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Article
Publication date: 1 March 2006

J.F. Flores, B. Valdez S., M. Schorr and J.J. Olaya

To investigate the protective properties of tantalum nitride (TaN) thin films deposited on to various steels immersed in a 3 per cent NaCl solution.

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Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the protective properties of tantalum nitride (TaN) thin films deposited on to various steels immersed in a 3 per cent NaCl solution.

Design/methodology/approach

TaN thin films with a thickness of 250 nm were deposited on UNS G10180, UNS S30400 and UNS T11302 steels by means of magnetron sputtering technique. The electrochemical behaviour has been studied in 3 per cent NaCl solution using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization. The crystalline structure of the films was investigated by X‐ray diffraction. Surface analysis of the corroded samples was performed using scanning electron microscopy and light optical microscopy. The electrochemical impedance spectra were analysed in the context of equivalent circuit models (ECs).

Findings

The ECs incorporate a charge transfer process representing the TaN film on UNS G10180 steel, two time constants for that deposited on UNS T11302 and diffusion behaviour for the TaN film on UNS S30400 steel. TaN films demonstrate their protection properties, which were evidenced by increase of the electrochemical properties compared with the substrate. The major corrosion damage of coatings is caused by defects, pores, droplets and pinholes that allow the electrolyte penetration through the films.

Practical implications

Corrosion protections of steels by TaN thin films.

Originality/value

The information related to corrosion behaviour of TaN films in a chloride solution is poor. This paper presents not only a completely electrochemical characterization, but also the surface analysis of the corroded samples.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 53 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

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Article
Publication date: 29 January 2024

Juan Manuel Aristizábal, Edwin Tarapuez and Carlos Alberto Astudillo

This study aims to analyze the entrepreneurial intention (EI) of Colombian researchers using machine learning (ML) techniques, considering their academic activity, contexts and…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the entrepreneurial intention (EI) of Colombian researchers using machine learning (ML) techniques, considering their academic activity, contexts and social norms (SN).

Design/methodology/approach

Unsupervised classification techniques were applied, including principal component analysis, hierarchical clustering with the Ward method and a logistic model to evaluate the classification. This was done to group researchers according to their characteristics and EI.

Findings

The methodology used allowed the identification of three groups of academics with distinct characteristics, of which two showed a high presence of EI. The results indicate that EI is influenced by the connection with the private sector (consulting, intellectual property and applied research) and by the lack of institutional support from universities. Regarding SN, only the preference for entrepreneurial activity over being an employee and the social appreciation of entrepreneurial dedication were identified as predictors of EI.

Originality/value

The use of ML techniques to study the EI of researchers is uncommon. This study highlights the ability of the methodology used to identify differences between two groups of academics with similar characteristics but different levels of EI. One group was identified that, despite rejecting values associated with entrepreneurs, has a high predisposition to develop a career as an entrepreneur. This provides valuable information for designing policies that promote EI among Colombian researchers.

Details

Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4604

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Publication date: 8 March 2021

David S. Jones

This chapter examines the way corruption in the public procurement of goods, services, and public works has been commonplace in Southeast Asian states over many years (with the…

Abstract

This chapter examines the way corruption in the public procurement of goods, services, and public works has been commonplace in Southeast Asian states over many years (with the exception of Singapore), and considers the measures taken to combat such practices. It also examines why so often those efforts have not been fully effective. Three reasons are given to explain these failings. These are the following: (a) elite capture of the procurement process by influential politicians, business leaders and senior bureaucrats; (b) the informal bureaucracy in the procuring agencies which allowed corrupt practices to be followed; and (c) lack of political will to enforce measures to combat corruption

Details

Corruption in the Public Sector: An International Perspective
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83909-643-3

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Article
Publication date: 15 November 2018

Jose Satsumi Lopez-Morales

The purpose of this paper is to develop a systematic literature review on the subject of multilatinas during 2007-2017, through a review of 55 papers published in 35 journals.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a systematic literature review on the subject of multilatinas during 2007-2017, through a review of 55 papers published in 35 journals.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative technique for conducting a systematic literature review was used. To systematize and make the literature review more accurate, it was divided in four stages: data collection, coding, analysis and interpretation of data. Several tables and figures were developed to provide a better interpretation of the literature.

Findings

The phenomenon of multilatinas is still a regional topic. Nine specific gaps in the literature were identified: the role of the state; impact of “home-country reputation”; the role of the host country in the expansion of multilatinas; multilatina selection of markets with geographical closeness and cultural affinity; multilatinas from small economies (mainly Central American countries); studies of multilatinas operating in the service sector; the role of family ownership; studies analysing the multinationality–performance relationship; and the study of collaboration networks between researchers.

Research limitations/implications

The access of academic databases, where more published studies may have been available, and the level of precision in the search for papers that meet the necessary characteristics were included in the review.

