HongPu Hu, WanNian Liang, YaDong Wang, XueMei An, Ping Zhou, JunHong Li, LiLi Sang and Yi Lin
To present the mechanism, on which the first module was successfully designed – the automated installation application system, in the grand automated management and evaluation for…
Abstract
Purpose
To present the mechanism, on which the first module was successfully designed – the automated installation application system, in the grand automated management and evaluation for community health service (CHS) sector of China.
Design/methodology/approach
The automated installation application system is constructed on the platform of Visual FoxPro8.0. The construction consists of five steps. The first is to establish the “item.” The function of “the item” is to trace all procedures, forms, menus, and various databases, such as tabulated data, summary data, and other types of data. The second is to establish the customer log‐in module. This module needs to contain a roll book of authorized customers. The third is to construct the subsystem management interface. This interface includes: entering installation the application, modifying and saving and transferring out the information, searching, printing blank form and statement. The fourth is to establish a roll book of all forms and the database of all the forms. The fifth is to establish the main procedure, connecting all the modules in the working order.
Findings
The main advantage of the system is that it is helpful for the characteristics of speedy information importation, clear and straight to the point, as well as the secure and accurate data transfer.
Originality/value
Automated management and evaluation for CHS heavily depends on the initial activation and this initiation is started using the system of installation application.
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HongPu Hu, WanNian Liang, Aimin Guo, XueMei An, Ping Zhou, JunLI Wang and Yi Lin
The aim is to focus on an automated management and evaluation system to control the operation of community health service (CHS) efficiently.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim is to focus on an automated management and evaluation system to control the operation of community health service (CHS) efficiently.
Design/methodology/approach
On the basis of analyzing existing health laws, regulations, CHS work situation, the authors established the execution method and supervision norm of management for CHS. They used Delphi expert consultation activity and analytic hierarchy process to construct weight coefficient allocation list and synthesize evaluation models: GI=∑I=1NCiPi. The authors synthesized computer technology to design corresponding software, and then completed the spot usage.
Findings
The automated management and evaluation system for CHS has been completed. The system possesses automated management function, automated evaluation function, searching function, the functions of supervision and statistics analysis as well as the feedback. Automated management includes guide and filling‐in, checking‐up, modifying and saving, converging, submitting, examining and approving, receiving, saving to file and issuing formation, etc. Automated evaluation can rank automatically synthesized index or any selected single criterion index in the order of either high to low or low to high. The feedback function is able to be used to convey timely the state of execution, and to offer the bases for further adjustment.
Research limitations/implications
The automated evaluation makes the difficult evaluation work of daily supervision simple and maneuverable.
Practical implications
The systemization and automation of CHS management can control effectively practical operation of CHS.
Originality/value
The study is the first to establish an automated compliance management and evaluation system for Chinese CHS.
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Lynn Comer Jones, Ernest R. Larkins and Ping Zhou
In a supplemental analysis, Krawczyk and Sawyers (1995) (K&S) found evidence that variations in engagement letter language affect the likelihood that taxpayers hold CPAs…
Abstract
In a supplemental analysis, Krawczyk and Sawyers (1995) (K&S) found evidence that variations in engagement letter language affect the likelihood that taxpayers hold CPAs “responsible” for additional tax assessments, a broad measure of risk. We extend the K&S analysis by examining the effect of engagement letters on a larger set of precisely-defined tax practice risks. Our factor analysis identifies two risk constructs relating to client loss and reimbursement. MANCOVA shows that engagement letters reduce the likelihood of incurring both categories of risks. Also, some evidence suggests that higher-income participants are greater tax practice risks, and subjects with external loci of control represent higher client loss and reimbursement risks. Finally, we find that engagement letters reduce the percentage of professional fees subjects request as reimbursements following an unfavorable IRS audit and that prior legal suits, gender, age, and income level also may affect the fee reimbursement requested.
Zhou Yang, Minghe Chi, Xiaorui Zhang, Jiahao Shi, Xue Sun, Xiaoman Zhang and Qingguo Chen
Epoxy resin (EP) is a thermosetting resin commonly characterized by its inherent brittleness, which limits its widespread application. To overcome this limitation, a novel…
Abstract
Purpose
Epoxy resin (EP) is a thermosetting resin commonly characterized by its inherent brittleness, which limits its widespread application. To overcome this limitation, a novel flexible chain-blocking hyperbranched polyester (HBP) was conceptualized and synthesized to enhance the toughness and dielectric properties of EP.
