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Article
Publication date: 4 September 2017

Qing Wang, Yadong Dou, Liang Cheng and Yinglin Ke

This paper aims to provide a shimming method based on scanned data and finite element analysis (FEA) for a wing box assembly involving non-uniform gaps. The effort of the present…

449

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a shimming method based on scanned data and finite element analysis (FEA) for a wing box assembly involving non-uniform gaps. The effort of the present work is to deal with gap compensation problem using hybrid shims composed of solid and liquid forms.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the assembly gaps of the mating components are calculated based on the scanned surfaces. The local gap region is extracted by the seed point and region growth algorithm from the scattered point cloud. Second, with the constraints of hole margin, gap space and shim specification, the optional shimming schemes are designed by the exhaustive searching method. Finally, the three-dimensional model of the real component is reconstructed based on the reverse engineering techniques, such as section lines and sweeping. Using FEA software ABAQUS, the stress distribution and damage status of the joints under tensile load are obtained for optimal scheme selection.

Findings

With the scanned mating surfaces, the non-uniform gaps are digitally evaluated with accurate measurement and good visualization. By filling the hybrid shims in the assembly gaps, the joint structures possess similar load capacity but stronger initial stiffness compared to the custom-shimmed structures.

Practical implications

This method has been tested with the interface data of a wing tip, and the results have shown good efficiency and automation of the shimming process.

Originality/value

The proposed method can decrease the manufacturing cost of shims, shorten the shimming process cycle and improve the assembly efficiency.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 37 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

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Book part
Publication date: 23 February 2023

Allison M. Ryan and Jessica E. Kilday

Abstract

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Remembering the Life, Work, and Influence of Stuart A. Karabenick
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-710-5

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 12 July 2021

Ignacio Moreno, Purificación Parrado-Martínez and Antonio Trujillo-Ponce

Despite the sophisticated regulatory regime established in Solvency II, analysts should be able to consider other less complex indicators of the soundness of insurers. The Z-score…

5911

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the sophisticated regulatory regime established in Solvency II, analysts should be able to consider other less complex indicators of the soundness of insurers. The Z-score measure, which has traditionally been used as a proxy of individual risk in the banking sector, may be a useful tool when applied in the insurance sector. However, different methods for calculating this indicator have been proposed in the literature. This paper compares six different Z-score approaches to examine which one best fits insurance companies. The authors use a final dataset of 183 firms (1,382 observations) operating in the Spanish insurance sector during the period 2010–2017.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first stage, the authors opt for a root mean squared error (RMSE) criterion to evaluate which of the various mean and SD estimates that are used to compute the Z-score best fits the data. In the second stage, the authors estimate and compare the explanatory power of the six Z-score measures that are considered by using an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model. Finally, the authors report the results of the baseline equation using the system-GMM estimator developed by Arellano and Bover (1995) and Blundell and Bond (1998) for dynamic panel data models.

Findings

The authors find that the best formula for calculating the Z-score of insurance firms is the one that combines the current value of the return on assets (ROA) and capitalization with the SD of the returns calculated over the full sample period.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the research is that it addresses only the Spanish insurance sector, and consequently, the implications of the findings must be framed in this institutional context. However, the authors think that the results could be extrapolated to other countries. Future research should consider including different countries and analyzing the usefulness of aggregated insurer-level Z-scores for macroprudential monitoring.

Practical implications

The Z-score may be a useful early warning indicator for microprudential supervision. In addition to being an indicator of the soundness of insurers simpler than those established in the current regulation, the information provided by this accounting-based measure may help analysts and investors obtain a better understanding of insurance firms' risk factors.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine and compare different approaches to calculating Z-scores in the insurance sector. The few available results on the predictive power of the Z-score are mixed and focus on the banking sector.

研究目的

雖然在償付能力標準II 內已建立了精密的監管制度,但分析人員應可以考慮以不太複雑的指標,來分析保險公司的穩健程度。Z-分數的估量在銀行業一向作為是個體風險的代理而使用,而Z-分數如應用於保險業,或許會成為有用的工具。唯在文獻裏,學者和研究人員提出了不同的方法來計算這個指標。本文比較六個不同的Z-分數估量方法,以研究出最適合保險公司的方法。我們使用一個最終數據集,包括在2010年至2017年期間在西班牙保險業界營運的183間公司(1382 個觀察)。

研究設計/方法/理念

在首個階段,我們選擇使用一個方均根誤差(RMSE) 標準來衡量用來計算Z-分數的各個平均值和標準差估量中哪個最適合使用於有關的數據。在第二個階段, 我們以普通最小平方 (OLS) 迴歸模型,去估計並比較被考慮的六個Z-分數估量的解釋力。最後,我們以Arellano與Bover (1995), 以及Blundell與Bond (1998) 為動態追蹤資料模型而發展出來的系統-廣義動差估計推定量,來發表我們基線方程式的結果。

