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1 – 10 of 135Liang Ge, Hongxia Deng, Qing Wang, Ze Hu and Junlan Li
The purpose of this study is to deal largely with the influence of temperature variation on the measurement accuracy of transit-time ultrasonic flowmeter.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to deal largely with the influence of temperature variation on the measurement accuracy of transit-time ultrasonic flowmeter.
Design/methodology/approach
The causes of measurement error due to temperature are qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed, and a mathematical model is established. The experimental data are processed and analyzed, and the temperature compensation coefficient of flow measurement is obtained.
Findings
The experimental results show that the flow measurement results by temperature compensation are helpful in improving the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic flowmeter.
Practical implications
This study has certain application value, which can provide theoretical support for the design of high-precision ultrasonic flowmeters and design guidance.
Originality/value
It is worth emphasizing that there are few research studies on the influence factors of temperature. This paper focuses on the influence of the temperature change on the flowmeter that is modeled, and the high precision flow parameter test system is designed based on the established model.
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Yaw A. Debrah and Ian G. Smith
Presents over sixty abstracts summarising the 1999 Employment Research Unit annual conference held at the University of Cardiff. Explores the multiple impacts of globalization on…
Abstract
Presents over sixty abstracts summarising the 1999 Employment Research Unit annual conference held at the University of Cardiff. Explores the multiple impacts of globalization on work and employment in contemporary organizations. Covers the human resource management implications of organizational responses to globalization. Examines the theoretical, methodological, empirical and comparative issues pertaining to competitiveness and the management of human resources, the impact of organisational strategies and international production on the workplace, the organization of labour markets, human resource development, cultural change in organisations, trade union responses, and trans‐national corporations. Cites many case studies showing how globalization has brought a lot of opportunities together with much change both to the employee and the employer. Considers the threats to existing cultures, structures and systems.
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Abbis J. Ali and Robert C. Camp
Relates Adam Smith’s invisible hand to present day globalization and considers the impact of US trade and economic sanctions on the world economy. Discusses the political roots of…
Abstract
Relates Adam Smith’s invisible hand to present day globalization and considers the impact of US trade and economic sanctions on the world economy. Discusses the political roots of these sanctions, their objectives (both overt and covert), costs and incompatibility with free trade. Puts forward eight ideas to minimize the damage they do to individuals and to free trade; and calls on governments to aim at “constructive dialogue and cooperative relations with other nations” instead.
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Ja-Shen Chen, Hung-Tai Tsou, Cindy Yunhsin Chou and Ciou-Hua Ciou
Drawing on the extant multichannel service quality literature and customer needs regarding the experiential value of online and offline shopping, the purpose of this paper is to…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on the extant multichannel service quality literature and customer needs regarding the experiential value of online and offline shopping, the purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships among multichannel service delivery quality (MSDQ), customer experiences, continued engagement intentions and customer involvement.
Design/methodology/approach
A research model with five hypotheses was proposed. Data were collected from 911 Taiwanese consumers who had a minimum of two years of multichannel shopping experience. The consumers were asked to complete a survey about their experience with MSDQ. Structural equation modelling was adopted to analyse the data.
Findings
The results of the analysis suggest that MSDQ positively impacts customer experiences, which in turn influence their continued engagement intentions. Furthermore, the analysis found that customer involvement positively moderates the effects of MSDQ on customer experiences.
Research limitations/implications
This study adopts the customer experience view to examine the effect of a holistic MSDQ design (including information transparency and accessibility and channel integration) on continued engagement intentions. By integrating a different conceptual lens, this study investigates the relationships among multichannel service quality, customer experiences and customer involvement, which adds alternative insights to the existing findings.
Practical implications
Managers must provide approaches to enhance the customer experiential values of utilitarianism, aesthetic appeal and playfulness; facilitate the information flow to be transparent and easily accessible; and provide different degrees of service based on customers’ experiences with their multichannel services to satisfy all consumers’ shopping needs.
Originality/value
The literature has focussed primarily on service providers’ technology capabilities and resources to design multichannel delivery systems. However, this study develops an MSDQ model and investigates its effects on customers’ experiences and continued engagement intentions.
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Tamer Elshandidy, Philip J. Shrives, Matt Bamber and Santhosh Abraham
This paper provides a wide-ranging and up-to-date (1997–2016) review of the archival empirical risk-reporting literature. The reviewed papers are classified into two principal…
Abstract
This paper provides a wide-ranging and up-to-date (1997–2016) review of the archival empirical risk-reporting literature. The reviewed papers are classified into two principal themes: the incentives for and/or informativeness of risk reporting. Our review demonstrates areas of significant divergence in the literature specifically: mandatory versus voluntary risk reporting, manual versus automated content analysis, within-country versus cross-country variations in risk reporting, and risk reporting in financial versus non-financial firms. Our paper identifies a number of issues which require further research. In particular we draw attention to two: first, a lack of clarity and consistency around the conceptualization of risk; and second, the potential costs and benefits of standard-setters’ involvement.
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Meng Jiang, Ze-Ming Wang, Zhong-Ze Zhao, Kun Li and Fu Yang
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a simple fiber sensor for simultaneous measurement of liquid refractive-index (RI) and temperature.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a simple fiber sensor for simultaneous measurement of liquid refractive-index (RI) and temperature.
Design/methodology/approach
The sensor structure is formed by a long period fiber grating cascaded with a section of thin-core fiber. The long period fiber grating is fabricated on single mode fiber, followed by a section of 20-mm length thin-core fiber which is a modal interferometer.
