Yukihiko Taketani, Hajime Kondo and M. Kropman
Performance tests were carried out on the anti‐corrosion ability of K‐White 84S, a new grade for water‐based paints, specially designed to impart stability to aqueous systems…
Abstract
Performance tests were carried out on the anti‐corrosion ability of K‐White 84S, a new grade for water‐based paints, specially designed to impart stability to aqueous systems whilst maintaining good cost‐effectiveness. The results of salt spray tests and humidity tests have shown that K‐White 84S was superior to the other anticorrosion pigments with which it was compared in this study.
Hajime Yamashina and Shunsuke Otani
Elevator manufacturers are responsible for securing the safety and maintaining the performance, cleanliness and cosmetic appearance of the elevators which they sell.The purpose of…
Abstract
Elevator manufacturers are responsible for securing the safety and maintaining the performance, cleanliness and cosmetic appearance of the elevators which they sell.The purpose of this paper is to develop a cost‐optimized after‐sales strategy for the maintenance of an elevator part. First, in order to find an optimum maintenance method, the replacement probability and the inspection probability of the part are theoretically derived using each of the three maintenance methods: Time Based Maintenance (TBM), Condition Based Maintenance (CBM), and Breakdown Maintenance (BM). Then, the approach to plan a cost‐optimized maintenance method is presented and the relationship between the failure characteristics of the part and the cost‐optimized maintenance method is discussed.The results of using the proposed approach are compared with those obtained by Online Quality Engineering (Taguchi methods). Finally, from numerical experiments, it is shown that this approach can provide a more cost‐effective and better maintenance method than the method provided by Online Quality Engineering.
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This research explores the intricate dynamics of national interests realised through Japan's official development assistance (ODA) to China. It aims to deepen the understanding of…
Abstract
Purpose
This research explores the intricate dynamics of national interests realised through Japan's official development assistance (ODA) to China. It aims to deepen the understanding of these mechanisms, detailing the extent to which Japan has accomplished its national interests.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper applies the role theory and narrative analysis to elucidate Japan's national role conception and its categories of national interests with regards to its ODA policy. It utilises both qualitative and quantitative methods to examine the success rate in achieving Japan's diplomatic objectives and how those interests have manifested over time.
Findings
The findings suggest a mixed outcome. Whilst Japan's ODA to China has helped in expanding trade and fostering mutual understanding and cooperation, it has been less successful in promoting democratic governance in China or effectively counterbalancing China's regional power. Hence, the realisation of national interests through ODA is a complex process contingent upon numerous factors.
Originality/value
This study stands out for its multifaceted approach in examining Japan's ODA policy towards China, integrating both quantitative and qualitative methodologies and applying the role theory in the context of international development aid. It fills a significant gap in the literature by analysing the interplay between national interests and foreign aid, providing nuanced insights into the successes and challenges of Japan's pursuit of its diplomatic objectives. The study's findings have important implications for understanding the complexity of international aid dynamics and can inform future policy decisions in the realm of international relations and foreign aid.