Practical implications

This paper contributes to not only the body of knowledge about multilatinas but also, in a wide scope, to the knowledge of multinationals from emerging countries. Furthermore also this paper provide some research directions for academics interested in multinationals.

Originality/value

The general contribution of this paper is in its addressing the topic of multinationals from emerging economies such as Latin America, a less-studied emerging region. Moreover, this work specifically contributes to understanding multilatinas and identifies research gaps and characteristics of the scientific papers on this phenomenon, potentially increasing knowledge about multinationals from emerging countries, and specifically Latin America.

Details

Review of International Business and Strategy, vol. 28 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-6014

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Article
Publication date: 17 August 2020

Jeovani Schmitt, Maria Inês Fini, Cyntia Bailer, Rosangela Fritsch and Dalton Francisco de Andrade

This study aims at developing an instrument to measure the latent trait propensity to drop out in face-to-face higher education.

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims at developing an instrument to measure the latent trait propensity to drop out in face-to-face higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on Tinto's student integration theory, a 27-item scale was created to measure student propensity to drop out of undergraduate programs. Item response theory was used to evaluate the psychometric analysis of the items. Furthermore, different methodologies were used to evaluate and provide evidence for content validity, response process validity, internal structure validity and criterion-related validity.

Findings

With the support of specialists in the construct, the interpretation of the scores for the use of the scale was defined in four levels of propensity: high, moderate, low and very low.

Research limitations/implications

The latent trait propensity to drop out in face-to-face higher education allows the inclusion of new items and aspects in the instrument. Thus, it can be adapted to distance education.

Practical implications

The students' propensity to drop out score can be useful for researchers and administration units in colleges and universities in the planning of permanent institutional actions and programs to take preventive measures.

Social implications

Minimize dropout in order to raise the educational level of the population and make better use of the resources invested in education.

Originality/value

This study points out when, why and how propensity to drop out can be measured and how scores can be interpreted in the context of the problem.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

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Article
Publication date: 5 September 2023

Garima Bhagat and Kumar Neeraj Jha

With the surge in public procurement, especially in developing countries, ensuring fair competition in procurement has assumed paramount importance. Academic endeavors in the…

112

Abstract

Purpose

With the surge in public procurement, especially in developing countries, ensuring fair competition in procurement has assumed paramount importance. Academic endeavors in the domain of competition issues have often lacked the views of field-level functionaries. This study aims to involve a large number of expert practitioners in India to identify the significant contemporary competition risks in public procurement from the procurer and supplier sides and develop a model depicting the hierarchy of competition-restrictive actions (CRAs) in procurement based on their mutual interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

The significant CRAs along the procurement cycle are identified through literature survey, interactive workshops and expert interviews. A questionnaire survey covering 143 respondents from 12 public organizations is used to evaluate their impact. Considering the complex causal interactions involved, interpretive structural modeling followed by MICMAC (Iimpact matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification analysis is used to develop a hierarchical model of competition risks in procurement.

Findings

Tailor-made contracts, splitting of a project below competition thresholds, restrictive selection criteria and awarding the contract on nomination emerge as CRAs with the highest driving power. Horizontal collusion among vendors strongly depends on practices followed in the procuring organization.

Research limitations/implications

The survey data and the experts’ opinions emanate from practitioners in India, which is a limitation. However, with necessary contextual calibrations, the study is of high functional utility to policymakers and practitioners.

Social implications

The research facilitates a comprehensive understanding to procurement managers/policymakers of the CRAs along the procurement cycle and their interdependencies. It offers valuable insights for improving competition, which is foundational for optimal procurement outcomes.

Originality/value

The study enriches the public procurement domain knowledge by identifying and assessing the significant contemporary CRAs, examining their mutual interactions and developing an interpretive structural model. Although contributing to the body of knowledge, the study is unique in being grounded in field realities.

Details

Journal of Public Procurement, vol. 23 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1535-0118

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Article
Publication date: 19 March 2024

Thao-Trang Huynh-Cam, Long-Sheng Chen and Tzu-Chuen Lu

This study aimed to use enrollment information including demographic, family background and financial status, which can be gathered before the first semester starts, to construct…

153

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to use enrollment information including demographic, family background and financial status, which can be gathered before the first semester starts, to construct early prediction models (EPMs) and extract crucial factors associated with first-year student dropout probability.

Design/methodology/approach

The real-world samples comprised the enrolled records of 2,412 first-year students of a private university (UNI) in Taiwan. This work utilized decision trees (DT), multilayer perceptron (MLP) and logistic regression (LR) algorithms for constructing EPMs; under-sampling, random oversampling and synthetic minority over sampling technique (SMOTE) methods for solving data imbalance problems; accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve and area under ROC curve (AUC) for evaluating constructed EPMs.

