive non‐parametric estimators, comparing several kernel functions. The use of these dynamical models also allows us to forecast the indoor temperature evolution under any performance conditions. Thus, the same smoothing techniques provide the indoor temperature probability forecast function for a load group. These techniques have been used with homogeneous and non‐homogeneous device groups. Its main application is focused on assessing Direct Load Control programs, by means of comparing natural and forced duty‐cycles of aggregated appliances, as well as knowing the modifications in customer comfort levels, which can be directly deduced from the probability profiles. Finally, simulation results which illustrate the model suitability for demand side – bidding – aggregators in new deregulated markets are presented.
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Lidia Heller and Patricia Gabaldon
Through an analysis of 15 Latin American countries, the purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of several institutional variables (economic, regulatory, and cultural)…
Abstract
Purpose
Through an analysis of 15 Latin American countries, the purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of several institutional variables (economic, regulatory, and cultural), which affect women’s careers towards being members of boards of directors in the region.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on primary and secondary information, the authors carry out multivariate analyses to understand the institutional reasons affecting the reduced presence of women on boards of directors in the region.
Findings
Their findings reveal differences within the region, the importance of protecting women’s professional careers in the labour market, and the effect of cultural dimensions, such as masculinity and power distance.
Research limitations and implications
The analysis provides an updated cross-section of the institutional and cultural conditions of the 15 countries, considering the limitations to developing data in the region.
Practical implications
Latin America has witnessed important changes in the dynamics of the labour market over recent decades: women’s participation in the labour force is on the increase, and corporate strategy is evolving towards the incorporation of practices and initiatives to manage the diversity of their talents. However, the presence of women in leadership positions is a pending subject. This study, in part, reveals the institutional origin of gender inequality on boards of directors in the region. The analysis provides essential tools for public policy and for companies to help promote female leadership in the region.
Originality/value
Recent debate and research on the scarce participation of women on corporative boards of directors have revealed a growing interest in analysing the causes of such issues despite the progress recorded in terms of gender equity in most societies. Studies on the topic in Latin America are scarce and the aim of this paper is to help to fill part of this gap.
Propósito
El presente trabajo explora en quince países de América Latina la importancia de distintas variables institucionales (económicas regulatorias y culturales) que afectan a las carreras de las mujeres hacia los consejos de administración en la región.
Metodología
A partir de información primaria y secundaria, los autores desarrollan diversos análisis multivariantes para entender las razones institucionales que afectan tras la reducida presencia de mujeres en los consejos de la región.
Resultados
Los resultados de los análisis realizados muestran las diferencias dentro de la región así como la importancia de de analizar las carreras profesionales de las mujeres en el mercado de trabajo y el efecto de las dimensiones culturales como la masculinidad y la distancia al poder.
Limitaciones
El análisis muestra un corte transversal de la realidad institutional y cultural de los 15 países lo más actual posible, teniendo en cuenta las limitaciones en el desarrollo de datos en la región.
Implicaciones prácticas
En América Latina, se han producido cambios importantes en la dinámica del mercado laboral en las últimas décadas: las tasas de participación de mujeres en la fuerza de trabajo están en aumento y las estrategias empresariales van evolucionando hacia la incorporación de prácticas e iniciativas que tienden a gestionar la diversidad de sus talentos. Sin embargo la presencia de mujeres en puestos de liderazgo empresarial es una asignatura pendiente. El presente trabajo muestra en parte el origen institucional de las desigualdades de género en los consejos de administración en la región. Este análisis provee de herramientas esenciales para la política púlica y las empresas en la búsqueda de la promoción del liderazgo femenino en la región.
Originalidad/Valor
Recientes debates e investigaciones sobre la escasa incorporación de mujeres en los consejos directivos en las corporaciones, han evidenciado el creciente interés por analizar las causas de estas cuestiones a pesar de los avances registrados en términos de equidad de género en la mayoría de las sociedades. Sin embargo, hay una escasez de estudios en esta área en América Latina. El presente artículo busca llenar en parte ese hueco.
