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The purpose of this study is to distinguish the difference in tribological behavior of functionally graded composites in two sliding modes, namely, unidirectional and reciprocating.

A356-(10 Wt.%)SiCp functionally graded composite material (FGM) was prepared by vertical centrifugal casting and then a comparison was made between the tribological characteristics using pin-on-disk and pin-on-reciprocating plate configurations under identical operating conditions (sliding distance (s): 350 m; load (W): 30 = W = 120 N, in steps of 30 N; and velocity (v): 0.2 = v = 1.2 m/s, in steps of 0.2 m/s). Two types of test pins were considered, namely, a test pin taken from the outer zone of the FGM with maximum particle concentration and a test pin taken from the inner zone of the FGM in a matrix-rich region.

The study revealed that, for the test pin taken from the outer zone of the FGM in the low-velocity range (0.2–0.4 m/s), the reciprocating wear of the friction pair was dominant, while unidirectional wear was dominant in the velocity range of 0.6–0.8 m/s for the entire load range investigated. However, when the velocity was increased from 1.0 to 1.2 m/s, conflicting nature of dominancy in the wear characteristics of the friction pair was observed, depending on the loading condition. In addition, the inner zone FGM pin underwent seizure in the reciprocating mode, whereas this phenomenon was not seen in the unidirectional mode.

Differences in wear and friction characteristics of FGM friction pairs in two different sliding modes were investigated over a wide range of operating parameters.

The purpose of this paper is to propose a state dependent stochastic Markov model for availability analysis of process plant instead of traditional time dependent model.

The traditional concepts of system performance measurement and reliability (namely, binary; two-state concepts) are observed to be inadequate to characterize performance of complex system components. Availability analysis considering an intermediate state, such as a degraded state, provides a better alternative mechanism for system performance mapping. The availability model provides a better assessment of failure and repair characteristics for equipment in the sub-system and its overall performance. In addition to availability analysis, this paper also discusses the preventive maintenance (PM) program to achieve target availability. In this model, the degraded state is considered as a PM state. Using Markov analysis the optimum maintenance interval is determined.

Markov process provides an easier way to measure the performance of the process facility. This study also revealed that the maintenance interval has a major influence in the availability of a process facility as well as in maintaining target availability. The developed model is also applicable to the varying target availability as well as having the capability to handle even the reconfigured process systems.

Considering the degraded state as an operative state, a higher availability of the plant is predicted. The consideration of the degraded state of the system makes the availability estimation more realistic and acceptable. Availability quantification, target availability allocation and a PM model are exemplified in a sub-system of an liquefied natural gas facility.

The unique features of the present study are; Markov modeling approach integrating availability and PM; optimum PM interval determination of stochastically degrading components based on target availability; consideration of three-state systems; and consideration of increasing failure rates.

This study examines how the Fortune 500 use transactional public Web sites (TPWS). It applies innovation diffusion theory to identify variables and construct a model to explain differences in adoption rates of TPWS across industries. The study finds high rates of TPWS adoption in the airline, computer and office equipment, commercial banking, and retailing industries. The study also explains why the rates of TPWS adoption vary across different industries. Characteristics of both the innovation and the industry’s environment affect TPWS adoption. A high level of TPWS adoption is associated with industries where: products, services, and sales processes “fit” electronic transactions, the level of price competition is extreme, competitors are aggressively adopting the same technology, and firms are experienced with related technologies and have already developed the necessary information technology infrastructure. The study is significant because it identifies the specific innovation and environmental characteristics that drive varying rates of TPWS adoption among large firms across different industries.

The purpose this experimentation is to study the combustion characteristics of compression ignition engine fuelled with mineral diesel. The reason behind the numerical simulation is to validate the experimental results of the combustion characteristics.

The numerical analysis was carried out in this study using MATLAB Simulink, and the zero dimensional combustion model was applied to predict the combustion parameters such as in cylinder pressure, pressure rise rate and rate of heat release.

Incorporating the dynamic combustion duration with respect to variable engine load in the zero dimensional combustion model using MATLAB Simulink reduced the variation of experimental and numerical outputs between 5.5 and 6 per cent in this analysis.

Validation of the experimental analysis is very limited. Investigations were performed using zero dimensional combustion model, which is the very appropriate for analysing the combustion characteristics.

Existing studies assumed that the combustion duration period as invariant in their numerical analysis, but with the real time scenario occurring in CI engine, that is not the case. In this analysis, mass fraction burnt considering the dynamic combustion duration was incorporated in the heat transfer model to reduce the error variation between experimental and numerical studies.

This paper aims to understand the factors of the exchange relationship that influence a target-partner’s decisions to adopt virtual governance strategies.

Hypotheses are tested using an online panel of 259 key informants from manufacturing firms that sell goods to retailers. Data are analyzed using structural equation modeling.

