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Article
Publication date: 14 May 2018

Jiawei Feng, Jianzhong Fu, Zhiwei Lin, Ce Shang and Bin Li

T-spline is the latest powerful modeling tool in the field of computer-aided design. It has all the merits of non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) whilst resolving some flaws in…

583

Abstract

Purpose

T-spline is the latest powerful modeling tool in the field of computer-aided design. It has all the merits of non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) whilst resolving some flaws in it. This work applies T-spline surfaces to additive manufacturing (AM). Most current AM products are based on Stereolithograph models. It is a kind of discrete polyhedron model with huge amounts of data and some inherent defects. T-spline offers a better choice for the design and manufacture of complex models.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a direct slicing algorithm of T-spline surfaces for AM is proposed. Initially, a T-spline surface is designed in commercial software and saved as a T-spline mesh file. Then, a numerical method is used to directly calculate all the slicing points on the surface. To achieve higher manufacturing efficiency, an adaptive slicing algorithm is applied according to the geometrical properties of the T-spline surface.

Findings

Experimental results indicate that this algorithm is effective and reliable. The quality of AM can be enhanced at both the designing and slicing stages.

Originality/value

The T-spline and direct slicing algorithm discussed here will be a powerful supplement to current technologies in AM.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 24 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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Article
Publication date: 30 September 2019

Bin Li, Jianzhong Fu, Yongjie Jessica Zhang, Weiyi Lin, Jiawei Feng and Ce Shang

Majority of the existing direct slicing methods have generated precise slicing contours from different surface representations, they do not carry any interior information…

383

Abstract

Purpose

Majority of the existing direct slicing methods have generated precise slicing contours from different surface representations, they do not carry any interior information. Whereas, heterogeneous solids are highly preferable for designing and manufacturing sophisticated models. To directly slice heterogeneous solids for additive manufacturing (AM), this study aims to present an algorithm using octree-based subdivision and trivariate T-splines.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a direct slicing algorithm for heterogeneous solids using T-splines, which can be applied to AM based on the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. First, trivariate T-splines are constructed using a harmonic field with the gradient direction aligning with the slicing direction. An octree-based subdivision algorithm is then used to directly generate the sliced layers with heterogeneous materials. For FDM-based AM applications, the heterogeneous materials of each sliced layer are discretized into a finite number of partitions. Finally, boundary contours of each separated partition are extracted and paired according to the rules of CuraEngine to generate the scan path for FDM machines equipped with multi-nozzles.

Findings

The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is effective and reliable, especially for solid objects with multiple materials, which could maintain the model integrity throughout the process from the original representation to the final product in AM.

Originality/value

Directly slicing heterogeneous solid using trivariate T-splines will be a powerful supplement to current technologies in AM.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 26 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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Article
Publication date: 21 October 2013

Greg G. Wang, David Lamond and Yichi Zhang

This article aims to highlight the importance of creativity and innovation in Chinese HRM research and practice. The authors first seek to bring some conceptual clarity to the…

567

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to highlight the importance of creativity and innovation in Chinese HRM research and practice. The authors first seek to bring some conceptual clarity to the term “innovation”, especially in relation to the notion of creativity. The authors then discuss Chinese HRM research and policies and practices associated with innovation. The authors conclude the article by introducing the forum articles that constitute this issue of the journal.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review and analysis.

Findings

The authors discuss the conceptual difference and similarity between innovation and creativity. The literature analysis shows that Chinese HRM research is in a transitioning stage from local private novelty to global novelty, and innovation at individual and organizational level is determined by a sound national innovation system (NIS) that either fosters or hinders the overall ability of innovation in a sub-system.

Originality/value

The article differentiates creativity and innovation conceptually and specifies the critical role of NIS in fostering innovation ability at individual and organizational levels.

Details

Journal of Chinese Human Resource Management, vol. 4 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8005

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Article
Publication date: 9 November 2015

Yu Qin, Bin Li and Larry Yu

This study aims to analyze management innovations developed by a homegrown Chinese hotel company aimed at sustaining its growth and reveals some unorthodox management practices in…

2551

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyze management innovations developed by a homegrown Chinese hotel company aimed at sustaining its growth and reveals some unorthodox management practices in the lodging industry in China.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical sampling process was used to choose 7 Days Inn as a single case study. Semi-structured in-depth personal interviews of 15 informants with varying responsibilities were conducted to obtain organization-specific insights. Content analysis of the transcripts was performed to analyze interview data. Secondary data and interviews of managers in competing hotels were also used to support the findings.

Findings

This study identified seven major innovative management practices developed by 7 Days Inn. Most of these innovations arose from the company’s idiosyncratic collective mindset. The company created a different approach to thinking about the basic issues regarding business and management – including managerial roles, mistakes and change – that constituted the cornerstones of its management innovations.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the limitations of case method, the findings may not be generalizable to other Chinese hotel companies.