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Valentina Tarkovska, Patricia Gabaldon and Raluca Valeria Ratiu
The interest in promoting diversity in corporate governance is increasing gender equality on boards. Even so, previous research shows that women are underrepresented on boards of…
Abstract
Purpose
The interest in promoting diversity in corporate governance is increasing gender equality on boards. Even so, previous research shows that women are underrepresented on boards of directors. This study aims to explore how an increasing presence of women on boards reduces gender pay disparity among nonexecutive directors (NEDs).
Design/methodology/approach
This study explores how an increasing presence of women on boards reduces gender pay disparity among NEDs.
Findings
The results indicate that for boards to reduce the gender pay disparity among NEDs, women need to reach a critical mass of 33% of board members. In addition, this study finds that women’s presence on influential committees further reduces the gender pay disparity among NEDs.
Research limitations/implications
The study uses critical mass and social identity theories to explain the impact of women directors on NEDs’ remuneration in a sample of 365 companies listed on the London Stock Exchange over 16 years (1999–2015). The findings indicate the importance of reducing gender pay disparity as a tool to promote gender equality on boards.
Practical implications
This study provides evidence on the importance of corporations including gender diversity on board committees to reduce gender pay disparities at the board level.
Originality/value
In addition, this study finds that women’s presence on influential committees further reduces gender pay disparity among NEDs.
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Alejandra Montané López, José Beltrán Llavador and Daniel Gabaldón-Estevan
Celia De Anca and Patricia Gabaldon
This paper aims to analyze the research in this field on the portrayal of women and the effect this has on boards and corporate image, as well as to propose a theoretical…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to analyze the research in this field on the portrayal of women and the effect this has on boards and corporate image, as well as to propose a theoretical framework for further research on the effects of media stereotypes. The theoretical model aims to analyze the media’s effect on female board members, and how this helps in the process of changing stereotypes or whether it consolidates existing preconceptions.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper reviews the existing literature on the subject and proposes a theoretical model for future research, contributing thus in opening a new line of research in the field of the roles of women on boards.
Findings
The conclusions reached will have important consequences for the future of women on boards in relation to three fundamental issues: the types of women that join boards of directors, the type of female profile companies search for and the roles women are expected to play on those boards.
Research limitations/implications
The theoretical framework developed encourages corporate governance agents, business leaders and institution to reflect on potential gender biases.
Practical implications
The theoretical framework developed encourages corporate governance agents, business leaders and institutions and media agents to reflect on potential gender biases.
Originality/value
An important body of literature already exists showing how the portrayal of women can reinforce or eliminate barriers to access membership of a board of directors. There is also a solid body of literature showing the media’s effect on transmitting or changing preconceived ideas about women in business, as well as the potential impact of appointing them – through the influence of different stakeholders – on a company’s image. However, there has been little substantial research carried out on the media’s effect on gender diversity on boards.
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This paper explores the relationship between feminist theory and rising economic inequality. It shows how greater inequality reflects the valorization of the stereotypically male…
Abstract
This paper explores the relationship between feminist theory and rising economic inequality. It shows how greater inequality reflects the valorization of the stereotypically male qualities of competition and hierarchy, producing a greater concentration of wealth among a small number of men at the top, shortchanging men more than women through the rest of the economy, and altering the way that men and women match up to each other in the creation of families. By creating a framework for further research on the relationship between the norms of the top and the disadvantages of everyone else in more unequal societies, the paper provides a basis for feminists to develop a new theory of social power.
The paper demonstrates how the development of winner-take-all income hierarchies, the political devaluation of families and communities, and the terms of the family values debate diminish equality and community. The paper addresses how to understand these developments as they affect both the structure of society and the allocation of power within our families in ways that link to the historic concerns of feminist theory. It accordingly ends by asking the “woman question” in a new way: one that revisits the stereotypically masculine and feminine and asks how they connect to hierarchy, one that considers whether the inclusion of women changes institutional cultures in predictable ways, and one that wonders whether the values that today are associated with more women than men offer a basis for the reconstruction of society more generally.
