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Article
Publication date: 5 January 2015

J. Jacob, J.A. Colin, H. Montemayor, D. Sepac, H.D. Trinh, S.F. Voorderhake, P. Zidkova, J.J.H. Paulides, A. Borisaljevic and E.A. Lomonova

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that using advanced powertrain technologies can help outperform the state of the art in F1 and LeMans motor racing. By a careful choice…

540

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that using advanced powertrain technologies can help outperform the state of the art in F1 and LeMans motor racing. By a careful choice and sizing of powertrain components coupled with an optimal energy management strategy, the conflicting requirements of high-performance and high-energy savings can be achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

Five main steps were performed. First, definition of requirements: basic performance requirements were defined based on research on the capabilities of Formula 1 race cars. Second, drive cycle generation: a drive cycle was created using these performance requirements as well as other necessary inputs such as the track layout of Circuit de la Sarthe, the drag coefficient, the tire specifications, and the mass of the vehicle. Third, selection of technology: the drive cycle was used to model the power requirements from the powertrain components of the series-hybrid topology. Fourth, lap time sensitivity analysis: the impact of certain design decisions on lap time was determined by the lap time sensitivity analysis. Fifth, modeling and optimization: the design involved building the optimal energy management strategy and comparing the performance of different powertrain component sizings.

Findings

Five different powertrain configurations were presented, and several tradeoffs between lap time and different parameters were discussed. The results showed that the fastest achievable lap time using the proposed configurations was 3 min 9 s. It was concluded that several car and component parameters have to be improved to decrease this lap time to the required 2 min 45 s, which is required to outperform F1 on LeMans.

Originality/value

This research shows the capabilities of advanced hybrid powertrain components and energy management strategies in motorsports, both in terms of performance and energy savings. The important factors affecting the performance of such a hybrid race car have been highlighted.

Details

COMPEL: The International Journal for Computation and Mathematics in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, vol. 34 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 11 April 2018

Alexandre Gori Maia, Daniele Cesano, Bruno Cesar Brito Miyamoto, Gabriela Santos Eusebio and Patricia Andrade de Oliveira Silva

The Sertão, located in the Northeastern region of Brazil, is the most populous semi-arid region in the world. The region also faces the highest rates of poverty, food insecurity…

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Abstract

Purpose

The Sertão, located in the Northeastern region of Brazil, is the most populous semi-arid region in the world. The region also faces the highest rates of poverty, food insecurity and climate risks in this country. Basic economic activities, such as extensive livestock and dairy farming, tend to be mainly affected by the increasing temperatures and recurrent droughts taking place in the past decades. This paper aims to analyze farmers’ responses to climatic variability in the Sertão.

Design/methodology/approach

Analyses are based on farm-level data of the Agricultural Census 2006 and on historical climate data gathered by meteorological stations. The climate impacts and the effectiveness of adaptive strategies are compared between three groups of farms, which discriminate different levels of social and environmental vulnerability. Four production functions are modeled (milk, cattle, goat and sheep) accounting for sample selectivity bias.

Findings

In response to increasing temperatures, farmers tend to shift their activities mainly to cattle and dairy farming. But the overall productivity tends to reduce with the recurrence of droughts. Decreasing precipitation affects mainly the production of milk of smallholder family farmers and the cattle herd of non-family farmers.

Research limitations/implications

Analyses do not account for short- and medium-run productive impacts of extreme droughts, which usually have devastating socioeconomic effects in the region.

Originality/value

Smallholder family farmers are the most vulnerable group who deserve more social and technical intervention, as they lack basic social and technological resources that can greatly improve their productivities and overcome the impacts of decreasing precipitation.

Details

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, vol. 10 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-8692

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 12 February 2025

Olugbenga Ayo Ojubanire, Mohamed Amine Marhraoui, Hicham Sebti and Sabrina Berbain

This study aims to explore the challenges and opportunities of adopting Industry 4.0 technologies in Africa, specifically focusing on the automotive industries in Morocco and…

5

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the challenges and opportunities of adopting Industry 4.0 technologies in Africa, specifically focusing on the automotive industries in Morocco and Nigeria. By comparing these two leading African countries in Industry 4.0 adoption, the research seeks to identify key factors influencing the implementation of smart manufacturing technologies and to provide insights into the potential benefits and challenges faced.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a multiple case study design with a quantitative approach, collecting data through structured questionnaires from 167 participants across five automotive companies in Morocco and Nigeria. Regression analysis assessed the impact of opportunities and challenges. Statistical analysis identified significant differences between the two countries.

Findings

The study reveals significant differences in the perceived challenges and benefits of Industry 4.0 adoption between Morocco and Nigeria. In Morocco, key challenges include high implementation costs and resistance to change, whereas, in Nigeria, lack of skilled workforce and high implementation costs are predominant barriers. Both countries recognize the benefits of improved productivity, better product quality and enhanced supply chain agility.

