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1 – 10 of over 18000
Article
Publication date: 15 July 2021

Shobod Deba Nath and Gabriel Eweje

The purpose of this study is to examine how multi-tier suppliers respond to the institutional pressures for the implementation of sustainable supply management (SSM) practices in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how multi-tier suppliers respond to the institutional pressures for the implementation of sustainable supply management (SSM) practices in supply chains, and what institutional logics allow them to do so.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a qualitative research design, drawing on data from semi-structured interviews with 46 owners and managers of multi-tier suppliers and 18 key informants of diverse stakeholders. Following an abductive approach, institutional theory conceptually guides the analytical iteration processes between theory and interview data.

Findings

The findings demonstrate two kinds of thematic responses to institutional pressures – coupling (good side) and decoupling (dark side) of the supply chain – used by the factory management of multi-tier suppliers. This paper also identifies multiple institutional logics – market-led logic, values-led logic and holistic sustainability logic – that are perceived to conflict (trade-offs) and complement (synergies) the SSM implementation.

Research limitations/implications

By investigating the perspectives of the factory management of upstream apparel suppliers, this study enhances the understanding of the connection between (de)coupling responses and institutional logics inside the multi-tier supplier firms. Further research would be required to include more downstream tiers including the ultimate users.

Practical implications

The findings may be of particular attention to brand-owning apparel retailers, industry leaders and policymakers who are seeking to understand multi-tier suppliers' challenges, conflicts and (de)coupling responses, and become aware of how they can be dealt with.

Originality/value

This study contributes to and expands the embryonic research stream of sustainable multi-tier supply chain management by connecting it to the wider application of institutional theory.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 41 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 March 2016

Richard Regueiro, Zheng Duan and Beichuan Yan

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a concurrent multiscale computational method for granular materials in the quasi-static loading regime.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a concurrent multiscale computational method for granular materials in the quasi-static loading regime.

Design/methodology/approach

Overlapped-coupling between a micropolar linear elastic one-dimensional (1D) mixed finite element (FE) model and a 1D chain of Hertzian nonlinear elastic, glued, discrete element (DE) spheres is presented. The 1D micropolar FEs and 1D chain of DEs are coupled using a bridging-scale decomposition for static analysis.

Findings

It was found that an open-window DE domain may be coupled to a micropolar continuum FE domain via an overlapping region within the bridging-scale decomposition formulation for statics. Allowing the micropolar continuum FE energy in the overlapping region to contribute to the DE energy has a smoothing effect on the DE response, especially for the rotational degrees of freedom (dofs).

Research limitations/implications

The paper focusses on 1D examples, with elastic, glued, DE spheres, and a linear elastic micropolar continuum implemented in 1D.

Practical implications

A concurrent computational multiscale method for granular materials with open-window DE resolution of the large shearing region such as at the interface with a penetrometer skin, will allow more efficient computations by reducing the more costly DE domain calculations, but not at the expense of generating artificial boundary effects between the DE and FE domains.

Originality/value

Open-window DE overlapped-coupling to FE continuum domain, accounting for rotational dofs in both DE and FE methods. Contribution of energy from micropolar FE in overlap region to underlying DE particle energy.

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2005

Norberto Dominguez, Delphine Brancherie, Luc Davenne and Adnan Ibrahimbegović

To provide a reinforced concrete model including bonding coupled to a classical continuum damage model of concrete, capable of predicting numerically the crack pattern…

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Abstract

Purpose

To provide a reinforced concrete model including bonding coupled to a classical continuum damage model of concrete, capable of predicting numerically the crack pattern distribution in a RC structure, subjected to traction forces.

Design/methodology/approach

A new coupling between bonding model and an alternative model for concrete cracking is proposed and analyzed. For concrete, proposes a damage‐like material model capable of combining two types of dissipative mechanisms: diffuse volume dissipation and localized surface dissipation.

Findings

One of the most important contributions is the capacity of predicting maximal and minimal spacing of macro‐cracks, even if the exact location of cracks remains undetermined. Another contribution is to reiterate on the insufficiency of the local damage model of concrete to handle this class of problems; much in the same manner as for localization problem which accompany strain‐softening behavior.