研究結果

我們發現,計算保險公司Z-分數的最佳公式是把資產收益率及資本總額的現值,和在整個樣本期間計算出來的囘報的標準差結合起來的公式。

研究的局限/含意

我們研究主要的局限為:研究只涉及西班牙的保險業;因此,研究結果的含意,必須在這個體制的背景框架下來闡釋。唯我們相信研究結果或許可外推至其它國家。未來的研究,應考慮納入不同國家作為研究對象,並分析保險公司層面的集成Z-分數的功用,以求達到宏觀審慎監控的目的。

實際意義

Z-分數或許就微觀審慎監管而言是一個有用的早期警告器。這些以會計為基礎的估量而提供的資訊,除了較現時規例内已建立顯示保險公司穩健程度的各個指標更簡單外,還會幫助分析人員和投資者更了解保險公司的風險因素。

研究的原創性/價值

據我們所知,本研究為首個研究,去探討並比較保險業內的Z-分數的計算方法。以前關於Z-分數預測能力的,為數不多並可供取閱的研究結果均不統一;而且,這些研究都聚焦探討銀行業。

Details

European Journal of Management and Business Economics, vol. 31 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2444-8451

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Article
Publication date: 12 April 2019

Emilio Gallego Neira and Carlos Martínez de Ibarreta

This paper aims to analyze the effectiveness of macroprudential and fiscal policies taken from a sample of ten advanced economies in relation to the mitigation of real-estate and…

158

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the effectiveness of macroprudential and fiscal policies taken from a sample of ten advanced economies in relation to the mitigation of real-estate and credit bubbles by comparing their performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This comparison is elaborated with a seemingly unrelated regression methodology, which allows the assessment of individual countries’ performance and improves the estimation of the dependent variables versus an individual regression.

Findings

The analysis concludes that countercyclical measures have been more effective to control the growth of household debt. Furthermore, this study validates that macroprudential measures focused on the residential sector meet their objective of controlling the growth of house prices, whereas those macroprudential measures with more generic targets are effective to control the growth of household debt.

Originality/value

As opposed to previous panel-regression studies, which have analyzed the performance of macroprudential and fiscal measures in generic terms, this paper compares the performance of these tools in ten advanced economies. Based on the analysis performed, several recommendations are derived for policymakers.

Details

Journal of Financial Regulation and Compliance, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1358-1988

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Article
Publication date: 1 October 2005

Sung J. Shim and Arun Kumar

Examines the selection and diversification of market segments for robotics products with respect to application areas and customer sectors.

1233

Abstract

Purpose

Examines the selection and diversification of market segments for robotics products with respect to application areas and customer sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study attempted to investigate the selection and diversification of market segments by 50 robotics firms in the US with respect to application areas and customer sectors that they serve. Based upon the concept of strategic groups, we classified those robotics firms into three distinct strategic groups along the dimensions of application area diversification and customer sector diversification. The three strategic groups were identified as high, moderate, and low diversification groups, with respect to both application areas and customer sectors.

Findings

The results show that robotics firms vary in their selection of application areas and customer sectors, and more importantly in the degree of diversification of application areas and customer sectors. Also, three distinct strategic groups are observed among them, based upon the degree of diversification of application areas and customer sectors.

Research limitations/implications

A few limitations are recognized in this study. First, we used only the dimensions of market segment diversification in classifying the strategic groups in the US robotics industry. Given the important role of technology in the industry, we may consider pairing market dimensions with technology dimensions in exploring any strategic groups in the industry. Second, we only tested for the existence of strategic groups in the industry. We may further consider investigating the factors or reasons for the differences between the strategic groups, as well as any performance differences between the strategic groups. In studying the firm's performance, it is desirable to utilize financial performance measures such as sales growth and profitability. But securing such financial performance measures for individual robotics firms is hampered by the consolidated financial results of diversified firms and the presence of privately held firms in the industry. Third, we used data compiled from a secondary source. We may consider collecting time‐series data directly from robotics firms. These limitations are not certainly exhaustive but rather important ones for future research.

Practical implications

Given the limited studies on robotics firms and their strategy, the results should be of interest to those who formulate product strategy in the robotics market.

Originality/value

The issues of diversification of market segments and the resultant strategic groups that we examined are well worth trying to understand for more viable market strategy in the field. Particularly, the identification of such strategic groups in the industry would help robotics firms evaluate their competitive positions, as well as competitors' approach to the market place.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 32 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

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Book part
Publication date: 17 May 2012

Adele E. Clarke

My early life was punctuated by turning points and transformations that gradually led to a surprising and late-blooming academic career – my first “real” sociology position began…

Abstract

My early life was punctuated by turning points and transformations that gradually led to a surprising and late-blooming academic career – my first “real” sociology position began when I was 44. Here I trace six different trajectories of scholarly work which have compelled me: feminist women's health and technoscience studies; social worlds/arenas and the disciplinary emergence of reproductive sciences; the sociology of work and scientific practices; biomedicalization studies; grounded theory and situational analysis as qualitative research methods; and symbolic interaction-ists and -isms. I have circled back across them multiple times. Instead of seeing a beautifully folded origami of a life, it feels more like a crumpled wad of newspapers from various times. Upon opening and holding them up to the light in different ways, stories may be slowly discerned. I try to capture here some of the sweetness and fragility of these moments toward the end of an initially stuttering but later wondrously gratifying career.

