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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: 29 September 2023

Tasneem Firdous Islam, G.D. Kedar and Sajid Anwar

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of moisture and temperature changes on the behavior of a semi-infinite solid cylinder made of T300/5208 composite material. This…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of moisture and temperature changes on the behavior of a semi-infinite solid cylinder made of T300/5208 composite material. This study aims to provide analytical solutions for temperature, moisture and thermal stress through the de-coupling technique and the method of integral transforms. Both coupled and uncoupled cases are considered.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the hygrothermo-elastic response of a semi-infinite solid circular cylinder using an integral transform technique that includes Hankel and Fourier transforms. The cylinder is subjected to prescribed sources, and a numerical algorithm is developed for the numerical computation of the results. The goal is to understand how the cylinder responds to changes in temperature and moisture.

Findings

The paper presents an analytical solution for temperature, moisture and thermal stress in a semi-infinite solid cylinder obtained through the use of an integral transform technique. The study focuses on a graphite fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix composite material (T300/5208) and discusses the coupled and uncoupled effects of temperature, moisture and thermal stress on the material. The results of the transient response hygrothermo-elastic field are presented graphically to provide a visual representation of the findings.

Research limitations/implications

The research presented in this article is primarily hypothetical and focused on the analysis of mathematical models.

Originality/value

To the authors' best knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the hygrothermal effect in a semi-infinite circular cylinder. Additionally, the material properties used in the analysis are both homogenous and isotropic and independent of both temperature and moisture. These unique aspects of the study make it a novel contribution to the field.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 19 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 25 April 2023

Rene Prieler, Simon Pletzer, Stefan Thusmer, Günther Schwabegger and Christoph Hochenauer

In fire resistance tests (FRTs) of building materials, a crucial criterion to pass the test procedure is to avoid the leakage of the hot flue gases caused by gaps and cracks…

Abstract

Purpose

In fire resistance tests (FRTs) of building materials, a crucial criterion to pass the test procedure is to avoid the leakage of the hot flue gases caused by gaps and cracks occurring due to the thermal exposure. The present study's aim is to calculate the deformation of a steel door, which is embedded within a wall made of bricks, and qualitatively determine the flue gas leakage.

Design/methodology/approach

A computational fluid dynamics/finite element method (CFD/FEM) coupling was introduced representing an intermediate approach between a one-way and a full two-way coupling methodology, leading to a simplified two-way coupling (STWC). In contrast to a full two way-coupling, the heat transfer through the steel door was simulated based on a one-way approach. Subsequently, the predicted temperatures at the door from the one-way simulation were used in the following CFD/FEM simulation, where the fluid flow inside and outside the furnace as well as the deformation of the door were calculated simultaneously.

Findings

The simulation showed large gaps and flue gas leakage above the door lock and at the upper edge of the door, which was in close accordance to the experiment. Furthermore, it was found that STWC predicted similar deformations compared to the one-way coupling.

Originality/value

Since two-way coupling approaches for fluid/structure interaction in fire research are computationally demanding, the number of studies is low. Only a few are dealing with the flue gas exit from rooms due to destruction of solid components. Thus, the present study is the first two-way approach dealing with flue gas leakage due to gap formation.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 February 2024

Thayla Zomer, Andy Neely and Paulo Savaget

How organisations interact with and respond to environmental pressures has been a long-term interest of organisational scholars. Still, it remains an under-theorised phenomenon…

Abstract

Purpose

How organisations interact with and respond to environmental pressures has been a long-term interest of organisational scholars. Still, it remains an under-theorised phenomenon from a project perspective. So far, there is limited understanding of how projects, which are composed by a constellation of organisations, “respond” to institutional pressures that are exerted on them. This research takes the perspective of projects as adopters/implementers of institutional pressures and analyses how they interact with, and respond to, such pressures. More specifically, this research explores how construction projects respond to the pressure of a Building Information Modelling (BIM) mandate.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple in-depth case studies were conducted to explore the practical implementation of a BIM mandate in the UK and understand how the construction projects responded to the coercive pressures to implement a new policy mandate for process digitalisation. Multiple sources were employed for data collection and the data were analysed inductively. The findings identify a hybrid response comprising four distinct ways that projects might respond to an institutional pressure.

Findings

We find that projects decouple both from the content and from the intended purpose of a policy, i.e. there are two variance of a policy-practice decoupling phenomenon in projects. The findings also reveal the underlying conditions leading to decoupling.

Originality/value

We advance decoupling literature so that it better applies to the temporary, distributed and interdependent work conducted via projects. Second, we define decoupling in projects as a provisional and fragmented process of wayfinding through heterogeneous institutional spaces, and discuss the potential policy-practice assemblages in projects, influenced by how, if and when project members' activities decouple from the many and often contradicting institutional pressures they face. Third, we discuss how the qualitatively different forms of decoupling that we identified in our work may act as part of a legitimation process in ambiguous situations whereby projects might share a resemblance of conformity with institutional pressures when they are de facto only partially conforming to them.