Practical implications

Bonding becomes very important to evaluate both the integrity and durability of a RC structure, or in particular to a reliable prediction of crack spacing and opening, and it should be integrated in future analysis of RC.

Originality/value

Shows that introduction of the influence of concrete heterogeneities in numerical analysis can directly affect the configuration of the crack pattern distribution. Use of a strong discontinuity approach provides additional cracking information like opening of macro‐cracks.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 22 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2010

Beichuan Yan, Richard A. Regueiro and Stein Sture

The purpose of this paper is to develop a discrete element (DE) and multiscale modeling methodology to represent granular media at their particle scale as they interface solid…

1365

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a discrete element (DE) and multiscale modeling methodology to represent granular media at their particle scale as they interface solid deformable bodies, such as soil‐tool, tire, penetrometer, pile, etc., interfaces.

Design/methodology/approach

A three‐dimensional ellipsoidal discrete element method (DEM) is developed to more physically represent particle shape in granular media while retaining the efficiency of smooth contact interface conditions for computation. DE coupling to finite element (FE) facets is presented to demonstrate initially the development of overlapping bridging scale methods for concurrent multiscale modeling of granular media.

Findings

A closed‐form solution of ellipsoidal particle contact resolution and stiffness is presented and demonstrated for two particle, and many particle contact simulations, during gravity deposition, and quasi‐static oedometer, triaxial compression, and pile penetration. The DE‐FE facet coupling demonstrates the potential to alleviate artificial boundary effects in the shear deformation region between DEM granular media and deformable solid bodies.

Research limitations/implications

The research is being extended to couple more robustly the ellipsoidal DEM code and a higher order continuum FE code via overlapping bridging scale methods, in order to remove dependence of penetration/shear resistance on the boundary placement for DE simulation.

Practical implications

When concurrent multiscale computational modeling of interface conditions between deformable solid bodies and granular materials reaches maturity, modelers will be able to simulate the mechanical behavior accounting for physical particle sizes and flow in the interface region, and thus design their tool, tire, penetrometer, or pile accordingly.

Originality/value

A closed‐form solution for ellipsoidal particle contact is demonstrated in this paper, and the ability to couple DE to FE facets.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 April 2023

Binh Bui, Zichao (Alex) Wang and Matthäus Tekathen

This study examines how carbon tools, including carbon accounting and management tools, can be created, used, modified and linked with other traditional management controls to…

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines how carbon tools, including carbon accounting and management tools, can be created, used, modified and linked with other traditional management controls to materialise and effectuate organisations’ response strategies to multiple interacting logics in carbon management and the role of sustainability managers in these processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilises the construct of accounting toolmaking, which refers to practices of adopting, adjusting and reconfiguring accounting tools to unfold how carbon tools are used as means to materialise responses to multiple interacting carbon management logics. It embraces a field study approach, whereby 38 sustainability managers and staff from 30 organisations in New Zealand were interviewed.

Findings

This study finds that carbon toolmaking is an important means to materialise and effectuate organisations’ response strategies to multiple interacting carbon management logics. Four response strategies are identified: separation, selective coupling, combination and hybridisation. Adopting activity involves considering the additionality, detailing, localising and cascading of carbon measures and targets and their linkage to the broader carbon management programme. In adjusting carbon tools, organisations adapt the frequency and orientation of carbon reporting, intensity of carbon monitoring and breadth of carbon information sharing. Through focusing on either procedural sequencing, assimilating, equating or integrating, toolmaking reconfigures the relationship between carbon tools and traditional management control systems. Together, these three toolmaking activities can be configured differently to construct carbon tools that are fit for purpose for each response strategy. These activities also enact certain roles on sustainability managers in the process of representing, communicating and/or transferring carbon information knowledge, which also facilitate different response strategies.

