Jacopo Ballerini, Daniele Giordino, Luboš Smrčka and Francesca Culasso
Food and beverage (F&B) small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must diversify their markets and obtain predictable sources of revenues to withstand difficult and volatile…
Abstract
Purpose
Food and beverage (F&B) small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must diversify their markets and obtain predictable sources of revenues to withstand difficult and volatile periods such as the post-pandemic geopolitical scenario, recently burdened by the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. On the other hand, another strand of the literature suggests that public procurement could be considered a great source of income, enabling solid contracts, revenues and cash-flow stability. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the role of public procurement, the adoption of e-commerce platforms and their interactions in affecting the exporting performances of SMEs operating in the F&B sector.
Design/methodology/approach
The study retrieves data from 2,186 Italian F&B manufacturing SMEs relying on Margò by Cribis database. Therefore, it conducts a structured equational model (SEM) to test the developed hypotheses empirically.
Findings
The findings reveal that digital selling platforms positively affect exports, whereas public procurement negatively affects F&B SMEs exports. Nonetheless, findings underline that the interaction between public procurement and the adoption of digital selling platforms dampens public procurement's negative effects on exports.
Originality/value
This study brings an original contribution to the F&B literature by conducting empirical research on an extensive sample of firms from one of the most influential countries in the F&B vertical, Italy, with officially registered data. More importantly, to the best of the authors' knowledge, this study pioneers the investigation of the relationship between public procurement and e-commerce platforms in affecting F&B SMEs' export performances.
Details
Keywords
Jeffery C.C. Lo, B.F. Jia, Z. Liu, J. Zhu and S.W. Ricky Lee
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the lead‐free solder joint reliability of a variety of surface mount components assembled onto printed circuit boards (PCBs) under a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the lead‐free solder joint reliability of a variety of surface mount components assembled onto printed circuit boards (PCBs) under a number of different tests.
Design/methodology/approach
Lead‐free solder with a composition of Sn96.5‐Ag3.0‐Cu0.5 was used in a surface mount reflow process. Different types of surface mount dummy components with a daisy chain, such as CBGAs, BGAs, PLCCs, CSPs, and QFNs, were assembled onto PCBs. Both the mechanical and thermo‐mechanical reliability of the solder joints were evaluated by several tests. The experiments included package shear, package pull, three‐point bending and accelerated thermal cycling testing for 2,000 cycles. The packages were examined by X‐ray and C‐SAM before the reliability tests were carried out. The maximum load and the corresponding load‐displacement curve were recorded in the mechanical test.
Findings
The results from the mechanical tests show the major failure mode is on the copper pad. Weibull analysis shows that the characteristic lives of most packages are between 1,100 and 2,400 cycles. For the CBGA, the characteristic life of 96 cycles is relatively short, due to the serious CTE mismatch. Cross‐section inspection shows failures occur at the solder joint. Copper pad failure is also observed.
Originality/value
This paper provides both the mechanical and thermal‐mechanical reliability of lead‐free solder joints. The experimental data are very useful in the lead‐free SMT industries.
Details
Keywords
Qingying Wang, Rongjun Cheng and Hongxia Ge
The purpose of this paper is to explore how curved road and lane-changing rates affect the stability of traffic flow.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore how curved road and lane-changing rates affect the stability of traffic flow.
Design/methodology/approach
An extended two-lane lattice hydrodynamic model on a curved road accounting for the empirical lane-changing rate is presented. The linear analysis of the new model is discussed, the stability condition and the neutral stability condition are obtained. Also, the mKdV equation and its solution are proposed through nonlinear analysis, which discusses the stability of the extended model in the unstable region. Furthermore, the results of theoretical analysis are verified by numerical simulation.
Findings
The empirical lane-changing rate on a curved road is an important factor, which can alleviate traffic congestion.
Research limitations/implications
This paper does not take into account the factors such as slope, the drivers’ characters and so on in the actual traffic, which will have more or less influence on the stability of traffic flow, so there is still a certain gap with the real traffic environment.
Originality/value
The curved road and empirical lane-changing rate are researched simultaneously in a two-lane lattice hydrodynamic models in this paper. The improved model can better reflect the actual traffic, which can also provide a theoretical reference for the actual traffic governance.
Details
Keywords
Jianhua Zhang, Liangchen Li, Fredrick Ahenkora Boamah, Dandan Wen, Jiake Li and Dandan Guo
Traditional case-adaptation methods have poor accuracy, low efficiency and limited applicability, which cannot meet the needs of knowledge users. To address the shortcomings of…
Abstract
Purpose
Traditional case-adaptation methods have poor accuracy, low efficiency and limited applicability, which cannot meet the needs of knowledge users. To address the shortcomings of the existing research in the industry, this paper proposes a case-adaptation optimization algorithm to support the effective application of tacit knowledge resources.