Details

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8378

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 February 2024

Abdallah Chanane and Hamza Houassine

Although, numerous optimization algorithms have been devoted to construct an electrical ladder network model (ELNM), they suffer from some frail points such as insufficient…

Abstract

Purpose

Although, numerous optimization algorithms have been devoted to construct an electrical ladder network model (ELNM), they suffer from some frail points such as insufficient accuracy as well as the majority of them are unconstrained, which result in optimal solutions that violate certain security operational constraints. For this purpose, this paper aims to propose a flexible-constraint coyote optimization algorithm; the novelty lies in these points: penalty function is introduced in the objective function to discard any unfeasible solution, an advanced constraint handling technique and empirical relationship between the physical estimated parameters and their natural frequencies.

Design/methodology/approach

Frequency response analysis (FRA) is very significant for transformer winding diagnosis. Interpreting results of a transformer winding FRA is quite challenging. This paper proposes a new methodology to synthesize a nearly unique ELNM physically and electrically coupled for power transformer winding, basing on K-means and metaheuristic algorithm. To this end, the K-means method is used to cluster the setting of control variables, including the self-mutual inductances/capacitances, and the resistances parameters. Afterward, metaheuristic algorithm is applied to determine the cluster centers with high precision and efficiency.

Findings

FRA is performed on a power transformer winding model. Basing on the proposed methodology, the prior knowledge in selecting the initial guess and search space is avoided and the global solution is ensured. The performance of the abovementioned methodology is compared using evaluation expressions to verify its feasibility and accuracy.

Originality/value

The proposed method could be generalized for diagnosis of faults in power transformer winding.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering , vol. 43 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 March 2024

Su Yong and Gong Wu-Qi

Abnormal vibrations often occur in the liquid oxygen kerosene transmission pipelines of rocket engines, which seriously threaten their safety. Improper handling can result in…

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Abstract

Purpose

Abnormal vibrations often occur in the liquid oxygen kerosene transmission pipelines of rocket engines, which seriously threaten their safety. Improper handling can result in failed rocket launches and significant economic losses. Therefore, this paper aims to examine vibrations in transmission pipelines.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a three-dimensional high-pressure pipeline model composed of corrugated pipes, multi-section bent pipes, and other auxiliary structures was established. The fluid–solid coupling method was used to analyse vibration characteristics of the pipeline under various external excitations. The simulation results were visualised using MATLAB, and their validity was verified via a thermal test.

Findings

In this study, the vibration mechanism of a complex high-pressure pipeline was examined via a visualisation method. The results showed that the low-frequency vibration of the pipe was caused by fluid self-excited pressure pulsation, whereas the vibration of the engine system caused a high-frequency vibration of the pipeline. The excitation of external pressure pulses did not significantly affect the vibrations of the pipelines. The visualisation results indicated that the severe vibration position of the pipeline thermal test is mainly concentrated between the inlet and outlet and between the two bellows.

Practical implications

The results of this study aid in understanding the causes of abnormal vibrations in rocket engine pipelines.

Originality/value

The causes of different vibration frequencies in the complex pipelines of rocket engines and the propagation characteristics of external vibration excitation were obtained.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 14 February 2023

Giacomo Ciambotti, Matteo Pedrini, Bob Doherty and Mario Molteni

Social enterprises (SEs) face tensions when combining financial and social missions, and this is particularly evident in the scaling process. Although extant research mainly…

2225

Abstract

Purpose

Social enterprises (SEs) face tensions when combining financial and social missions, and this is particularly evident in the scaling process. Although extant research mainly focuses on SEs that integrate their social and financial missions, this study aims to unpack social impact scaling strategies in differentiated hybrid organizations (DHOs) through the case of African SEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study entails an inductive multiple case study approach based on four case SEs: work integration social enterprises (WISEs) and fair trade producer social enterprises (FTPSEs) in Uganda and Kenya. A total of 24 semi-structured interviews were collected together with multiple secondary data sources and then coded and analyzed through the rigorous Gioia et al. (2013) methodology to build a theoretical model.

Findings

The results indicate that SEs, as differentiated hybrids, implement four types of social impact scaling strategies toward beneficiaries and benefits (penetration, bundling, spreading and diversification) and unveil different dual mission tensions generated by each scaling strategy. The study also shows mutually reinforcing mechanisms named cross-bracing actions, which are paradoxical actions connected to one another for navigating tensions and ensuring dual mission during scaling.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides evidence of four strategies for scaling social impact, with associated challenges and response mechanisms based on the cross-bracing effect between social and financial missions. Thus, the research provides a clear framework (social impact scaling matrix) for investigating differentiation in hybridity at scaling and provides new directions on how SEs scale their impact, with implications for social entrepreneurship and dual mission management literature.