Findings
Cladding mode interference between long period fiber grating and thin-core fiber modal interferometer is weak in the experimental investigation. Both of these two cladding mode type fiber devices are sensitive to surrounding RI and temperature. So the RI and temperature can be measured simultaneously by monitoring the spectral characteristics of the compound sensor. The sensitivity is calibrated and sensor matrix is provided in the experiment.
Originality/value
This proposed fiber sensor is simple, tough, cost-effective and suitable for discriminate the liquid RI and temperature with high sensitivity.
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Yen-Chun Chen, Yung-Cheng Shen, Crystal Tzu-Ying Lee and Fu-Kai Yu
The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a multidimensional hierarchical scale for measuring “e-service quality variation.”
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a multidimensional hierarchical scale for measuring “e-service quality variation.”
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the psychometric scale-development approach, qualitative and quantitative methods were employed to develop the e-SERVAR scale. A multidimensional hierarchical factor structure of e-SERVAR is proposed, along with a set of preliminary items derived from literature and the qualitative study. Furthermore, the Yahoo website in Taiwan was chosen to be the target e-service website for data collection to develop the e-SERVAR scale. A series of statistical methods (i.e. item-to-total correlations, exploratory factor analyses, CFAs and structural equation modeling) were adopted to verify construct reliability and validity as well as nomological validity of the scale.
Findings
A 41-item e-SERVAR scale based on the structure of a hierarchical factor model was developed that contains three primary dimensions (i.e. information, system and fulfillment) and nine subdimensions (information accuracy, information quantity, information timeliness, information usefulness, system reliability, system security, merchandise quality, merchandise delivery timeliness and merchandise security).
Practical implications
The results of this study help managers identify sources of quality variability and design efficacious strategies to reduce such variability in order to improve the overall e-service quality.
Originality/value
Prior research of e-service quality has paid less attention to the role of e-service quality variability. Discussion of e-service quality variability was mainly conceptual in nature. This research presents the e-SERVAR scale as a measurement tool that provides a new avenue for researchers to study how to improve e-service quality by measuring service variability.
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Eli Winston Baker and Philip C. Wright
Uses the term “McJob” to convey that working either full‐time or part‐time at McDonald’s is one of the most common occupations in the 1990s. Defines a McJob as a job requiring…
Abstract
Uses the term “McJob” to convey that working either full‐time or part‐time at McDonald’s is one of the most common occupations in the 1990s. Defines a McJob as a job requiring little training, usually in the service sector. Investigates the low‐skill workplace through six case studies and a survey consisting of personal interviews with the individuals in Fredericton, Canada. Reveals a large number of incompetent, morally bankrupt and illegal labour practices, particularly as low‐skill workers have minimal recourse to legal processes. Indicates that conventional employment law simply does not extend to low‐skill employment and that part‐time and minimum wage employees, as well as being denied legal rights, are completely at the whim of the employer. Proposes an Ombudsman should operate independently of government, ranking employers according to their treatment of employees, publicizing offences and unfair practices, to shame bad employers and act as an impetus for change.
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Ja-Shen Chen, Tran-Thien-Y Le and Devina Florence
The rapid evolution in artificial intelligence (AI) has redefined the customer experience and created huge opportunities for companies to interact with customers using chatbots…
Abstract
Purpose
The rapid evolution in artificial intelligence (AI) has redefined the customer experience and created huge opportunities for companies to interact with customers using chatbots. This study explores the role of AI chatbots in influencing the online customer experience and customer satisfaction in e-retailing.
Design/methodology/approach
A research model based on the technology acceptance model and information system success model is proposed to describe the interrelationships among chatbot adoption, online customer experience and customer satisfaction. Personality is a moderator in the model. The authors used a quantitative approach to collect 425 useable online questionnaires and Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) and SmartPLS to analyze the measurement model and proposed hypotheses.
Findings
The usability of the chatbot had a positive influence on extrinsic values of customer experience, whereas the responsiveness of the chatbot had a positive impact on intrinsic values of customer experience. Furthermore, online customer experience had a positive relationship with customer satisfaction, and personality influenced the relationship between the usability of the chatbot and extrinsic values of customer experience.
Originality/value
This research extends understanding of the online customer experience with chatbots in e-retailing and provides empirical evidence by showing that extrinsic and intrinsic values of online customer experience are enhanced by chatbot adoption.
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Devotes the entire journal issue to managing human behaviour in US industries, with examples drawn from the airline industry, trading industry, publishing industry, metal products…
Abstract
Devotes the entire journal issue to managing human behaviour in US industries, with examples drawn from the airline industry, trading industry, publishing industry, metal products industry, motor vehicle and parts industry, information technology industry, food industry, the airline industry in a turbulent environment, the automotive sales industry, and specialist retailing industry. Outlines the main features of each industry and the environment in which it is operating. Provides examples, insights and quotes from Chief Executive Officers, managers and employees on their organization’s recipe for success. Mentions the effect technology has had in some industries. Talks about skilled and semi‐skilled workers, worker empowerment and the formation of teams. Addresses also the issue of change and the training that is required to deal with it in different industry sectors. Discusses remuneration packages and incentives offered to motivate employees. Notes the importance of customers in the face of increased competition. Extracts from each industry sector the various human resource practices that companies employ to manage their employees effectively ‐ revealing that there is a wide diversity in approach and what is right for one industry sector would not work in another. Offers some advice for managers, but, overall, fails to summarize what constitutes effective means of managing human behaviour.
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