Design/methodology/approach
The attribute simplification algorithm based on the forward search strategy in the neighborhood decision information system is implemented to realize the vertical dimensionality reduction of the case base, and the fuzzy C-mean (FCM) clustering algorithm based on the simulated annealing genetic algorithm (SAGA) is implemented to compress the case base horizontally with multiple decision classes. Then, the subspace K-nearest neighbors (KNN) algorithm is used to induce the decision rules for the set of adapted cases to complete the optimization of the adaptation model.
Findings
The findings suggest the rapid enrichment of data, information and tacit knowledge in the field of practice has led to low efficiency and low utilization of knowledge dissemination, and this algorithm can effectively alleviate the problems of users falling into “knowledge disorientation” in the era of the knowledge economy.
Practical implications
This study provides a model with case knowledge that meets users’ needs, thereby effectively improving the application of the tacit knowledge in the explicit case base and the problem-solving efficiency of knowledge users.
Social implications
The adaptation model can serve as a stable and efficient prediction model to make predictions for the effects of the many logistics and e-commerce enterprises' plans.
Originality/value
This study designs a multi-decision class case-adaptation optimization study based on forward attribute selection strategy-neighborhood rough sets (FASS-NRS) and simulated annealing genetic algorithm-fuzzy C-means (SAGA-FCM) for tacit knowledgeable exogenous cases. By effectively organizing and adjusting tacit knowledge resources, knowledge service organizations can maintain their competitive advantages. The algorithm models established in this study develop theoretical directions for a multi-decision class case-adaptation optimization study of tacit knowledge.
Details
Keywords
Liang Xuan and Zheng Xu
Gradient coils designed by conventional target field methods usually have a complex physical structure and these methods are not convergent for complex routing area problems. This…
Abstract
Purpose
Gradient coils designed by conventional target field methods usually have a complex physical structure and these methods are not convergent for complex routing area problems. This study aims to design a multi-coil (MC) gradient system arranged on a complex routing area including two cylindrical surfaces with different radii for a head magnetic resonance imaging scanner.
Design/methodology/approach
A MC system model is established. In this model, the sub-coils are evenly distributed on two cylindrical wiring surfaces, and the radii of coils are the same on one cylindrical surface. With the target magnetic field set, the currents in every individual coil are solved by constrained least-squares fitting based on the Levenberg–Marquardt method.
Findings
The magnetic field nonlinearity generated by designed coils is validated as 4.50% and 3.57% for X-gradient coil and Z-gradient coil, respectively, which satisfy the mainstream nonlinearity standards. The analysis of the optimization results indicates that hardware requirements can be considerably reduced by connecting coils with the same currents in series.
Originality/value
High-linearity gradient magnetic fields are generated on complex routing areas by adopting the MC structure. In addition, the requirements for current sources and amplifiers are considerably reduced.
Details
Keywords
Yazhou Mao, Yang Jianxi, Xu Wenjing and Liu Yonggang
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of round pits arrangement patterns on tribological properties of journal bearing. In this paper, the tribological behaviors…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of round pits arrangement patterns on tribological properties of journal bearing. In this paper, the tribological behaviors of journal bearing with different arrangement patterns under lubrication condition were studied based on M-2000 friction and wear tester.
Design/methodology/approach
The friction and wear of journal bearing contact surface were simulated by ANSYS. The wear mechanism of bearing contact surfaces was investigated by the means of energy dispersive spectrum analysis on the surface morphology and friction and wear status of the journal bearing specimens by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS). Besides, the wearing capacity of the textured bearing was predicted by using the GM (1,1) and Grey–Markov model.
Findings
As the loads increase, the friction coefficient of journal bearing specimens decrease first and then increase slowly. The higher rotation speed, the lower friction coefficient and the faster temperature build-up. The main friction method of the bearing sample is three-body friction. The existence of texture can effectively reduce friction and wear. In many arrangement patterns, the best is 4# bearing with round pits cross-arrangement pattern. Its texturing diameters are 60 µm and 125 µm, and the spacing and depth are 200 µm and 25 µm, respectively. In addition, the Grey–Markov model prediction result is more accurate and fit the experimental value better.
Originality/value
The friction and wear mechanism is helpful for scientific research and engineers to understand the tribological behaviors and engineering applications of textured bearing. The wear capacity of textured bearing is predicted by using the Grey–Markov model, which provides technical help and theoretical guidance for the service life and reliability of textured bearing.
Details
Keywords
Yaming Zhang, Na Wang, Koura Yaya Hamadou, Yanyuan Su, Xiaoyu Guo and Wenjie Song
In social media, crisis information susceptible of generating different emotions could be spread at exponential pace via multilevel super-spreaders. This study aims to interpret…
Abstract
Purpose
In social media, crisis information susceptible of generating different emotions could be spread at exponential pace via multilevel super-spreaders. This study aims to interpret the multi-level emotion propagation in natural disaster events by analyzing information diffusion capacity and emotional guiding ability of super-spreaders in different levels of hierarchy.
