Zhou Jinglun and Sun Quan
A binary decision diagram (BDD) is a representation of Boolean functions that uses the notion of two‐way branching. It has long been used in the synthesis, simulation and testing…
Abstract
A binary decision diagram (BDD) is a representation of Boolean functions that uses the notion of two‐way branching. It has long been used in the synthesis, simulation and testing of Boolean circuits, and has recently been adopted to solve fault tree models for both quantitative and qualitative reliability analyses. In this paper, the concept of binary decision diagram is first introduced. Then, a new method is proposed to analyze the reliability of fault tolerant systems using binary decision diagrams. Traditionally, such analyses are tackled by using fault trees based on cutsets. For complex models, an algorithm based on binary decision diagrams can shorten solution time dramatically. Experimental results are also presented to demonstrate the practicality and benefits of applying the proposed method in reliability analysis.
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The paper aims to discuss the amended provisions relating to protection of minority shareholders (PMS) in the newly amended Chinese Company Law and evaluate whether it adequately…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to discuss the amended provisions relating to protection of minority shareholders (PMS) in the newly amended Chinese Company Law and evaluate whether it adequately protects the interests of minority shareholders.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 26 cases will be examined by discussing the characteristics of the relevant parties involved, specifically plaintiffs, defendants, their lawyers, judges and also the grounds of complaint. A comparison will be made between the cases decided by following the first Company Law (1994) and the cases decided in accordance with the newly amended Company Law (2006).
Findings
The findings indicate that the amended Company Law has removed certain drawbacks in PMS present in the first Company Law (1994) but the New Company Law can protect interests of minority shareholders only to a certain extent. Further amendments are still needed.
Originality/value
This is one of the first studies to actually examine the implementation of PMS‐related provisions in the newly amended Company Law.
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Neale J. Slack, Shavneet Sharma, Juraj Cúg and Gurmeet Singh
Little is known about the external stimuli, which trigger a change in a consumer's cognitive and affective state and lead to a consumer's willingness to pay a premium price…
Abstract
Purpose
Little is known about the external stimuli, which trigger a change in a consumer's cognitive and affective state and lead to a consumer's willingness to pay a premium price (WTPPP) behavioural response. This study aims to close this knowledge gap by providing insight into how a unique combination of antecedents affects consumer attitude toward purchasing free-range eggs and leads to a behavioural response, which is measured by consumer WTPPP for free-range eggs.
Design/methodology/approach
An online questionnaire was developed, with data collected from 392 Australian consumers. This study employs confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to examine the measurement model before testing the hypothesised relationships using covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM).
Findings
The study reveals that the tested customer perceived value (CPV) dimensions, animal welfare and source credibility are positive stimuli of consumer attitude towards purchasing free-range eggs, which subsequently promotes consumer WTPPP for free-range eggs.
Research limitations/implications
Findings drawn from Australian consumers may not be generalisable to consumers from disparate contexts, and stimuli beyond those tested may influence consumer attitude and WTPPP.
Originality/value
This is one of the first studies to use the stimulus–organism–response (SOR) theory to investigate and contribute to extant knowledge and understanding of consumer behaviour relating to free-range eggs and specifically of consumer attitude towards purchasing and WTPPP for free-range eggs. This study offers practical implications for free-range egg farmers, retailers and policymakers.