Research limitations/implications

While focused on two countries and the automotive industry, the study provides valuable insights into Industry 4.0 adoption in Africa, with potential for expanded future research.

Practical implications

The insights provided by this study can guide policymakers in developing tailored strategies to support Industry 4.0 adoption in Africa. For organizations, understanding the specific challenges and benefits can aid in designing effective Industry 4.0 implementation plans, enhancing competitiveness and achieving sustainable growth.

Originality/value

By providing a comparative analysis of Morocco and Nigeria, the study offers unique insights into the specific factors influencing Industry 4.0 implementation in different African contexts with differences between North and West of Africa.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 28 May 2019

Anthon P. Botha

The purpose of this paper is to address the possible future evolution of innovation from a human-only initiative, to human–machine co-innovation, to autonomous machine innovation…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the possible future evolution of innovation from a human-only initiative, to human–machine co-innovation, to autonomous machine innovation and to arrive at a conceptual mind model that outlines the role of innovation regimes and innovation agents.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a concept paper where a theoretical “thought experiment” is done, using future thinking principles and data that originate from the literature.

Findings

A conceptual mind model is developed to facilitate a better understanding of complexity at the edge of innovation where intelligent machines will emerge as innovators of the cyber world. It was found that innovation will gradually evolve from a human-only activity, to human–machine co-innovation, to incidences of autonomous machine innovation, based on the growth of machine intelligence and the adoption of human–machine partnership management models in future.

Research limitations/implications

Very little information is available in the literature on intelligent machines doing innovation. The work is based on a theoretical approach that presents new concepts to be debated, but have not been tested in engineering and technology management practice, except for a conference presentation and academic discussion.

Practical implications

The current world view is that future “smartness” is only possible through the creative abilities that humans have, but as machines are entering the workplace and our daily lives, not only as static robots on a manufacturing line, but as intelligent systems with the potential to replace lawyers and accountants, doctors and teachers, companions and partners, their role in innovation in complex environments needs to be explored.

Social implications

Human–machine interaction is often an emotional social issue of concern in terms of the replacement of human intelligence with machine intelligence. It should be asked whether humans will or should remain in control of innovation? Artificial intelligence (AI) may complement and even substitute human intelligence, but huge value is embedded in the new goods, services and innovations AI will enable, especially in manufacturing, where value embedded in the project becomes complex and dynamic.

Originality/value

The thinking presented in this paper is original and should lead to debate to question the way innovation systems will work in future and inspires thinking about AI and innovation.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 30 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

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Article
Publication date: 29 November 2024

Nimra Safdar, Muhammad Moazzam, Waqas Ahmed, Abdul Salam Khan, Wajiha Manzoor and Muhammad Mustafa Raziq

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are engines of economic growth. Research indicates that the adoption of green procurement practices (GPPs) significantly influences the…

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Abstract

Purpose

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are engines of economic growth. Research indicates that the adoption of green procurement practices (GPPs) significantly influences the sustainable growth of SMEs. However, there is a lack of understanding of factors that link the adoption of GPPs with enhanced competitiveness. The purpose of this study is two-fold: first, to identify factors that affect the competitiveness of SMEs caused by adopting GPPs, and second, to test those factors whether they serve as necessary conditions in achieving that competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was used to survey 188 manufacturing SMEs in Pakistan. Cross-sectional data was collected through online questionnaires and analyzed using structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and necessary condition analysis (NCA).

Findings

Results indicate a less pronounced direct association between the adoption of GPPs and firm competitiveness. However, this association becomes strongly positive with the mediating roles of SSB and GI. On the other hand, NCA results reveal that the adoption of GPPs, SSB and GI acts as necessary conditions for achieving firm competitiveness.

Practical implications

This research highlights the fact that simply adopting GPPs is not sufficient to guarantee true competitiveness; a multifaceted approach is required. Moreover, it offers practical insights into effective planning of green investments leading to sustainable development.

Social implications

Various practical measures can be adopted to manage the social outcomes of investment in the adoption of GPPs by SMEs.

Originality/value

This study relates and contributes to the natural resource-based view (NRBV) theory, the stakeholder theory and the necessity theory by developing a novel analytical framework.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 26 November 2024

Ali Mohsin Salim Ba Awain, Ali Said Jaboob, Marcos Ferasso, Anwar Alsheyadi and Ángel Acevedo-Duque

This study aims to investigate the relationship between technology-distinct capabilities (TDC) and innovative work behavior (IWB) through the mediating effect of strategic…

35

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between technology-distinct capabilities (TDC) and innovative work behavior (IWB) through the mediating effect of strategic flexibility (SF), to examine the behavior toward technopreneurship (BTT) among Omani small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Furthermore, technopreneur self-efficacy (TSE) is investigated as a moderating variable between TDC and SF.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the quantitative research design, the survey questionnaire instrument was used to collect data from SMEs’ owners and managers. Using purposive sampling, the study comprised 285 responses from Muscat, Sohar and Al-Buraimi regions. Responses were analyzed through SPSS 25 and Smart PLS 4 using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The main findings revealed a positive and significant influence of TDC and IWB on SF. In addition, SF mediates the relationship between TDC, IWB and TBB. Results showed no effect of TSE on TDC and SF. The study outlines significant theoretical and practical implications. Dynamic capability (DC) theory provided a framework for understanding the highly competitive Omani business climate. The diffusion of innovation (DOI) provides the way forward to SMEs that how they embrace and induce novel concepts, including SF.