Design/methodology/approach
Using P-toluene sulfonic acid (p-TSA) as the catalyst and Bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid (DMPA) as the branching unit with pentaerythritol (PER) as the core, an experimental synthesis was conducted. Subsequently, n-hexanoic acid was introduced separately to produce hyperbranched polyester with n-hexanoic acid capped structures. Microstructural, mechanical, insulating and dielectric analyses of the composite were performed to determine the optimal proportion of HBP.
Findings
Recent research has demonstrated that the flexible segments within hyperbranched polyester create an interpenetrating network structure with the molecular chains of epoxy resin, thereby effectively augmenting the toughness of the epoxy resin. Additionally, HBP has reduced the ε and tgδ values of the epoxy-anhydride cured product by decreasing the number of polar groups per unit volume of EP through the introduction of free volumes.
Originality/value
Currently, HBP serves as an innovative toughening strategy and modifier for epoxy resin. The toughening mechanism involves the generation of free volume by HBP, providing space for EP molecules to maneuver under load. Additionally, the free volume contributes to a reduction in the dielectric constant of EP by diminishing the polarizable group content. Simultaneously, the incorporation of HBP features flexible chains grafted onto the epoxy resin.
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Abstract
Details
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Several studies have proposed that small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) lack resources and experiential knowledge to internationalise to distant markets. The authors argue…
Abstract
Several studies have proposed that small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) lack resources and experiential knowledge to internationalise to distant markets. The authors argue that SMEs can handle the lack of these tangible and intangible internal resources through external collaborations; they can achieve success in international markets by collaborating with business partners. The role of inter-firm marketing collaboration and its impact on internationalisation efforts has not been thoroughly studied, particularly in the context of SMEs. This study will thus advance our understanding of SMEs’ inter-firm marketing collaborations and how they influence performance in international markets. In this chapter, authors conceptually develop this line of arguments through an extensive literature review and develop some hypotheses and a framework that can be empirically tested. The authors believe this framework will serve as a starting point for further studies on this topic. Theoretically, we endeavour to contribute by showing that firms can enhance their level of international performance through inter-firm collaboration. The authors believe this type of study would have considerable theoretical as well as managerial implications in this important field of research.
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Sifeng Liu, Jeffrey Forrest and Robert Vallee
The purpose of this paper is to present the scientific background from which grey systems theory came into being, the astonishing progress that grey systems theory has made in the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the scientific background from which grey systems theory came into being, the astonishing progress that grey systems theory has made in the world of learning and its wide‐ranging applications in the entire spectrum of science.
Design/methodology/approach
The grey uncertainty is compared with other kinds of uncertainty such as stochastic uncertainty, unascertainty, fuzzy and rough uncertainty.
Findings
The advances in grey systems theory and its various successful applications are introduced individually by algorithms of grey numbers and grey algebraic systems, grey dynamic models and grey predictions, grey optimization analysis for decision making, grey control models.
Research limitations/implications
Many scientific theories require the unremitting efforts of several generations of people and have gone through hundreds of years before reaching maturity and perfection. Grey systems theory is still in its growth period. So, it is unavoidable that there exist immature and imperfect parts in the theory.
Originality/value
Grey systems theory is a new method for studying problems of uncertainty with few data points and poor information. This new theory studies small samples and systems with poor information, which have partial information known, partial information unknown. It describes adequately and monitors effectively systems' operations and evolutions through extracting valuable information from the little known information. Grey systems theory comes into being along with the development of modern systems science and uncertainty systems theories and methods. It is also a result of deepened perceptivity about uncertain systems.
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LeaRonal of Buxton, Derbyshire, widely known for its involvement in the development and marketing of an extensive range of speciality chemicals to all sections of industry, have…
Abstract
LeaRonal of Buxton, Derbyshire, widely known for its involvement in the development and marketing of an extensive range of speciality chemicals to all sections of industry, have recently appointed Mr Ben Ryman as Business Development Manager—Special Projects.