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21 – 30 of 44A longitudinal study of the international behaviour of Swedish suppliers is presented. Three different types of supplier are identified: simple suppliers, advanced suppliers, and…
Abstract
A longitudinal study of the international behaviour of Swedish suppliers is presented. Three different types of supplier are identified: simple suppliers, advanced suppliers, and own product suppliers. Factors influencing the internationalisation of these suppliers are discussed. It is concluded that the firms’ offer and the customers’ buying strategies influence the firms’ international behaviour. However, these factors do not determine the international strategies completely. Various entrepreneurs will choose various strategies. Three different types of entrepreneurs are identified: the marketing, technical, and structural entrepreneurs. The type of entrepreneur influences the firms’ international strategies in different directions.
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Jian Liu, Gongnan Xie, Bengt Ake Sunden, Lei Wang and Martin Andersson
The purpose of this paper is to augment heat transfer rates of traditional rib-elements with minimal pressure drop penalties.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to augment heat transfer rates of traditional rib-elements with minimal pressure drop penalties.
Design/methodology/approach
The novel geometries in the present research are conventional cylindrical ribs with rounded transitions to the adjacent flat surfaces and with modifications at their bases. All turbulent fluid flow and heat transfer results are presented using computation fluid dynamics with a validated v2f turbulence closure model. Turbulent flow characteristics and heat transfer performances in square channels with improved ribbed structures are numerically analyzed in this research work.
Findings
Based on the results, it is found that rounded transition cylindrical ribs have a large advantage over the conventional ribs in both enhancing heat transfer and reducing pressure loss penalty. In addition, cylindrical ribs increase the flow impingement at the upstream of the ribs, which will effectively increase the high heat transfer areas. The design of rounded transition cylindrical ribs and grooves will be an effective way to improve heat transfer enhancement and overall thermal performance of internal channels within blade cooling.
Originality/value
The novel geometries in this research are conventional cylindrical ribs with rounded transitions to the adjacent flat surfaces and with modifications at their bases. The combination of cylindrical ribs and grooves to manipulate the turbulent flow.
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Per Nikolaj Bukh and Isa Kjærgaard Jensen
The purpose of this paper is to show how three similar utility companies have adopted intellectual capital statements as a management technology, incorporated it into existing…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to show how three similar utility companies have adopted intellectual capital statements as a management technology, incorporated it into existing practices, developed and adapted it.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on ethnomethodology using accounts where the data collection was mainly through semi‐structured interviews with practitioners. The analysis is based on the actor network theory where the idea of an intellectual capital statement is enacted and materialised.
Findings
The paper finds that the local context and the local actors have a decisive influence on the network creation taking place around the intellectual capital statement as an object, where the objects create room for different actions. It is concluded that the intellectual capital statement in the companies functions as a conceptual framework where existing initiatives can be integrated into a whole. Further, it is concluded that an actor with a strong position is necessary in order for the intellectual capital statement to be part of the management practice.
Originality/value
Previous studies of intellectual capital reporting have been based on surveys or studies of the written reports and how they at a specific point in time were used in companies. This study is based on the researchers being present in the companies while the intellectual capital statements are developed, and on following the companies for three to four years. Thus, the focus is on the construction of the statements. Further, the methodology opens up new ways of understanding intellectual capital statements.
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Mathias Hatakka, Annika Andersson and Åke Grönlund
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate effects of students’ 1:1 laptop use from a capability perspective by investigating increases and decreases of students’ opportunities and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate effects of students’ 1:1 laptop use from a capability perspective by investigating increases and decreases of students’ opportunities and choices. The paper investigates changes that have taken place and how these changes enable or restrict students to do and be what they desire.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper undertakes an interpretive case study based on group interviews and questionnaires. Sen's capability approach is used as theoretical framework and has informed the data collection and the analysis.
Findings
1:1 laptops in schools have provided students with new opportunities and choices, but also restricted others. An evident opportunity is the equalization of access to computers. Other opportunities relate to schoolwork efficiency and increased access to information. Gains also include the use of different media for overcoming disabilities or to fit individual learning styles. Regarding students’ well‐being, a “fun” learning environment is mentioned. However, the “fun” is often about playing games or using social media – something which diverts the students’ attention from the learning. Students also find that they are less social, too computer dependent, and that they miss using pen and paper. Additionally, health issues such as back problems and headaches are reported, as well as an increased risk of being robbed.
Originality/value
Most research on 1:1 laptops in education focuses on easily quantifiable measures and reports from a teacher perspective. The paper takes a broader approach and investigates the impact 1:1 laptops have on students’ well‐being and agency.
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Stella Andersson, Anette Vierimaa and Mirjam Sundkvist
This chapter focuses on the importance of emotions, as a notable part of corporate branding in a business-to-business (B2B) context. Since the issue of emotions has often been…
Abstract
This chapter focuses on the importance of emotions, as a notable part of corporate branding in a business-to-business (B2B) context. Since the issue of emotions has often been neglected in B2B branding research, the chapter focuses on ascertaining what kind of emotional differences exist in B2B, compared to B2C context. It also explores how rational versus emotional impressions affect decision-making processes in business environment, and whether the B2B sector can turn emotions into an advantage in corporate branding. The qualitative case study is conducted, focusing on the Suomen Henkilöstötalo Company. The case offers interesting findings and managerial contributions by highlighting both emotional decision making and the importance of business relationships for strengthening the position of the company in its business market.
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U.S. Mahabaleshwar, Mahesh Rudraiah, Huang Huang and Bengt Ake Sunden
The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of inclined magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and thermal radiation on the flow of a ternary micropolar nanofluid on a sheet that is…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of inclined magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and thermal radiation on the flow of a ternary micropolar nanofluid on a sheet that is expanding and contracting while applying mass transpiration and velocity slip conditions to the flow. The nanofluid, which is composed of Au, Ag and Cu nanoparticles dispersed in water as the base fluid, possesses critical properties for increasing the heat transfer rate and is frequently used in manufacturing and industrial establishments.
Design/methodology/approach
The set of governing nonlinear partial differential equations is transformed into a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The outcome of this differential equation is solved and obtained the closed-form solution and energy equation in the form of hypergeometric functions.
Findings
The velocity, micro-rotation and temperature field are investigated versus a parametric variation. The physical domains of mass suction or injection and micropolar characteristics play an important role in specifying the presence, singleness and multiplanes of exact solutions. In addition, many nondimensional characteristics of the profiles of temperature, angular velocity and velocity profiles are graphically shown with substantial consequences. Furthermore, adding nanoparticles increases the heat transfer rate of the fluid used in manufacturing and industrial establishments. The current findings may be used for better oil recovery procedures, smart materials such as magnetorheological fluids, targeted medicine administration and increased heat transmission. Concerning environmental cleanup, nanomaterial fabrication and biomedical devices, demonstrate their potential influence in a variety of disciplines.
Originality/value
The originality of this paper is to analyze the impact of inclined MHD at an angle with the ternary nanofluid on a micropolar fluid over an expanding and contracting sheet with thermal radiation effect.
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Torbjörn Tagesson and Per-Åke Brunström
Swedish local government audit has remained stable for a number of years. Political auditors are appointed to assess each local council’s work by the local council. They are…
Abstract
Swedish local government audit has remained stable for a number of years. Political auditors are appointed to assess each local council’s work by the local council. They are assisted by professional auditors – however there is little standardisation of what audit means. The local council has considerable control over what the professional auditors do, setting out how they should be regulated, how they should be funded and what should happen in the aftermath of their reports. While the system has remained stable for a number of years, there are criticisms of how far the system advances local political accountability.
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