Originality/value

The findings of the study can be used by academics and policymakers to develop policies that support SMEs’ technological innovation and adaptability. In the Omani context, policymakers and public managers can utilize this research to evaluate the different technopreneurship support programs and encourage SMEs to adopt digital technology to capitalize on the nation’s entrepreneurial dynamic.

Details

Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-4323

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Article
Publication date: 30 May 2024

Sobia Bhutto, Alamin Mydin, Kamran Hyder, Irshad Hussain Sarki and Gul Muhammad Rind

This study aims to investigate the relationship between workplace spirituality (WPS) and faculty critical thinking (CT) and the mediating effect of knowledge management (KM) among…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between workplace spirituality (WPS) and faculty critical thinking (CT) and the mediating effect of knowledge management (KM) among faculty at public universities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional research design to attain the objective. Using simple random sampling, the data were collected from 295 faculty members working in public universities in Sindh, Pakistan. The hypothesized relationships were tested using structural equation modeling (SEM) based on covariance and mediation analysis was conducted using Preacher and Haye’s (2008) approach.

Findings

Findings revealed a significant positive association between WPS, KM and faculty CT. In addition, the results indicated that KM played a partial mediating role in the relationship between WPS and CT.

Practical implications

Encouraging WPS can cultivate an environment of transparency, teamwork and knowledge exchange, promoting and enhancing faculty CT abilities.

Originality/value

Rare research exists regarding the connections between WPS, KM and CT in the Pakistani higher education system.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

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Book part
Publication date: 1 January 2006

Gina L. Miller, Naresh K. Malhotra and Tracey M. King

Abstract

Details

Review of Marketing Research
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-7656-1305-9

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 2003

Gregorio Sánchez Marín and Antonio Aragón Sánchez

This paper analyzes the links among executive compensation, a firm’s strategic orientation, and firm performance. A number of key questions relative to the relationships among…

846

Abstract

This paper analyzes the links among executive compensation, a firm’s strategic orientation, and firm performance. A number of key questions relative to the relationships among these elements remain unanswered because prior research on this subject has reported mixed results, and, moreover, has been confined almost exclusively to U.S. firms. We develop a framework that draws on arguments from agency theory to identify such links. A research design with both archival and survey data is used to test hypotheses in a sample of 253 Spanish companies. We found that top managers’ compensation systems are linked with a firm’s strategic orientations, but in a different form than that of previous studies. Results show two differentiated groups of firms: (1) prospective firms that adapt their managerial compensation systems to the requirements of strategic context, consequently obtaining positive performance effects; and (2) conservative firms that design managerial compensation systems independent of strategic context, consequently not obtaining additional performance benefits.

Details

Management Research: Journal of the Iberoamerican Academy of Management, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1536-5433

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Article
Publication date: 14 May 2019

Pawel Korzynski, Jordi Paniagua and Eduardo Rodriguez-Montemayor

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the use of social media can facilitate employee creativity. Departing from theories on social capital and knowledge management…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the use of social media can facilitate employee creativity. Departing from theories on social capital and knowledge management, this study examines the relationship among individual characteristics, the use of social technologies and employee creativity. The main hypothesis of the study is that online social networking mediates the relationship between personal innovativeness and creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained through an online survey of 80 engineers and 12 managers working in a large IT company listed by the Fortune 500 (n1=80, n2=12). The empirical strategy relies on fixed-effects structural equation modeling and confirmatory factor analysis with a quasi-experimental design to study the structural relationship among creativity, online social connectivity (OSC) and personal innovativeness.

Findings

The study provides three major findings. First, the results show that personal innovativeness regarding new technologies is positively associated with creativity. Second, 18 percent of the association between personal innovativeness and creativity is explained by the latent mediator OSC (a construct of online networking and knowledge management). More specifically, the partial mediation is driven by online networking, specifically establishing new connections. Finally, contrary to the expectations, there is no significant evidence that the relationship between creativity and personal innovativeness is mediated by online social knowledge management.

Practical implications

Understanding the ways in which online connections and online knowledge management as well as personal innovativeness are related to employee creativity helps in building innovative organizations. This study may facilitate recruitment and selection strategies and encourage organizations to implement platforms with user-friendly functionalities of connecting with other employees and searching data.

Originality/value

The main question of this study is whether all features related to social technologies make people more creative. Evidence is still scarce, but there are hints that creativity is not only an innate personal feature but also a social phenomenon. This study explains the benefits of OSC for enhancing employee creativity.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 58 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

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