Findings

DT outperformed MLP and LR with accuracy (97.59%), precision (98%), recall (97%), F1_score (97%), and ROC-AUC (98%). The top-ranking factors comprised “student loan,” “dad occupations,” “mom educational level,” “department,” “mom occupations,” “admission type,” “school fee waiver” and “main sources of living.”

Practical implications

This work only used enrollment information to identify dropout students and crucial factors associated with dropout probability as soon as students enter universities. The extracted rules could be utilized to enhance student retention.

Originality/value

Although first-year student dropouts have gained non-stop attention from researchers in educational practices and theories worldwide, diverse previous studies utilized while-and/or post-semester factors, and/or questionnaires for predicting. These methods failed to offer universities early warning systems (EWS) and/or assist them in providing in-time assistance to dropouts, who face economic difficulties. This work provided universities with an EWS and extracted rules for early dropout prevention and intervention.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

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Article
Publication date: 5 March 2018

Jose L. Huesca-Dorantes, Snejina Michailova and Christina Stringer

This paper provides an overview of the Aztec 13 – the top 13 multinational enterprises in Mexico. Different from research that groups countries and regions, the purpose of the…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper provides an overview of the Aztec 13 – the top 13 multinational enterprises in Mexico. Different from research that groups countries and regions, the purpose of the paper is to deliver a nuanced picture of these multinationals in terms of their key characteristics and the strategies they follow when they internationalize.

Design/methodology/approach

All data sources that have been identified and reviewed are documents, printed and electronic. The Aztec multilatinas were identified using Forbes Global 2000 (2017). Other data sources such as media texts, company annual reports, reports filed with the Mexican Stock Exchange and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as investor presentations, were collected and analyzed. Data sources were published in English and Spanish. The analytic procedure adopted entailed identifying, selecting, making sense of and synthesizing the data contained in the documents.

Findings

Aztec multilatinas have specific characteristics which, to a great extent, influence their internationalization strategies. Characteristics include the geographical location of their headquarters, their origin and history, their ownership structure and ties with families and government. These factors, combined, help to describe in greater nuance the internationalization strategies and activities of the Aztec 13. Such a detailed and focused description is a first necessary step for subsequent potential theorizing.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the vibrant scholarly conversation on multinational enterprises from less researched regions and countries. Latin America is such a region and Mexico is such a country. Focusing on a single country and its top 13 multinationals allow a comprehensive description and disciplined analysis, with no dangerous generalizations to large regions and even larger settings such as emerging markets multinationals and with no false claims for theorizing.

Details

Review of International Business and Strategy, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-6014

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Article
Publication date: 25 March 2021

Maria Rita Blanco, Miguel Angel Sastre-Castillo and Maria Angeles Montoro-Sanchez

This article explores the influence of education and experience on the time to the top in family and non-family CEOs who work for Latin American family firms.

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Abstract

Purpose

This article explores the influence of education and experience on the time to the top in family and non-family CEOs who work for Latin American family firms.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to achieve these objectives, this study draws upon human capital theory as well as career and family firm literature. The careers of 129 CEOs of family firms who form part of the América Economía ranking were analyzed and quantitative methods were used.

Findings

In Latin American family firms, family CEOs reach the top faster than their non-family counterparts. In addition, the influence of human capital variables on the way to the top differs between the two groups. For family CEOs, obtaining a graduate degree delays the way to the top, while for non-family ones, it reduces the time to the top. As regards experience, for promoted family CEOs, the greater the percentage of the career spent in the organization they lead, the shorter the time to the top. No support was found for either the influence of having worked for just one firm or having had elite graduate education abroad, in multilatina CEOs.

Practical implications

Individual career management suggestions for future CEOs as well as specific guidelines for talent managers are proposed

Originality/value

This is the first study to explore the influence of human capital indicators on the time to the top in Latin American family firm CEOs.

Propósito

Este artículo explora la influencia de la educación y la experiencia sobre el “time to the top” de los Gerentes Generales, miembros de la familia y no miembros, quienes trabajan para empresas familiares latinoamericanas.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Para lograr estos objetivos, este estudio se basa en la teoría de capital humano y la literatura sobre carreras y empresas familiares. Fueron analizadas las carreras de 129 Gerentes Generales de empresas familiares, integrantes del ranking América Economía, y se utilizaron métodos cuantitativos.

Resultados

En las empresas familiares latinoamericanas, los Gerentes Generales miembros de la familia llegan más rápido a la cima que los no miembros, y la influencia de las variables de capital humano en el “time to the top” difiere entre ambos grupos. Para los Gerentes Generales familiares, los estudios de posgrado retrasan el “time to the top”, mientras que, para los no familiares, lo reducen. En cuanto a la experiencia, para los Gerentes Generales que han sido promovidos, cuanto mayor es el porcentaje de carrera invertido en la organización, menor es el “time to the top”. No se obtuvo respaldo para las hipótesis sobre la influencia de trabajar en única firma o el posgrado de élite en el extranjero, en este último caso para los Gerentes Generales de multilatinas.