The study confirms the hypotheses that the target partner’s trust in the initiating partner is a significant driver of supply chain management system (SCMS) adoption intention. While trust fully mediates the adverse effects of technological uncertainty on adoption intentions, asset specificity directly influences both trust and adoption intentions. Additionally, the initiating-partner’s incentive orientation mitigates these effects and encourages SCMS adoption.

This paper contributes to the study of virtual governance and interorganizational adoption decisions in two primary ways. First, it elucidates the relationship between transaction costs and relational norms. Second, it examines the role that the shadow of past incentives has on the target-partner’s decisions to electronically integrate with the initiating partner.

The findings from this study contribute to the virtual governance and interorganizational technology adoption literature by demonstrating the relevance of characteristics of the exchange relationship in the target-partner’s decision to adopt the SCMS technologies necessary for electronic integration. This study provides a better understanding of the function of transaction costs and relational norms that paves the way for further exploration of the choice to adopt virtual governance strategies.

Given that SCMSs enable virtual governance, the findings of this study make important contributions to understanding how transactional and relational elements of the exchange relationship influence a target-partner’s decisions to participate in vertical control strategies with an initiating-partner.

Radio frequency identification (RFiD) programs are being mandated by many entities, such as Wal‐Mart and the Department of Defense, but what factors lead to successful implementation of these programs by their business partners?

This paper is conceptual in nature. It briefly reviews current applications of RFiD technology and proposes a model for RFiD implementation through partners.

While some companies are quickly adopting RFiD technology, little is known regarding important factors for successful implementation. To address the interorganizational nature of RFiD, this research uses assimilation theory to provide insight as to the key factors impacting the deployment of this technology across trading partners.

The paper provides a theory‐based framework for companies' RFiD initiatives and identifies specific factors that enable a business partner to implement successfully an RFiD technology program initiated by a powerful supplier or customer.

The purpose of this paper is to develop a risk‐based integrity model for the optimal replacement of offshore process components, based on the likelihood and consequence of failure arising from time‐dependent degradation mechanisms.

Risk is a combination of the probability of failure and its likely consequences. Offshore process component degradation mechanisms are modeled using Bayesian prior‐posterior analysis. The failure consequences are developed in terms of the cost incurred as a result of failure, inspection and maintenance. By combining the cumulative posterior probability of failure and the equivalent cost of degradations, the operational life‐risk curve is produced. The optimal replacement strategy is obtained as the global minimum of the operational risk curve.

The offshore process component degradation mechanisms are random processes. The proposed risk‐based integrity model can be used to model these processes effectively to obtain an optimal replacement strategy. Bayesian analysis can be used to model the uncertainty in the degradation data. The Bayesian posterior estimation using an M‐H algorithm converged to satisfactory results using 10,000 simulations. The computed operational risk curve is observed to be a convex function of the service life. Furthermore, it is observed that the application of this model will reduce the risk of operation close to an ALARP level and consequently will promote the safety of operation.

The developed model is applicable to offshore process components which suffer time‐dependent stochastic degradation mechanisms. Furthermore, this model is developed based on an assumption that the component degradation processes are independent. In reality, the degradation processes may not be independent.

The developed methodology and models will assist asset integrity engineers/managers in estimating optimal replacement intervals for offshore process components. This can reduce operating costs and resources required for inspection and maintenance (IM) tasks.

The frequent replacement of offshore process components involves higher cost and risk. Similarly, the late replacement of components may result in failure and costly breakdown maintenance. The developed model estimates an optimal replacement strategy for offshore process components suffering stochastic degradation. Implementation of the developed model improves component integrity, increases safety, reduces potential shutdown and reduces operational cost.

Information and communications technology (ICT) offers enormous opportunities for individuals, businesses and society. The application of ICT is equally important to economic and non-economic activities. Researchers have increasingly focused on the adoption and use of ICT by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as the economic development of a country is largely dependent on them. Following the success of ICT utilisation in SMEs in developed countries, many developing countries are looking to utilise the potential of the technology to develop SMEs. Past studies have shown that the contribution of ICT to the performance of SMEs is not clear and certain. Thus, it is crucial to determine the effectiveness of ICT in generating firm performance since this has implications for SMEs’ expenditure on the technology. This research examines the diffusion of ICT among SMEs with respect to the typical stages from innovation adoption to post-adoption, by analysing the actual usage of ICT and value creation. The mediating effects of integration and utilisation on SME performance are also studied. Grounded in the innovation diffusion literature, institutional theory and resource-based theory, this study has developed a comprehensive integrated research model focused on the research objectives. Following a positivist research paradigm, this study employs a mixed-method research approach. A preliminary conceptual framework is developed through an extensive literature review and is refined by results from an in-depth field study. During the field study, a total of 11 SME owners or decision-makers were interviewed. The recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using NVivo 10 to refine the model to develop the research hypotheses. The final research model is composed of 30 first-order and five higher-order constructs which involve both reflective and formative measures. Partial least squares-based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is employed to test the theoretical model with a cross-sectional data set of 282 SMEs in Bangladesh. Survey data were collected using a structured questionnaire issued to SMEs selected by applying a stratified random sampling technique. The structural equation modelling utilises a two-step procedure of data analysis. Prior to estimating the structural model, the measurement model is examined for construct validity of the study variables (i.e. convergent and discriminant validity).

