Zhiyong Wang, Jing Gu, Cheng Hou and Ming Song
The purpose of this paper is to propose the interaction integral method combing with a XFEM-based local mesh replacement method to evaluate both the stress intensity factors…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose the interaction integral method combing with a XFEM-based local mesh replacement method to evaluate both the stress intensity factors (SIFs) and T-stress at the crack tip near a circular inclusion.
Design/methodology/approach
Special attention is pay to the effect of T-stress on crack initiation angle in 2D composite medium. The generalized maximum tangential stress criterion is employed during the simulation which simultaneously involves the effects of the mixed-mode SIFs, the T-stress and a physical length scale rc (the size of the fracture process zone).
Findings
It is shown that T-stress could affect the crack initiation angle significantly for mixed-mode conditions. Varies types of material mismatch are also considered and their influences on T-stress are given quantitatively.
Originality/value
The proposed numerical method allows a considerable flexibility for such problems and provides a basic framework for quasi-static crack growth in materials containing complex interfaces.
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Narendra Gariya, Amir Shaikh, Anzar Ahmad, Kapil Sharma and Ashwini Sharma
Supply chain management (SCM) has evolved to fulfill the demands of the dynamic global business environment. The development of the Internet of Things (IoT), which offers…
Abstract
Supply chain management (SCM) has evolved to fulfill the demands of the dynamic global business environment. The development of the Internet of Things (IoT), which offers unmatched connectivity and real-time data insights, has further transformed SCM. This chapter provides an overview of SCM development and its integration with IoTs. This integration led to improved inventory control, supply chain optimization (SCO), and visibility which further enhances the conventional SCM and provides benefits, such as more accurate real-time tracking and monitoring, improved data analytics, more efficient logistics and transportation management, and reduced costs and wastages. However, despite these benefits, there are various associated challenges and concerns, like privacy and data security, compatibility and interoperability, implementation costs, returns on investment, trained workforce, and training requirements, which are required to be addressed. Additionally, the outcomes of this study and managerial implications are provided along with the future research scope. Overall, this chapter provides valuable insight into the transformative potential of IoT in SCM and practical suggestions on how managers can successfully navigate difficulties and get benefits from the IoT-SCM integration. Organizations can enhance their supply chain operations, efficiency, and innovation by actively confronting challenges and taking advantage of the opportunities provided by IoT technologies. This will ultimately result in the delivery of greater value to both stakeholders and customers.
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Jianxing Gu, Chen Yu, ZhenZe Yang, Peng Xue, Ning Jing and Saimei Yan
This study aims to optimize the structure of gold-sputtered U-shaped plastic fiber sensors.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to optimize the structure of gold-sputtered U-shaped plastic fiber sensors.
Design/methodology/approach
A group of U-shaped Au-sputtered plastic optical fiber sensing probes with polishing angles of 45°, 90° and 135° is prepared.
Findings
The experimental results show that the spectral response and sensitivity of the sensor at 45°polishing angle is twice that of the sensor at 90°.
Research limitations/implications
Due to the limitations of laboratory temperature and equipment, the overall effect has not reached the ideal, but the expected effect has been obvious. Experiments also optimize the sensor.
Practical implications
Optical fiber sensing has always been an indispensable part of various fields.
Social implications
Sensor optimization is of great help to the progress of technology and the development of science and technology.
Originality/value
The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
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Cheng‐Wen Lee and Chi‐Shun Liao
The study aims to discuss how the attributes of Chinese tea beverage brands influence consumers' evaluations of brand positioning and the differences and competition among brands.
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to discuss how the attributes of Chinese tea beverage brands influence consumers' evaluations of brand positioning and the differences and competition among brands.
Design/methodology/approach
A perceptual map, developed using probabilistic discriminant analysis algorithms, depicts the relative position of each brand and illustrates their attractive properties. This statistical technique can enhance managers' ability to identify promising brand positions and enhance the overall brand design process.
Findings
The study finds that Chinese tea beverage brands pursue various goals, such as quenching thirst, attractive advertising, or reliable quality, to develop their positions. Brand positioning implies that consumers remember particular information conveyed by the brand. The study illustrates consumers' brand awareness attributes, potential market demand, and brand competition conditions.
Research limitations/implications
Brand positioning, when linked with market segmentation, can yield effective guidelines for the design and coordination of a marketing strategy. The scope of this study, however, does not enable elaboration on segmented differences in product positioning.
Practical implications
The study provides a useful source of information for managers, who should introduce brands to the market carefully and deliberately and choose a position that is both appealing and sustainable over time.
Originality/value
The study provides a unique method to understand the current market structure and determine a target brand and its best competitive position.
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Allan K.K. Chan and Yue‐Yuan Huang
Reports a study of 1,304 Chinese brand names of ten types of products in China. These brand names are content analyzed following a linguistic approach which the authors developed…
Abstract
Reports a study of 1,304 Chinese brand names of ten types of products in China. These brand names are content analyzed following a linguistic approach which the authors developed from their earlier studies. The ten types of brand names are presented in three broad categories representing the three different developing stages of the consumer product industry in China: brands of traditional products (illustrated by matches and spirits), brands of traditional products with current development (illustrated by bicycles, shoes, and toothpastes), and brands of new and modern products (illustrated by cosmetics, soft drinks, washing machines, refrigerators and TV sets). The conclusion drawn from the analysis is that one of the variables in determining how linguistic principles are being applied to Chinese brand naming is the respective stages of development of such products in the context of the Chinese market economy.