Implicancias prácticas

Se ofrecen sugerencias de gestión de carrera a nivel individual para futuros ejecutivos, así como lineamientos para los gerentes de talento.

Originalidad/valor

Este es el primer estudio que explora la influencia de los indicadores de capital humano sobre el “time to the top” de Gerentes Generales de empresas familiares latinoamericanas.

Details

Academia Revista Latinoamericana de Administración, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1012-8255

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Article
Publication date: 14 July 2022

Mariela Natacha Golik and Maria Rita Blanco

Talent identification is a critical process of any Global Talent Management system, and little is known about it in Latin American multinationals (multilatinas). This study aims…

245

Abstract

Purpose

Talent identification is a critical process of any Global Talent Management system, and little is known about it in Latin American multinationals (multilatinas). This study aims to understand, through the perceptions of Corporate Global Talent Managers, the talent identification strategy in place, the factors involved and the sources of the tools for its implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample is made up of 17 multilatinas (Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Colombia). Semi- structured interviews were conducted with Corporate Global Talent Managers.

Findings

Results reveal that the standardisation strategy constitutes the main trend. This choice is explained by numerous factors such as the new corporate structures, the entry mode via mergers and acquisitions, the national/regional culture, geographical closeness and shared cultural affinity, organizational culture, host country management practices and level of integration between headquarters and subsidiaries. Most of the multilatinas do not rely on “best practices”; they prefer home-made tools instead. Several factors were identified. Conclusions and further research are presented.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to fill a perceived gap in the literature investigating, empirically, the talent identification strategy in multilatinas.

Propósito

La identificación del talento es un proceso crítico de todo sistema de Gestión del Talento Global, y poco se conoce sobre el mismo en las multinacionales de origen latinoamericano. Este estudio cualitativo tiene por objetivo comprender, a través de las percepciones de los directores globales de talento corporativo, la estrategia de identificación de talento adoptada, los factores involucrados en esas elecciones estratégicas y el origen de las herramientas utilizadas en su implementación.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

La muestra de este estudio está compuesta por 17 multilatinas de Argentina, Brasil, México, Chile y Colombia. Entrevistas cualitativas fueron realizadas con los responsables globales de gestión del talento.

Resultados

Los resultados muestran que la estrategia de estandarización en la identificación del talento constituye la tendencia principal. Esta elección estratégica puede explicarse por diversos factores: nuevas estructuras corporativas, modo de ingreso a través de fusiones y adquisiciones, cultura nacional/regional, cercanía geográfica y afinidad cultural, cultura organizacional, prácticas de gestión de los países de destino y grado de integración entre Casa Matriz y subsidiarias. La mayoría de las multilatinas privilegian las herramientas de diseño propio, en lugar de aquellas “mejores prácticas”. Numerosos factores han sido identificados. Se presentan conclusiones y futuras líneas de investigación.

Originalidad

Este es el primer estudio que examina la estrategia de identificación de talento en las multinacionales latinoamericanas y los factores involucrados, cerrando una brecha en la literatura.

Objetivo

A identificação de talentos é um processo crítico de todo sistema de gestao global de talentos, e pouco se sabe sobre isso em multinacionais de origem latinoamericana. Este estudo qualitativo tenta compreender, através das percepções dos diretores globais de talento corporativo, a estratégia de identificação de talentos adotada, os fatores envolvidos nessas escolhas estratégicas e a origem das ferramentas utilizadas na sua implementação.

Abordagem metodológica

A amostragem do estudo foi baseada em 17 multilatinas da Argentina, Brasil, México, Chile e Colômbia. Entrevistas qualitativas foram realizadas com gerentes globais de gestão de talentos.

Resultados

Os resultados mostram que a estratégia de padronização na identificação de talentos constitui a principal tendência. Essa escolha estratégica pode ser explicada por vários fatores: novas estruturas societárias, modo de entrada por meio de fusões e aquisições, cultura nacional/regional, proximidade geográfica e afinidade cultural, cultura organizacional, práticas de gestão dos países de destino e grau de integração entre Matriz e subsidiárias. A maioria das multilatinas privilegia as ferramentas de seu próprio design, em vez das “melhores práticas”. Diversos fatores foram identificados. São apresentadas as conclusões e futuras linhas de pesquisa.

Originalidade

Este é o primeiro estudo que examina a estratégia de identificação de talentos em multinacionais latinoamericanas e os fatores envolvidos, contribuindo a preencher uma lacuna na literatura

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