Practical implications

As little is known about innovative management practices by homegrown hotel companies in China, this study sheds new light on a creative and distinctive management system in the Chinese hotel industry. Introducing management styles that differ significantly from those of Western companies will benefit both management researchers and practitioners.

Originality/value

This study extends previous findings in management innovation by uncovering indigenous innovation influenced by traditional Chinese cultural values in China’s hospitality industry.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 27 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

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Article
Publication date: 16 June 2020

Ting Liu, Huawen Shen and Jie Gao

This study aims to uncover women’s career advancement (CA) in the hospitality industry, by examining the influence of female employees’ career expectation (CE) and work–family…

1608

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to uncover women’s career advancement (CA) in the hospitality industry, by examining the influence of female employees’ career expectation (CE) and work–family balance (WFB). It also investigated the extent to which organizational commitment (OC) mediates the relationships among women’s CE, WFB and CA.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was used to collect data. The data were collected from 525 hotel female employees in China. A structural equation model was conducted with all of the data to test the relationships between the constructs. The individual measurement model was tested using the exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. A structural model was estimated using analysis of moment structures to test all the hypotheses.

Findings

The results showed that women’s CE and WFB positively influenced their OC and CA. Women’s organizational commitment also positively influenced their CA. The results also confirmed that the indirect effect of CE and WFB on CA was mediated by OC.

Originality/value

This study examines how the CE and work–family relationships of female employees in the hospitality industry affect their OC and their CA. The results help female employees to overcome the glass ceiling effect and achieve greater career success. This study seeks to expand the research on the CA of female hotel employees by identifying the factors that influence their CA.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 32 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

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Article
Publication date: 27 October 2022

Gyan Prakash and Kumar Ambedkar

This paper explores the relationships between Industry 4.0-driven technologies and the circular economy-driven business model (CEDBM) components of value creation, delivery and…

587

Abstract

Purpose

This paper explores the relationships between Industry 4.0-driven technologies and the circular economy-driven business model (CEDBM) components of value creation, delivery and capture along manufacturing processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature, a research model is developed in which the three CEBDM components are represented by five components: product service system (PSS), product design, industrial symbiosis (IS), consumer interaction and pay-per-use/rental. For each of these five components, enabling Industry 4.0 technologies are identified and vague interdependence relationships were assessed using a fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method.

Findings

This paper contributes to the literature by exploring the relationships of the CEDBM components of value creation, value delivery and value capture with Industry 4.0-driven technological enablers. In addition, causal relationships between Industry 4.0 technologies and their relevance for facilitating CE-enabled manufacturing processes are identified, and finally, Industry 4.0-driven technological enablers of CE are categorized as base and front-end technologies.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that value delivery-based differentiation provides new avenues for value creation and innovative forms of value capture in CEDBMs.

Practical implications

Practitioners can use the findings to develop a roadmap for Industry 4.0-driven technological solutions for CE.

Social implications

CE-driven processes of manufacturing provide not only opportunities for value capture, creation and delivery but also avenues for customer-centric product and service development and effective resource utilization.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to identify value creation, delivery and capture processes along with Industry 4.0-enabled manufacturing processes.

Details

Journal of Advances in Management Research, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0972-7981

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Article
Publication date: 30 November 2023

Anhang Chen, Huiqin Zhang, Yuxiang Zhang and Junwei Zhao

The digital economy is profoundly transforming the manufacturing industry's fundamental concepts and value creation logic, making digital transformation (DT) strategy a crucial…

282

Abstract

Purpose

The digital economy is profoundly transforming the manufacturing industry's fundamental concepts and value creation logic, making digital transformation (DT) strategy a crucial decision for manufacturers. And faced with increasingly severe environmental issues, DT may become an important means to achieve sustainable development. This paper mainly discusses the strategic choice of the manufacturer's DT and analyzes the impact of DT on carbon emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the carbon cap-and-trade mechanism, the authors have constructed two decision models to study the DT strategy of the manufacturer, further exploring the impact of the mechanism on the DT strategy and production strategy of the manufacturer. Finally, the authors discussed the effect of manufacturers' DT on their carbon emissions.

Findings

The authors found that the manufacturer should initiate DT to enhance their competitiveness, regardless of whether they are in a low digital technology scenario or a high digital technology scenario. Notably, DT can enhance the ability of the manufacturer to respond to external emergencies. In a low digital technology market scenario, both carbon emissions per unit of product and carbon price are positively affecting the digitization level of the manufacturer. In a high digital technology market scenario, the manufacturer will initiate a full degree of DT. Moreover, the impact of DT on total carbon emissions varies in markets with different levels of digital technology.

