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Article
Publication date: 9 October 2009

A. Takači, T. Žikić‐Došenović and Z. Zavargó

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a mathematical model, an algorithm and numerical procedure for determining the duration of a diafiltration process with variable volume…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a mathematical model, an algorithm and numerical procedure for determining the duration of a diafiltration process with variable volume. This model should decrease diafiltration time and water usage.

Design/methodology/approach

A mathematical model of a diafiltration process, with constant water adding is considered, as well as the relationships between macro‐ and micro‐solute and the equation for process duration. By introducing α (t)=QD/QF, i.e. time dependent ratio of diafiltration water flow and filtrate flow rate, a mathematical model of diafiltration process with time dependent water adding is proposed. In order to solve this model, an algorithm is suggested, based on the simulation of single time dependent water adding process with a sequence of constant water adding processes. The algorithm is applied for developing both a numerical procedure and simple QBASIC‐program that are tested on one illustrative example.

Findings

The results obtained by the algorithm improve the diafiltration process time around 10 percent and are a step towards finding an optimal dependence function α (t).

Research limitations/implications

Further on, the analysis of water usage in variable volume diafiltration needs to be done. Also, the problem of finding the optimal α (t) is still open.

Practical implications

The suggested algorithm is applicable to various membrane filtration processes and can be applied with little modification of the existing filtration equitment.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to view ALFA as a continuous function of time. Previous authors have considered step functions but never used this general approach.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 26 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 11 June 2024

Diego Antônio Bittencourt Marconatto, Emidio Gressler Teixeira, Gaspar Antônio Peixoto, Kadigia Faccin and Luis Felipe Dias Lopes

Little is known about the role causation plays in establishing the necessary conditions for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) to face the first stages of a major crisis. Our…

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Abstract

Purpose

Little is known about the role causation plays in establishing the necessary conditions for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) to face the first stages of a major crisis. Our study aims to investigate how causation affects their ability to be successful at the onset of widespread calamities.

Design/methodology/approach

We examined how 191 Brazilian MSEs utilized causation in managing different aspects of their operating cycle before the COVID-19 pandemic using a combinatory methodology.

Findings

Causation is more important than usually supposed for MSEs when facing widespread crises.

Research limitations/implications

Our study did not explore the specific interactions between the intensified use of causation practices and other factors within MSEs that may lead to superior outcomes. The limitations of our data prevented a fully assessment of sales fluctuations of firms and how they responded to the latter stages of the COVID-19 crisis.

Practical implications

Our findings underscore the significance of causation in helping MSEs navigate future crises, emphasizing the enduring value of time-tested management practices. MSE owners and managers should ensure the presence of causation-oriented practices, as these forms the foundation for well-established management principles. This strong foundation equips MSEs to effectively employ effectuation strategies when it is needed.

Social implications

Small enterprises are the backbone of every economy and play a vital role in economic recovery. Our findings offer valuable insights that can help these enterprises effectively navigate major crises and contribute to economic recovery.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to answer to the call for more research that isolates and investigates granular elements of causation. Additionally, our study is original in that we address the need to consider the temporal dimension of causality.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 62 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 12 July 2021

Diego Antonio Bittencourt Marconatto, Emidio Gressler Teixeira, Gaspar Antônio Peixoto and Kadigia Faccin

The purpose of this paper is to identify the configurations of working capital and customer and supplier diversification employed by successful small and medium-sized enterprises…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the configurations of working capital and customer and supplier diversification employed by successful small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a combinatory methodology to analyze how 124 Brazilian SMEs configured – before and during the pandemic – the size of their working capital and their levels of dependency on clients and suppliers.

Findings

High levels of working capital and supplier diversification were found to be key to SMEs' ability to thrive before and during the pandemic. However, while SMEs that were growing prior to the pandemic depended on a few major customers, firms flourishing during this time have divided their sales among many clients.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on what configurations SMEs have adopted during the crisis. Qualitative studies are needed to identify how SMEs reconfigure themselves in the face of a major crisis.

Practical implications

The results of this study indicate that SMEs hit by the pandemic should avoid retrenchment strategies. They might have better chances of success if they embrace their vulnerability and take risks to foster growth.

Social implications

The results of the study can help SMEs respond to the economic crisis caused by COVID-19, which has already caused the failure of millions of businesses worldwide.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical investigation of SMEs that are weathering the pandemic, and in this study, the authors have analyzed the three aspects of their operations, which have been struck the hardest by the crisis.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 60 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

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