This article describes a method for mesh generation, suitable for applications of the finite‐element method, which proceeds fully automatically from a geometric model of the…
Abstract
This article describes a method for mesh generation, suitable for applications of the finite‐element method, which proceeds fully automatically from a geometric model of the object provided by a CAD‐system. It first generates a coarse mesh which is then adapted to fit the finite‐element problem. A resulting system of equations can be solved by a Gaussian‐type matrix method with as few computations as are necessary for a well‐banded matrix, but without the need for node or element numbering.
This paper seeks to describe the application of the Agile software development approach to rapidly develop and deploy a variety of innovative IT applications.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to describe the application of the Agile software development approach to rapidly develop and deploy a variety of innovative IT applications.
Design/methodology/approach
The Agile approach is flexible and iterative with continuous feedback and constant communication. It is also marked by frequent and short delivery schedules. An Agile team of staff and students was formed for different projects, and visual tools were used to show process and progress. Team members were also co‐located (situated in the same space), a key element that allowed faster and direct communication. Within the Agile framework, the Crystal Clear methodology was selected, which is based on team size and criticality of the application to develop the workflow and iterative processes.
Findings
The Agile approach is particularly suited to innovation development and creative teams for rapid development of products, services, and technology. However, its acceptance is dependent on organizational culture and nature of application.
Research limitations/implications
As a next step, it would be useful to test the Agile approach in an innovative application that is on a larger scale than six team members and with a different level of criticality.
Practical implications
Flexibility and adaptability are needed in managing the development of IT innovations and applications as they vary in size and complexity. The flexible and iterative Agile approach provided the framework to develop and implement these projects despite the small staff size.
Originality/value
There is little in the professional literature on software development and project management approaches for small teams. The Agile approach would be of interest to an IT unit or library with limited staff resources and interested in a lightweight framework to develop and deploy innovative projects.
Details
Keywords
Markus Kohlbacher, Doris Weitlaner, Arno Hollosi, Stefan Grünwald and Hans‐Peter Grahsl
This paper aims to empirically explore the impact of absorptive capacity (AC) on explorative and exploitative innovation in business cluster settings, and the environment's…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to empirically explore the impact of absorptive capacity (AC) on explorative and exploitative innovation in business cluster settings, and the environment's moderating role on these relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a sample of Central European companies, the paper applies multivariate data analysis techniques to test the effect of AC on innovation performance and potential moderators, respectively.
Findings
The empirical evidence indicates that AC impacts both explorative and exploitative innovation, and that the strength of the impact depends on the business clusters' level of dynamism and competitiveness. Environmental dynamism and competitiveness positively moderate the effect of AC on explorative innovation, and negatively moderate the effect of AC on exploitative innovation.
Research limitations/implications
Several research limitations apply. First, only one interview per firm was conducted on a self‐reporting basis. Second, the survey's focus was on SMEs. Third, questionnaire translations and differing interviewer behaviour may bias the results.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that firms in business clusters must develop AC to gain the fruits of agglomeration effects. Furthermore, attention should be paid to the cluster's environmental conditions, since dynamism and competition play a significant role for innovation.
Originality/value
Although the importance of AC has often been highlighted, much more remains to be understood about its role in business cluster settings. This issue is addressed in this work by providing systematic, empirical evidence on how AC affects innovation performance at the firm level, and on how this relationship depends on the business cluster's environmental characteristics.
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Ajay Kela, Mukul Saxena and Renato Perucchio
This paper deals initially with a new algorithm for generating automatically, from solid models of mechanical parts, finite element meshes that are organized as spatially…
Abstract
This paper deals initially with a new algorithm for generating automatically, from solid models of mechanical parts, finite element meshes that are organized as spatially addressable quaternary trees (for 2D work) or octal trees (for 3D work). Because such meshes are inherently hierarchical as well as spatially addressable, they permit efficient substructuring techniques to be used for both global analysis and incremental re‐meshing and re‐analysis. The paper summarizes the global and incremental techniques, and presents some results from an experimental closed loop 2D system in which meshing, analysis, error evaluation, and re‐meshing and re‐analysis are done automatically and adaptively. The paper concludes with a progress report on a 3D implementation.
M.S. Shephard, P.L. Baehmann and K.R. Grice
The general structure of geometrically‐based automatic finite element modelling systems is discussed. The development of a specific system employing the modified‐quadtree and…
Abstract
The general structure of geometrically‐based automatic finite element modelling systems is discussed. The development of a specific system employing the modified‐quadtree and modified‐octree mesh generators is presented. The application of this approach to metal forming analysis is then given.
Christine Miller and Richard N. Osborn
This commentary challenges researchers to include grounded social processes generated by individual action and interaction as they study managerial efforts in an attempt to impose…
Abstract
This commentary challenges researchers to include grounded social processes generated by individual action and interaction as they study managerial efforts in an attempt to impose prescriptive innovation models on them. Specifically, innovation planning for the middle of the organization and the middle stages of the innovation process should consider a variety of social processes that emerge from the interaction of individuals in their grounded setting. Researchers in this area should place much more emphasis on interpretation and further explore how leaders might facilitate interaction to increase the changes of dynamic adaptive emergence. We also suggest a consideration of managerial mindsets to determine how executives attempt to influence those in the middle, and we call on researchers to explicitly recognize differences in types of innovations and technological discontinuities.
Jennifer Kunz, Johanna Oltmann and Felix Weinhart
The present paper aims to focus on the role which German controllers play so far in the process of sustainable transformation in for-profit organizations, the current obstacles to…
Abstract
Purpose
The present paper aims to focus on the role which German controllers play so far in the process of sustainable transformation in for-profit organizations, the current obstacles to a wider engagement here and ways to overcome these obstacles.
Design/methodology/approach
The analysis combines two qualitative study designs. Empirical data is generated via a job advertisement analysis and an explorative survey with 107 subjects from management accounting/controlling and sustainability management. The generated data is interpreted against the background of the theory of institutional logics and Abbott’s (1988) theory of professional jurisdiction.
Findings
We find that controllers are in a state of tension. On the one hand, the pressure to integrate sustainability into companies is increasing. On the other hand, they seem to be rather reluctant to get involved. The institutional logics that shape their profession play an important role here, as does an unclear relationship with the sustainability department, which has its own claims here. Based on these observations, we identify the core obstacles to the transformation of the controllers’ profession and discuss solutions which can guide the transformation of this profession.
Originality/value
The present paper provides insights from a unique combination of different quantitative study designs and different perspectives on the possible role that controllers can play in advancing sustainable transformation in companies.