Originality/value

Innovatively, the authors divided the DT of the manufacturer into market scenarios with low digital technology and high digital technology. Provide the manufacturer with DT decisions according to different scenarios. At the same time, it verifies the uncertainty of DT on carbon emission and enriches the related research.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 124 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

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Article
Publication date: 25 February 2022

Chao Shang, Parvaneh Saeidi and Chin Fei Goh

The poor leadership style is a key obstacle to the effective implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies. To successfully apply the Industry 4.0 technologies, which can enhance…

1298

Abstract

Purpose

The poor leadership style is a key obstacle to the effective implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies. To successfully apply the Industry 4.0 technologies, which can enhance the sustainability of firms, senior management needs to be inspiring and transformational. On the other hand, numerous factors can hinder the Industry 4.0 transition and “Circular Supply Chain (CSC)” transformation. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to evaluate the related barriers of CSCs in the era of Industry 4.0 transition.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study developed an innovative decision-making approach with the help of the “Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo)” method and “Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC)” method on the “q-Rung Orthopair Fuzzy Sets (q-ROFSs).” CRITIC in this combined method was used to predict the importance or weighting degrees of the CSCs barriers in the age of Industry 4.0 transition.

Findings

The results of this study found that the absence of knowledge about the Industry 4.0 technologies and circular approaches was the first barrier followed by the problems associated with data security in relationship management in circular flows, the deficiency of knowledge regarding the data management among stakeholders and the lack of awareness about the potential benefits of autonomous systems in labor-oriented “End-of-Life (EOL)” activities for CSCs in the era of Industry 4.0 transition.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation may be that despite the generalizability of the proposed framework, the results may differ when it is implemented in different sectors. By emphasizing the obstacles to sustainable operations of supply chains (SCs) in the context of circular economy (CE) and Industry 4.0, researchers working in the same domain may be encouraged to find ways to remove such obstacles in different settings. As suggested in this study, the priority of various barriers helps researchers suggest effective strategies for the sustainable development of companies within the current dynamic business atmosphere.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper can aid industry practitioners in fixing their attention on the digitization or automation of their systems in the context of sustainability or resource circularity. Note that within the current context of CE, one of the crucial issues is how to conserve the existing resources; the answer to this question can save the environment.

Originality/value

The current paper proposed a new multi-criteria decision-making method using q-ROFSs to analyze, rank and evaluate the CSC barriers in the age of Industry 4.0 transition. To this end, a new decision-making approach with the help of CRITIC and CoCoSo methods on q-ROFSs called q-ROF-CRITIC-CoCoSo was introduced to evaluate the CSCs barriers in the era of Industry 4.0 transition.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 35 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 3 April 2024

Juan D. Borrero and Shumaila Yousafzai

The shift toward a circular economy (CE) represents a collaborative endeavor necessitating the presence of efficient frameworks, conducive contexts and a common comprehension…

1705

Abstract

Purpose

The shift toward a circular economy (CE) represents a collaborative endeavor necessitating the presence of efficient frameworks, conducive contexts and a common comprehension. This research serves as a pivotal stride towards this goal, presenting an exclusive prospect for the investigation and fusion of these frameworks, with particular emphasis on the Quintuple Helix Model (5HM), into a unified theoretical framework that underscores the core principles of the CE. This study is centered on three pivotal questions aimed at decoding the CE transition in specific regional settings.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting an abductive approach firmly anchored in a two-stage qualitative process, this study specifically merges the foundational principles from institutional theory, entrepreneurship literature and CE frameworks to provide insights into the dynamics of circular ecosystems, with a specific focus on the Huelva region in Spain.

Findings

The findings demonstrate significant potential in the CE, ranging from the integration of product and service systems to innovations in eco-industrial practices. Yet, a notable deficiency exists: the absence of institutional entrepreneurs, highlighting the essential role that universities can play. As recognized centers of innovation, universities are suggested to be key contributors to the transformation toward a CE, aligning with their societal and economic responsibilities.

Practical implications

This study highlights the importance of managing relationships with entities like SMEs and policymakers or academia for effective CE adoption. Policymakers can refine strategies based on the research’s insights, while the impact of university-driven circular ecosystems on sustainable societies is another crucial area for research.

Originality/value

The sustainability models cited in CE literature may not be comprehensive enough to prevent problem shifting, and it can be argued that they lack a sound theoretical and conceptual basis. Furthermore, the connections between sustainability objectives and the three levels of the CE operating system remain vague. Additionally, there is insufficient information on how regions foster the involvement of the environment in fivefold helix cooperation and how this impacts the CE.

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Article
Publication date: 1 May 1998

Peter Chalos and Neale G. O’Connor

Studies the characteristics, control and performance of joint ventures producing a model based on four cases. Explains the theory of complementary strategic objectives, and the…

585

Abstract

Studies the characteristics, control and performance of joint ventures producing a model based on four cases. Explains the theory of complementary strategic objectives, and the need for delineating specific transaction costs and management controls under differing cultures. Interviews managers of four Sino‐American Joint Ventures in manufacturing for several years. Finds that the US partner controlled the technology, the Chinese partner wanted to reduce imports and import management and product skills. Focuses on raw material sourcing as a cause of conflict, as well as slow learning and high transaction costs from a poorly controlled system. Points out the keenness for incentive payments among Chinese workers and the reluctance by Chinese managers to have their performance evaluated.

Details

Managerial Finance, vol. 24 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4358

Keywords

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