Practical implications

The study demonstrates the various carbon toolmaking practices that allow organisations to handle the multiple interacting logics in carbon management. The findings provide suggestions for organisations on how to adopt, adjust and reconfigure carbon tools to better embed the ecological logic in organisations’ strategies and operations.

Originality/value

The authors identify how carbon toolmaking materialises and effectuates organisations’ responses to multiple interacting logics in carbon management.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 37 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1997

Jaroslav Mackerle

Gives a bibliographical review of the finite element methods (FEMs) applied for the linear and nonlinear, static and dynamic analyses of basic structural elements from the…

6041

Abstract

Gives a bibliographical review of the finite element methods (FEMs) applied for the linear and nonlinear, static and dynamic analyses of basic structural elements from the theoretical as well as practical points of view. The range of applications of FEMs in this area is wide and cannot be presented in a single paper; therefore aims to give the reader an encyclopaedic view on the subject. The bibliography at the end of the paper contains 2,025 references to papers, conference proceedings and theses/dissertations dealing with the analysis of beams, columns, rods, bars, cables, discs, blades, shafts, membranes, plates and shells that were published in 1992‐1995.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 September 2019

Anton Borell

Previous research has argued that little is known about the dynamics of (de)coupling. This has led to a relatively static and potentially oversimplified view on how externally…

Abstract

Purpose

Previous research has argued that little is known about the dynamics of (de)coupling. This has led to a relatively static and potentially oversimplified view on how externally imposed accountability demands are incorporated into organizational routines. The purpose of this paper is to address these calls by exploring the dynamic processes of de- and re-coupling the two institutional rules of achieving a “balanced budget” and serving “the needs of individuals” in a Swedish school context.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study based on 28 observations and 32 interviews with principals, administrators and teachers within a large Swedish municipality has been used.

Findings

In contrast to earlier research, the paper shows that (de)coupling is more than just a static state; it is a result of dynamic challenges and boundary maintenance. It is a state where professional groups try to both decouple and couple accounting into routines to achieve greater autonomy and control, where incarnation of one myth leads to loosening another. It is embedded in an institutional environment’s powerful actors, and when incarnation takes place at different organizational levels, it leads to less conflict in another sphere. The dynamics of (de)coupling thereby unfolds how institutional rules play out in an organizational setting.

Practical implications

From a practical viewpoint, this paper has provided insights into how rules operate in an organizational setting. Given that regulative authorities tend to assume that rules should be tightly coupled to practice, this paper provides a critical examination of the assumption that coupled organizations are inherently “better” than non-coupled ones. To what extent does incarnation of rules reflect the societal ideas – and for whom? By unfolding the dynamics of (de)coupling, this paper illuminates some potential issues with increased tightness between rules and routines.

Originality/value

The paper illuminates the ways in which institutional rules takes place on the ground, and the associated roles for accounting in such process.

Details

Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting & Financial Management, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1096-3367

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2012

J. Nescolarde‐Selva, F. Vives‐Maciá, J.L. Usó‐Doménech and D. Berend

The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to alysidal algebra. Deontical impure systems are systems whose object set is formed by an s‐impure set, whose elements are…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to alysidal algebra. Deontical impure systems are systems whose object set is formed by an s‐impure set, whose elements are perceptuales significances (relative beings) of material and/or energetic objects (absolute beings) and whose relational set is freeways of relations, formed by sheaves of relations going in two‐way directions. Objects and freeways form chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at the mathematical and logical development of human society structure.

Findings

Existence of relations with positive imperative modality (obligation) would constitute the skeleton of the system. Negative imperative modality (prohibition) would be the immunological system of protection of the system. Modality permission the muscular system, that gives the necessary flexibility to the system, in as much to the modality faculty its neurocerebral system, because it allows him to make decisions. Transactions of energy, money, merchandise, population, etc. would be the equivalent one to the sanguineous system. These economic transactions and inferential relations, depend, as well, on the existence of a legislative body with their obligations, prohibitions and permissions that regulate them.

