Cheng Yan, Enzi Kang, Haonan Liu, Han Li, Nianyin Zeng and Yancheng You
This paper delves into the aerodynamic optimization of a single-stage axial turbine employed in aero-engines.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper delves into the aerodynamic optimization of a single-stage axial turbine employed in aero-engines.
Design/methodology/approach
An efficient integrated design optimization approach tailored for turbine blade profiles is proposed. The approach combines a novel hierarchical dynamic switching PSO (HDSPSO) algorithm with a parametric modeling technique of turbine blades and high-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation analysis. The proposed HDSPSO algorithm introduces significant enhancements to the original PSO in three pivotal aspects: adaptive acceleration coefficients, distance-based dynamic neighborhood, and a switchable learning mechanism. The core idea behind these improvements is to incorporate the evolutionary state, strengthen interactions within the swarm, enrich update strategies for particles, and effectively prevent premature convergence while enhancing global search capability.
Findings
Mathematical experiments are conducted to compare the performance of HDSPSO with three other representative PSO variants. The results demonstrate that HDSPSO is a competitive intelligent algorithm with significant global search capabilities and rapid convergence speed. Subsequently, the HDSPSO-based integrated design optimization approach is applied to optimize the turbine blade profiles. The optimized turbine blades have a more uniform thickness distribution, an enhanced loading distribution, and a better flow condition. Importantly, these optimizations lead to a remarkable improvement in aerodynamic performance under both design and non-design working conditions.
Originality/value
These findings highlight the effectiveness and advancement of the HDSPSO-based integrated design optimization approach for turbine blade profiles in enhancing the overall aerodynamic performance. Furthermore, it confirms the great prospects of the innovative HDSPSO algorithm in tackling challenging tasks in practical engineering applications.
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Gang Li, Qiqi Zheng and Mengyao Xia
Due to the fact that most employees have been forced to work remotely during the lockdown resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, there is great concern about how to alleviate…
Abstract
Purpose
Due to the fact that most employees have been forced to work remotely during the lockdown resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, there is great concern about how to alleviate increased stress among employees through human resource (HR) practices. Drawing upon the job demands-control (JDC) model and the job demands-resources (JDR) model, this study empirically investigated the direct effect of HR practices on employee stress in enforced remote work and the mediating role of sources of stress (SoS) and sense of control (SoC).
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through an online survey platform called Wenjuanxing from March 15 to 22, 2020 in Hubei, China and from April 22 to 29, 2022 in Shanghai, China. Respondents scanned the QR code on WeChat to enter the platform. A total of 511 valid questionnaires were received with a response rate of 75.4%. After controlling demographic variables, the authors used the mediation modeling and PROCESS tool to test the proposed hypotheses.
Findings
HR practices negatively affect stress in enforced remote work among employees. Both SoS and SoC partially mediate the relationship between HR practices and stress. HR practices can alleviate stress via decreasing SoS and enhancing SoC, respectively. Moreover, employee care and training are found to be two key factors of HR practices to help employees alleviate stress in enforced remote work.
Originality/value
Lockdown as an extreme external condition has brought great challenges in employee work arrangement as well as HR practices. Although the relationship between HR practices and job stress was studied previously, there is a lack of research on the effects of HR practices on stress in enforced remote work due to lockdown. It advances knowledge on HR practices' stress-reducing effect in the context of remote work and provides suggestions for HR practitioners on ways of alleviating employee stress in remote work.
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Guobiao Li, Zehai Long, Yujia Jiang, Yangjie Huang, Peng Wang and Zhaoxin Huang
Entrepreneurial competence plays a decisive role in entrepreneurship success. To promote the employment of college students and accelerate economic growth through entrepreneurial…
Abstract
Purpose
Entrepreneurial competence plays a decisive role in entrepreneurship success. To promote the employment of college students and accelerate economic growth through entrepreneurial activities, the Chinese government and universities encourage the use of multiple inputs to boost holistic entrepreneurship education and training. This study aims to assesses the entrepreneurial competence of college students by analysing the effects of entrepreneurship education and policy implementation in China.
Design/methodology/approach
The quantitative approach considered a large sample of 12,269 students, who participated in entrepreneurship education in Chinese “double-first-class” universities, to construct a theoretical model of their entrepreneurial competence. Entrepreneurship competition was introduced as a mediating variable in this model.
Findings
This study revealed that college students develop entrepreneurial competence by participating in entrepreneurship competitions unlike students who participate in regular entrepreneurship education. Additionally, there was a significant difference in the measured impact of entrepreneurship policy between students who participated in entrepreneurship competitions and those who did not.
Originality/value
The effects of the implementation of entrepreneurship education and policy were studied using a quantitative design. Additionally, this study highlights the effect of entrepreneurship competitions with empirical evidence from China, and contributes to the discussion of entrepreneurship education at schools and entrepreneurship policy for policymakers.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine the nexus of social support (SS), work–life balance (WLB) and satisfaction with life (SWL) in hybrid work (HW) scenario in learning…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the nexus of social support (SS), work–life balance (WLB) and satisfaction with life (SWL) in hybrid work (HW) scenario in learning organizations.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected via questionnaire method from 531 employees working in learning organizations (IT/ITES sector) in India. The hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression.
Findings
The findings of the study showed that HW was positively related to SS dimensions, WLB and SWL. Further, the study established the mediating role of SS between HW and WLB as well as WLB as a mediator between HW-SWL relationships.
Research limitations/implications
This study has certain limitations owing to the cross-sectional nature of the data and the specific sector under study. The findings have significant implications for policy making to determine the conditions under which both employees and organizations can benefit from HW. Further, the study has implications for uncertain and volatile environments as had been created by COVID-19 pandemic, where HW arrangements may not be a choice but become necessity.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the conservation of resources theory. It identifies the importance of true autonomy and flexibility for employees.
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Paula Hidalgo Andrade, Clara Paz, Alejandro Unda-López, Gabriel Osejo-Taco and Andrea Vinueza-Cabezas
This qualitative study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators faced by workers during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in Ecuador. It focused on three work modalities…
Abstract
Purpose
This qualitative study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators faced by workers during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in Ecuador. It focused on three work modalities: on-site, telework and mixed or hybrid. It also inquired into practical implications for management based on the workers’ experiences.
Design/methodology/approach
Between October and December 2021, 41 semistructured interviews were conducted to delve into the experiences of Ecuadorian workers. Thematic content analysis was employed for data charting and analysis.
Findings
Barriers and facilitators varied according to each working modality, although some were shared, contingent upon the specific contextual factors and job characteristics. The findings suggest that organizations should consider implementing flexible working hours and modalities, provide safe workspaces, ensure appropriate technology and connectivity, support employees and maintain their health and well-being.
Originality/value
This research explores the experiences of teleworkers, on-site workers and hybrid workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in an under-researched labor market within a developing country. The study provides valuable insights that highlight the potential for management development initiatives specifically tailored to hybrid work environments.