Details

Blue-Ribbon Papers: Behind the Professional Mask: The Autobiographies of Leading Symbolic Interactionists
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78052-747-5

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Article
Publication date: 1 December 1999

Yim‐Yu Wong, Tae Furuse and Thomas E. Maher

Outlines the Japanese system of protectionism as a global barrier and focuses on the rice markets as one of the first markets to be opened up. Analyses the reasons for this and…

956

Abstract

Outlines the Japanese system of protectionism as a global barrier and focuses on the rice markets as one of the first markets to be opened up. Analyses the reasons for this and offers strategies for overseas companies to take advantage of this opportunity. Suggest that these examples can then be applied to other markets.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 11 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

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Article
Publication date: 23 March 2012

Swarna Weerasinghe

In this article visible minority immigrant women's encounters and perceptions in accessing healthcare in Canada are explored. The aim is to understand the role play of the…

1348

Abstract

Purpose

In this article visible minority immigrant women's encounters and perceptions in accessing healthcare in Canada are explored. The aim is to understand the role play of the vulnerability statuses, gender, visibility, immigration and their intersectionality as factors contributing to (in)equitiesin healthcare accessibility.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were collected from a sample of 32 adult immigrant women, living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, using five focus group meetings. The participants have migrated from five regions of the world; South‐Eastern Asia, Middle‐Eastern Asia, the African continent, Latin/South America and non‐English speaking countries in Eastern Europe. Data were analysed using an inductive coding using the cultural health capital framework.

Findings

The findings reveal that audio and visual personal attributes such as skin colour, accent and excess body weight that are beyond Canadian norms lead to unfavourable interpersonal dynamics. Fundamental causes of diseases and clinical discourses are embedded in ethno‐cultural realties of gender, ethno‐racial identity, English communication styles and immigration related economic downturns.

Research limitations/implications

Individual level recommendations include self efficacy and empowerment. Policies and program level recommendations include enhancement of multicultural realms of healthcare to promote equity in healthcare accessibility.

Originality/value

Utilization of cultural health capital framework to illustrate inequities in healthcare accessibility, for visible and audible minority immigrant women, living in a country with universal healthcare coverage, brings a novel conceptual approach. New policy implications stemmed from the original research findings. Canadian cultural health capital framework that was developed in this article can be applied to illustrate other minorities' healthcare accessibility.

Details

Ethnicity and Inequalities in Health and Social Care, vol. 5 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-0980

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Article
Publication date: 15 May 2017

Muhammed Altuntas and Jannes Rauch

This paper aims to examine the effect of concentration in the insurance sector on insurer stability for a large set of developed and developing countries. In particular, the…

1043

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effect of concentration in the insurance sector on insurer stability for a large set of developed and developing countries. In particular, the authors test whether concentration reduces financial fragility in the insurance sector (“concentration-stability view”) or decreases stability in the insurance sector (“concentration-fragility view”).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a data set of 14,402 firm-year observations of property-liability insurers who appear in A.M. Best’s Statement File Global database during the period 2004-2012. They use regression analyses to examine the effect of concentration on the stability of insurance firms and apply different measures of concentration.

Findings

The results provide empirical support for the “concentration- fragility view”; that is, higher levels of concentration are associated with decreases in the insurance sector’s financial stability.

Research limitations/implications

The results have important policy implications, given that a primary purpose of insurance regulation is to protect policyholders against insurance firm defaults.

Originality/value

No previous research analyzes how recent trends in competition and consolidation, which have led to changes in insurance market concentration, affect the stability of insurance firms around the world. This research is the first paper that provides evidence on the relation between concentration and stability in the insurance sector.

Details

The Journal of Risk Finance, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1526-5943

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Article
Publication date: 29 June 2017

Joaquín Monreal-Pérez and Gregorio Sánchez-Marín

The purpose of this paper is to study the internationalization of family firms, exploring specifically if the transition from family control to non-family control (losing family…

632

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the internationalization of family firms, exploring specifically if the transition from family control to non-family control (losing family managerial influence) affects a firm’s export activity.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on panel data for Spanish firms from 2006 to 2012, a random effect tobit and probit regression and a propensity score matching were run on a sample of 225 firms moving from family to non-family control (switchers) matched with 4,213 firms remaining under family control (non-switchers).

Findings

Although from a static viewpoint family controlled firms export less than their non-family counterparts, from a dynamic perspective family firms remaining under family control (non-switchers) are associated with a fall in export activity in comparison with family firms transitioning to non-family control (switchers). Both findings are related back to the socioemotional wealth (SEW) perspective.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study shed light on the trade-offs that family firms experience in order to balance their desire to increase their internationalization (and the risk associated with it) and their wish to maintain SEW.

Practical implications

The findings should encourage family owners and managers to take long-term strategic decisions leading to internationalization which, although risky, will prevent subsequent loss of SEW in terms of family control.

Originality/value

This work provides evidence concerning family firms’ willingness to undertake risky activities, such as internationalization, considering the threats to their wealth.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 24 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

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