Design/methodology/approach
We collected 47,042 original microblogs and 120,697 forwarding data on Weibo about the “7.20 Henan Rainstorm” event for empirical analysis. Emotion analysis and emotion network analysis were used to screen emotional information and identify super-spreaders. The number of followers is considered as the basis for classifying super-spreaders into five levels.
Findings
Official media and ordinary users can become the super-spreaders with different advantages, creating a new emotion propagation environment. The number of followers becomes a valid basis for classifying the hierarchy levels of super-spreaders. The higher the level of users, the easier they are to become super-spreaders. And there is a strong correlation between the hierarchy level of super-spreaders and their role in emotion propagation.
Originality/value
This study has important significance for understanding the mode of social emotion propagation and making decisions in maintaining social harmony.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-03-2024-0192.
Details
Keywords
Priscila Laczynski de Souza Miguel and Andrea Lago da Silva
This paper aims to investigate how purchasing organizations implement supplier diversity (SD) initiatives over time.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate how purchasing organizations implement supplier diversity (SD) initiatives over time.
Design/methodology/approach
A multiple case study approach was conducted. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with participants from purchasing organizations, intermediary organizations and diverse suppliers.
Findings
The research suggests that the SD journey encompasses three different, but interrelated stages before full implementation is achieved: structuring, operation and adaptation. The findings also provide evidence that SD implementation in Brazil is highly influenced by the lack of a consistent knowledge base and the lack of legitimized intermediary organizations.
Research limitations/implications
Using a temporal approach to understand how different practices suggested by the literature have been managed by practitioners over time, this study contributes to the understanding of the path to effective SD implementation and how intra- and interorganizational context influences this journey.
Practical implications
By identifying which practices should be adopted during different phases of SD implementation and proposing ways to overcome some of the inherent challenges, managers can better plan and allocate resources for the adoption of a successful SD initiative.
Social implications
This research demonstrates how organizations can promote diversity and reduce social and economic inequalities by buying from diverse suppliers.
Originality/value
Using a temporal approach, the research empirically investigates how different purchasing organizations have implemented and managed the known practices and dealt with the challenges faced when trying to adopt SD.
Details
Keywords
Ruben B.O. Acevedo, Klaudia Kantarowska, Edson Costa Santos and Marcio C. Fredel
This paper aims to generate a review of available techniques to measure Residual Stress (RS) in Ti6Al4V components made by Ti6Al4V.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to generate a review of available techniques to measure Residual Stress (RS) in Ti6Al4V components made by Ti6Al4V.
Design/methodology/approach
State of the art; literature review in the field of Residual Stress measurement of Ti6Al4V parts made by selective laser melting (SLM).
Findings
Different Residual Stress measurement techniques were detailed, regarding its concept, advantages and limitations. Regarding all researched references, hole drilling (semi destructive) and X-ray diffraction (nondestructive) were the most cited techniques for Residual Stress measurement of Ti6Al4V parts made by SLM.
Originality/value
An extensive analysis of RS measurement techniques for Ti6Al4V parts made by SLM.
Details
Keywords
Bo Chen, Tao Wang, Xin Xi, Caiwang Tan and Xiaoguo Song
Ti-Al composite plates have been used in aerospace and other important fields for specific purposes in recent years. However, relatively few studies have concentrated on Ti-Al…
Abstract
Purpose
Ti-Al composite plates have been used in aerospace and other important fields for specific purposes in recent years. However, relatively few studies have concentrated on Ti-Al additive manufacturing because during additive manufacturing process the local fusion and mixing of Ti/Al are inevitable. These areas where Ti and Al are mixed locally, especially interface, could easily generate high residual stresses and cracks. This study aims to manufacture Ti-Al functionally graded material and investigate the interaction of interface.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, Ti6Al4V/AlSi10Mg functionally graded materials were fabricated by laser based directed energy deposition (L-DED) and a strategy using V interlayer to relieve interfacial stress was investigated.
Findings
The area between the two materials was divided into transition zone (TZ) and remelting zone (RZ). The phase distribution, microstructure and micro-Vickers hardness of the TZ and RZ were investigated. Typical intermetallic compounds (IMCs) such as TiAl3, Ti3Al and Ti5Si3 were found in both composites. The addition of V interlayer promoted the homogenization of IMCs near interface and led to the formation of new phases like V5Si3 and Al3V.
Originality/value
The solidification process near the interface of Ti-Al functionally graded material and the possible generation of different phases were described. The result of this paper proved the feasibility of manufacturing Ti-Al functionally graded material by L-DED.