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Allan K.K. Chan and Yue‐Yuan Huang
This is the third of a series of studies on Chinese brand naming using content analysis from a linguistic perspective. The first study generalized the principles guiding Chinese…
Abstract
This is the third of a series of studies on Chinese brand naming using content analysis from a linguistic perspective. The first study generalized the principles guiding Chinese brands in terms of syllable pattern, tone pattern, compounding structure and semantic preference. The second looked at specific branding rules, focusing on two entirely different products: cosmetic products and bicycles. The present study, following the same linguistic framework of analysis, analyzes three groups of closely related products: spirits, beers, soft drinks, to see how these brands are creatively and distinctively constructed. Finds that the brand naming patterns of the three drinks are basically in agreement with the general Chinese branding principles, and the differences among them directly reflect the development, the consumer markets and characteristics of each product.
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Peng Xie, Qiang Chen, Ping Qu, Jianping Fan and Zhijun Tang
This paper aims to systematically expound the theory and development background of supply chain finance and blockchain, design a railway freight supply chain financial platform…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to systematically expound the theory and development background of supply chain finance and blockchain, design a railway freight supply chain financial platform based on blockchain, determine the risk management system and business support system of supply chain finance business and analyze the value generated by the combination of supply chain finance business and blockchain.
Design/methodology/approach
Investigation and research method; Prototype method; Model method; Value analysis.
Findings
The business model integrating supply chain finance and blockchain technology will bring great changes to freight industry. The development of supply chain finance is beneficial to the healthy development of the core participants of railway freight transport business and its upstream and downstream ecosystems. It links commerce, logistics, warehousing and financial services together and builds an industry-integrated ecological service platform through information technology platform and supporting system, taking data as the basis and combining information technology such as blockchain as innovative means.
Originality/value
This paper will provide important reference value for related research. This paper innovatively designs the supply chain financial platform of freight transportation industry-integrating blockchain technology and analyzes its business model, technical system, risk management and control system and value system in detail, which will provide technical support for the innovative reform of freight information technology and realize the stable and high-speed development of freight logistics informationization.
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Saba N. Reshi and Dr Mohd Rafiq Teli
Balancing economic development with social challenges such as gender inequality has become critical in the current times. Structural barriers persist as obstacles to women's…
Abstract
Balancing economic development with social challenges such as gender inequality has become critical in the current times. Structural barriers persist as obstacles to women's professional opportunities despite evolving gender roles in the modern era. This chapter investigates the ‘motherhood penalty’, which is a concept couched in sociology and describes the disadvantages that working mothers face including lower wages and fewer opportunities of career advancement. This chapter explores economic, physical and mental health impacts of this penalty and sheds light on its detrimental effects on women's well-being and organisational success. Potentially, virtual reality (VR) technology is a solution through which working mothers can alleviate stress and improve well-being. In this chapter, existing literature on the motherhood penalty has been reviewed, and the innovative use of VR in workplace settings has been examined. There is limited research on the nexus between VR, motherhood penalty and working mothers' well-being, and therefore, this chapter seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of this intersection and proposes VR as a tool to mitigate the motherhood penalty, promoting gender equality and enhancing overall workplace well-being. Future research should explore VR's long-term benefits and ensure inclusive applications for diverse demographic groups.
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Discussion of China's one-child policy generally centres on its demographic effects. Bereavement among parents of singleton children and the role of social capital in the…
Abstract
Purpose
Discussion of China's one-child policy generally centres on its demographic effects. Bereavement among parents of singleton children and the role of social capital in the bereavement process have been under-explored. The purpose of this paper is to focus on mothers who lost their only children during the Sichuan earthquake in 2008. The paper aims to discuss the under-explored yet crucial issues of the one-child policy – the ways in which Chinese bereaved mothers handle the death of their singleton children – and the roles that social capital can play in their bereavement process.
Design/methodology/approach
The author conducted eight case studies on bereaved mothers through home visits, semi-structured interviews and participation in public activities during August 2010 and May 2011. In-depth interviews were used to collect information from these bereaved mothers in Sichuan, China.
Findings
The case studies reveal two major experiences of bereaved mother whose familial support varies substantially. One major experience is shared by those who had received emotional support from husband (who offered bonding social capital), and were able to get through the psychological pain. Another experience is shared by bereaved mothers who lost their familial relations. Weak social ties (i.e. an NGO which offered bridging social capital) remained the only source of support. Policies can target at the latter group of mothers by helping them to organise themselves into community-based groups and help to relieve their frustration and grief.
Originality/value
These research findings have implications for the development of NGOs, as well as complementary support for community-based bereavement counselling and community care in China.
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Hung-Che Wu, Xiaolian Chen and Ya-Yuan Chang
This study examines the relationship between the dimensions of fertility care quality and the dimensions of experiential relationship marketing in fertility tourism.
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the relationship between the dimensions of fertility care quality and the dimensions of experiential relationship marketing in fertility tourism.
Design/methodology/approach
The data used in this study were based on a sample of 532 Mainland Chinese fertility tourists who received fertility care services in eight private fertility clinics in four Malaysian states, indicating that the proposed model fitted the data.
Findings
Findings show that the dimensions of fertility care quality (professional skills, patient orientation and physical comfort) and experiential value positively influence experiential satisfaction. Additionally, experiential trust is positively influenced by both experiential satisfaction and experiential value. Also, experiential commitment is positively influenced by experiential satisfaction, experiential trust and experiential value.
Practical implications
Fertility tourism service providers could focus on refining the dimensions of fertility care quality to improve experiential relationship marketing.
Originality/value
This paper provides the data that result in a better understanding of the relationship between the dimensions of fertility care quality and the dimensions of experiential relationship marketing in fertility tourism.