Practical implications

The model offers a practical tool for decision-makers in SEs, such as managers and social entrepreneurs, providing insights into what scaling pathways to implement (one or multiples) and, more importantly, the implications and possible solutions. Response mechanisms are also useful for tackling specific tensions, thereby contributing to addressing the challenges of vulnerable, marginalized and low-income individuals. The study also offers implications for policymakers, governments and other ecosystem actors such as nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and social investors.

Originality/value

Despite the growing body of literature on scaling social impact, only a few studies have focused on differentiated hybrids, and no evidence has been provided on how they scale only the social impact (without considering commercial scaling). This study brings a new perspective to paradox theory and hybridity, showing paradoxes come into view at scaling, and documenting how from a differentiation approach to hybridity, DHOs also implemented cross-bracing actions, which are reinforcement mechanisms, thus suggesting connections and synergies among the actions in social and financial mission, where such knowledge is required to better comprehend how SEs can achieve a virtuous cycle of profits and reinvestments in social impact.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 29 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 April 2023

Ruffin Relja, Philippa Ward and Anita L. Zhao

This study explores the psychological determinants of buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) use in the UK and reviews the efficacy of existing payment constructs.

2387

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores the psychological determinants of buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) use in the UK and reviews the efficacy of existing payment constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 533 BNPL users engaged in story stem completion. Template analysis was used, supported by the identification of four BNPL sentiment groups to enable comparison.

Findings

Whilst positive attitudes towards BNPL dominate, other psychological determinants are apparent to a varied extent. Psychological distance and ownership of borrowed money are redolent, while transparency and transaction convenience are less appreciable. BNPL users understand temporality beyond its current conceptualizations. Some users construe BNPL as a “savings” product, and hence payment format conceptualizations may be erroneous. Those with a positive sentiment foreground BNPL’s consumption and budget management benefits. However, the potential for unintended consequences is manifest across all users.

Research limitations/implications

The potentially unwanted consequences, or dark side, of BNPL use in the UK are highlighted. The specified constructs, whilst helpful, do not particularize the complex interconnected nature of the psychological determinants of BNPL use. Improved conceptualization offering richness and clarity is needed – temporality specifically requires consideration.

Practical implications

Users’ sophistication and misunderstanding are both evident, necessitating fuller conversations among various stakeholders, including, providers, policymakers, consumers and advocacy groups.

Originality/value

This research advances the scarce literature exploring consumers’ BNPL use determinants and challenges current conceptualizations surrounding payment format perceptions.

Details

International Journal of Bank Marketing, vol. 42 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-2323

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 March 2023

Aleksey Martynov

To investigate the relationship between technological diversification and firm performance as a function of varying levels of technological coupling and internal technological…

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between technological diversification and firm performance as a function of varying levels of technological coupling and internal technological change.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal study of US-based bio-pharmaceutical companies.

Findings

Technological diversification improves invention performance. However, high levels of technological coupling reduce this effect.

Practical implications

Firms with highly diversified technological portfolios should strive to keep their technologies at low levels of technological coupling.

Originality/value

This is the first study to show that technological coupling reduces the positive effect of technological diversification on firms' invention performance.

Details

Baltic Journal of Management, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5265

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 April 2023

Pedro Bento, Sílvio Mariano, Pedro Carvalho, Maria do Rosário Calado and José Pombo

This study is a targeted review of some of the major changes in European regulation that guided energy policy decisions in the Iberian Peninsula and how they may have aggravated…

Abstract

Purpose

This study is a targeted review of some of the major changes in European regulation that guided energy policy decisions in the Iberian Peninsula and how they may have aggravated the problem of lack of flexibility. This study aims to assess some of the proposed short-term solutions to address this issue considering the underlying root causes and suggests a different course of action, that in turn, could help alleviate future market strains.

Design/methodology/approach

The evolution of the most important (macro) energy and price-related variables in both Portugal and Spain is assessed using market and grid operator data. In addition, the authors present critical viewpoints on some of the most recent EU and national regulation changes (official document analysis).

Findings

The Iberian energy policy and regulatory agenda has successfully promoted a rapid adoption of renewables (main goal), although with insufficient diversification of generation technologies. The compulsory closings of thermal plants and an increased tax (mainly carbon) added pressure toward more environmentally friendly thermal power plants. However, inevitably, this curbed the bidding price competitiveness of these producers in an already challenging market framework. Moving forward, decisions must be based on “a bigger picture” that does not neglect system flexibility and security of supply and understands the specificities of the Iberian market and its generation portfolio.

Originality/value

This work provides an original account of unprecedented spikes in energy prices in 2021, specifically in the Iberian electricity market. This acute situation worries consumers, industry and governments. Underlining the instability of the market prices, for the first time, this study discusses how some of the most important regulatory changes, and their perception and absorption by involved parties, contributed to the current environment. In addition, this study stresses that if flexibility is overlooked, the overall purpose of having an affordable and reliable system is at risk.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 18 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

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