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The gender gap in the employment in industries differs based on the industries. Even if construction industry (CI) is a labor-intensive industry, women employment rate is…
Abstract
The gender gap in the employment in industries differs based on the industries. Even if construction industry (CI) is a labor-intensive industry, women employment rate is significantly low in the CI. CI is one of the significant labor-intensive industries having environmental footprint. As reduction in its environmental footprint can contribute to environmental sustainability, investments in CI and in reduction in its environmental footprint can have multiplier effect on the countries’ development as well as on the sustainable development (SD). Increase in the women employment in the CI can support achievement of sustainable development goals as it can support reduction in the gender gap in this industry. Furthermore, it can support sustainability performance of the CI as women have potential to prioritize sustainability criterion in their decision-making processes. Especially, women at the top management levels can foster their companies’ sustainability performance. Based on an in-depth literature review, this chapter investigates roles of empowerment of women and increasing women employment in supporting environmental sustainability and SD. This chapter identifies causes of the low employment rate of women in the CI. Furthermore, this chapter examines ways for empowering women and increasing their employment rate in the CI to support environmental sustainability and SD. Additionally, recommendations on future policies and strategies at the CI level to support reduction in the gender gap to enhance CI’s role in the environmental sustainability are provided. This chapter can be useful to policy-makers, researchers and professionals.
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Sadi Boğaç Kanadlı, Pingying Zhang and Nada K. Kakabadse
Board diversity has been a hotly debated topic in the field of corporate governance. The paper examines the role of board chairperson and its moderating effect on the relationship…
Abstract
Purpose
Board diversity has been a hotly debated topic in the field of corporate governance. The paper examines the role of board chairperson and its moderating effect on the relationship between job-related diversity and boards’ strategic tasks performance. The purpose of this paper is to add on our body of knowledge about the impact of job-related diversity on boards’ strategic tasks performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper applies the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique to examine survey responses from chief executive officers (CEOs). Both the measurement model and structural model have obtained good results, supporting the appropriateness of using the SEM approach.
Findings
The findings suggest that there is a positive association between job-related diversity and boards’ strategic tasks performance, which is moderated by a chairperson’s leadership efficacy and the option of a former-CEO as board chair.
Practical implications
To achieve the intended effect of job-related diversity in boards, policymakers need to be mindful about the importance of the board chairperson. Board chairperson’s characteristics such as leadership efficacy and a former-CEO experience would amplify the positive effect of diversity.
Originality/value
This research paper contributes to the literature on board diversity, board leadership and strategic management of firms. Findings validated researchers’ concern about the negligence of examining moderating factors in board diversity research. Moreover, results echo the concern that board leadership research should shift the attention from structural aspects to the behavioral issues. Finally, this study is the first to show the positive influence of a board chairperson in disseminating benefits of a diverse board.
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Xiaofeng Xiong, Florentin Wörgötter and Poramate Manoonpong
The purpose of this paper is to apply virtual agonist–antagonist mechanisms (VAAMs) to robot joint control allowing for muscle-like functions and variably compliant joint motions…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to apply virtual agonist–antagonist mechanisms (VAAMs) to robot joint control allowing for muscle-like functions and variably compliant joint motions. Biological muscles of animals have a surprising variety of functions, i.e. struts, springs and brakes.
Design/methodology/approach
Each joint is driven by a pair of VAAMs (i.e. passive components). The muscle-like functions as well as the variable joint compliance are simply achieved by tuning the damping coefficient of the VAAM.
Findings
With the VAAM, variably compliant joint motions can be produced without mechanically bulky and complex mechanisms or complex force/toque sensing at each joint. Moreover, through tuning the damping coefficient of the VAAM, the functions of the VAAM are comparable to biological muscles.
Originality/value
The model (i.e. VAAM) provides a way forward to emulate muscle-like functions that are comparable to those found in physiological experiments of biological muscles. Based on these muscle-like functions, the robotic joints can easily achieve variable compliance that does not require complex physical components or torque sensing systems, thereby capable of implementing the model on small-legged robots driven by, for example, standard servo motors. Thus, the VAAM minimizes hardware and reduces system complexity. From this point of view, the model opens up another way of simulating muscle behaviors on artificial machines.
Executive summary
The VAAM can be applied to produce variable compliant motions of a high degree-of-freedom robot. Only relying on force sensing at the end effector, this application is easily achieved by changing coefficients of the VAAM. Therefore, the VAAM can reduce economic cost on mechanical and sensing components of the robot, compared to traditional methods (e.g. artificial muscles).