Ragab K. Abdel-Magied, Mohamed F. Aly and Heba I. Elkhouly
The fiber orientation is considered one of the important parameters that have an effect on the characteristics of composites. This paper aims to investigate the effect of fiber…
Abstract
Purpose
The fiber orientation is considered one of the important parameters that have an effect on the characteristics of composites. This paper aims to investigate the effect of fiber orientation on the abrasive wear of the glass-epoxy (G-E) composites with different silicon carbide (SiC) filler weights (Wt.%).
Design/methodology/approach
The wear rate of glass fiber reinforced with angle-ply 0º, ±45º and 90º is discussed. The G-E composites with different weights of SiC filler at angle ±45º are considered. Hand lay-up technique was adopted for specimen preparation. The influence of effective parameters such as filler Wt. %, normal load, abrasive size and abrading distance on the wear rate was presented and discussed.
Findings
Experimental tests including pin on disk, micro-hardness and scanning electron microscope were carried out to investigate the composite characteristics.
Originality/value
The experimental results showed that the resistance wear was superior in case of ±45º fiber orientations. A validation of the experimental results using Taguchi approach to verify the optimal wear rate parameters was presented.
Details
Keywords
Heba Mohamed Adel, Abeer A. Mahrous and Rasha Hammad
The purpose of this research paper is to study the relationship between entrepreneurial marketing strategy (EMS), institutional environment (IE) and business performance (BP)…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research paper is to study the relationship between entrepreneurial marketing strategy (EMS), institutional environment (IE) and business performance (BP). Further, it examines the role of gender and entrepreneurial experience (EE) as moderators of EMS-BP and IE-BP relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the literature review, the authors proposed a conceptual model that was tested using a quantitative approach. Questionnaires were filled by 202 owners/entrepreneurs of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Egypt. Because of the absence of a formal population-frame for the Egyptian SMEs, non-probability quota sampling technique was used that considered differences in gender and EE. SmartPLS software was used for data analysis.
Findings
The results indicated that EMS has significant positive effect on BP. IE has significant positive effect on EMS but insignificant effect on BP. Gender was found to be moderating significantly both the EMS-BP and IE-BP relationships. However, EE was found to be an insignificant moderator in the EMS-BP relationship.
Practical implications
The findings communicate insights to the SMEs on the importance of undertaking proactive, risk-taking and innovative activities while creating and delivering value to their customers. Also, it encapsulates further implications for policymakers to promote a better IE for entrepreneurship in Egypt.
Originality/value
This study contributes conceptually to the interdisciplinary research that investigated the integration between entrepreneurship and marketing as a successful functional strategy in SMEs and its effect on enhancing BP and market share. Empirically, it adds value to the available literature on contemporary strategic entrepreneurship by analysing these IE-EMS-EE-Gender-BP relationships in a promising, yet under-researched, transitional economy.