Originality/value

The concepts of alysidal set are introduced, whose elements are chains and coupling function between alysidal sets. Environment is formed as well by different DIS. That is to say, by an alysidal set whose elements are simultaneously systems. Specific interchanges (stimulus‐response) leave certain nodes and act on certain nodes of the alysidal sets (stimulus environment‐DIS‐response environment). The paper defines a special coupling function, denominated gnorpsic function, that can be used for algebraic operations between alysidal sets.

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2017

Anton Stephan, Frank Holzäpfel and Stefan Zholtovski

This study aims to investigate the effect of gusts on aircraft wake vortices. Aircraft wake vortices present a potential risk to following aircraft, particularly during final…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of gusts on aircraft wake vortices. Aircraft wake vortices present a potential risk to following aircraft, particularly during final approach and landing, as wake vortices may remain in the flight corridor for a long time. Wind and turbulence are key factors that influence the wake vortex evolution and the wake vortex generation in the aircraft. Flying through a gust influences the wake vortex roll-up process and its evolution. Note that vertical and lateral gusts may affect counter-rotating wake vortices differently. Both vortices influence each other by inducing a downward velocity. Disturbances may therefore lead to local vortex tilting and later to a complex three-dimensional deformation. This work uses two different hybrid Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes/large-eddy simulation (RANS-LES) approaches to investigate the effect of gusts on wake vortex evolution. In a one-way coupling, a pre-calculated RANS velocity field of the aircraft’s near-field is being swept through an LES domain. The effect of a sine gust on the turbulent wake is modeled by manipulating the RANS-field accordingly. As a more sophisticated approach, the concept of a two-way coupling is being presented. Here an LES solver is bi-directionally coupled with an unsteady RANS (URANS) solver, exchanging values at every physical time step of the simulation.

Design/methodology/approach

A one-way coupling approach of the LES code MGLET and the RANS code TAU is presented to simulate the gust effect on aircraft wake vortices. Additionally, the concept of the two-way coupling of these two codes incorporating a coupling module.

Findings

The gust effect of wake vortices subjected to a crosswind can be simulated. The vortex physics is analyzed. Unexpected behavior like fast upwind vortex decay is revealed.

Practical implications

The understanding of the aircraft wake vortex physics during landing provides valuable information for wake vortex advisory systems.

Originality/value

The effect of gust on wake vortices during and after landing has not been studied so far. The hybrid one-way coupling approach, as well as the concept of the two-way coupling, are relatively new.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 89 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2005

Matthias Holweg

The concept of responsiveness has been widely discussed, yet so far most of this discussion has remained qualitative in nature. The purpose of this paper is to develop a…

8843

Abstract

Purpose

The concept of responsiveness has been widely discussed, yet so far most of this discussion has remained qualitative in nature. The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model identifying the key factors that determine the responsiveness of a supply chain system, which – once quantified – provide a unique profile of each supply chain setting towards the appropriate supply chain strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews existing contributions and synthesises these into a conceptual model of responsiveness. The model is applied using three case studies from the automotive and electronics industry. The case research is based on value stream mapping, semi‐structured interviews, and site visits.

Findings

Three key findings could be established: first, the concept of responsiveness has a simple logic that aligns itself to a wide range of manufacturing strategies. However, underlying this remit is a complex interaction of an array of key variables, and it was found that previous contributions largely have only addressed a subset of these. Second, these key variables can be grouped into three categories or dimensions of responsiveness – product, process and volume – to provide a holistic understanding of responsiveness and its key determinants. Third, due to the large involved, there cannot be one single “holy grail” concept of how responsiveness can be achieved, neither does one single approach apply to entire sectors.

Research limitations/implications

A great variety of variables needs to be considered in order to provide a balanced view of all three dimensions of responsiveness, thus the case analyses remain at a necessarily high level.

Practical implications

The paper provides guidelines for management on how to align their supply chain strategy to volume, product and process contingency factors in order to balance responsiveness to customer demand and supply chain efficiency.

Originality/value

The paper aims to elevate a discussion that previously has been held mostly at a conceptual level beyond the qualitative description, and thus addresses a key shortcoming in the current debate.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 25 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

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