The estimates show cognitive evaluation as an important antecedent for expectation which is shaped primarily by the entrepreneurs’ beliefs (perception) and also influenced by the owners’ innovativeness and culture. Culture further influences expectation. The study finds that facilitating condition, environmental pressure and country readiness are important antecedents of expectation and ICT use. The results also reveal that integration and the degree of ICT utilisation significantly affect SMEs’ performance. Surprisingly, the findings do not reveal any significant impact of ICT usage on performance which apparently suggests the possibility of the ICT productivity paradox. However, the analysis finally proves the non-existence of the paradox by demonstrating the mediating role of ICT integration and degree of utilisation explain the influence of information technology (IT) usage on firm performance which is consistent with the resource-based theory. The results suggest that the use of ICT can enhance SMEs’ performance if the technology is integrated and properly utilised. SME owners or managers, interested stakeholders and policy makers may follow the study’s outcomes and focus on ICT integration and degree of utilisation with a view to attaining superior organisational performance.

This study urges concerned business enterprises and government to look at the environmental and cultural factors with a view to achieving ICT usage success in terms of enhanced firm performance. In particular, improving organisational practices and procedures by eliminating the traditional power distance inside organisations and implementing necessary rules and regulations are important actions for managing environmental and cultural uncertainties. The application of a Bengali user interface may help to ensure the productivity of ICT use by SMEs in Bangladesh. Establishing a favourable national technology infrastructure and legal environment may contribute positively to improving the overall situation. This study also suggests some changes and modifications in the country’s existing policies and strategies. The government and policy makers should undertake mass promotional programs to disseminate information about the various uses of computers and their contribution in developing better organisational performance. Organising specialised training programs for SME capacity building may succeed in attaining the motivation for SMEs to use ICT. Ensuring easy access to the technology by providing loans, grants and subsidies is important. Various stakeholders, partners and related organisations should come forward to support government policies and priorities in order to ensure the productive use of ICT among SMEs which finally will help to foster Bangladesh’s economic development.

This study aims to explore the relations among inter‐organizational, organizational, technical factors, inter‐organizational systems (IOS) use, IOS performance and long‐term relationship.

To test the research hypotheses, this study primarily used LISREL 8.52 to do the SEM in order to ensure the relation across various dimensions. After SEM, path analysis is applied to test each of the hypotheses.

The findings of this study show that organizations exerting more power on suppliers are more likely to be aggressive in expanding the extent of IOS use. Organizations with strong executive support for IOS are more likely to be aggressive in expanding the extent of IOS use, and the extent of IOS use has significant and positive moderating effects on long‐term relationships and IOS performance.

Future studies may focus on competition pressure and IS compatibility. It may increase the number of samples, while including small companies for the study, in order to achieve generality.

This study found that IOS will not only improve a company's productivity, product quality and costs, but also strengthen the long‐term relationship with their partner. Both buyers and suppliers can pay attention about how to improve and expand the extent of IOS use by three major factors: inter‐organizational, organizational, and technological perspectives.

This study is the first to examine three dimensions of factors (inter‐organizational, organizational, and technical factors) and their interaction with the use of IOS. This study is also the first to simultaneously discuss the relationships among IOS usage, IOS performance and long‐term relationships.

The present study is concerned with the determinants of RFID adoption among a group of early standards adopters. Despite the extensive discussion of the technological characteristics and expected benefits of RFID in the literature, only little is known about the drivers and barriers of RFID implementations in practice. This holds particularly for the later stages of the adoption process after an initial decision in favor of the technology was made. This paper aims to fill this gap by an analysis of a set of factors on the adoption of RFID, which have been shown to be relevant for the adoption of other forms of IT, such as ERP systems and EDI.

Based on a review of prior works, this paper constructs and empirically tests a structural model including factors related to the technology, the organization, and its environment.

The results suggest that top management support, perceived technology costs, and forces within the supply chain exert a significant influence on the adoption process. The study also finds that benefit perceptions have a significant but negative influence, which might be explained by the different modes of adopting RFID. The influence of a number of other factors known from the literature could not be supported by the study.

Prior works considered factors influencing the initial adoption decision among non‐adopters. In contrast with these, the focus is set on research on early adopters that have already made a decision in favor of RFID standards. The data underlying this study were collected from EPCglobal, an international association of RFID adopters covering the whole supply chain.