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Article
Publication date: 11 April 2008

Mu‐Lan Hsu and Kuan‐Yao Chiu

The purpose of this paper is to determine the value of I‐Ching (also called Book of Changes), the ancient Chinese book of wisdom, which has been used for thousands of years to…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the value of I‐Ching (also called Book of Changes), the ancient Chinese book of wisdom, which has been used for thousands of years to help people make decisions in daily life. Recently, eastern and western scholars have begun discussing how to apply the wisdom of I‐Ching to the field of business administration, particularly decision‐making practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis method was adopted to uncover possible modern management decision‐making constructs. The single words approach did not find frequently appearing words that integrated decision‐making constructs in the context of I‐Ching. Further uncovering I‐Ching's administrative decision‐making approach, the managerial decision‐making model of I‐Ching is explained, including the premises, the decision contingencies, and the decision process.

Findings

By using an academic comparative analysis method, as it applies to managerial decision making, I‐Ching's early management decision‐making model is subsequently compared with western management decision models, which include rational decision making, bounded‐rationality decision making, intuitive decision making, implicit favorite decision making, and garbage‐can decision making.

Research limitations/implications

The majority of scholars that study I‐Ching focus on “practice divination” research, paying attention to the interpretation or critique of the text only. Unfortunately, related literature based upon a social science research foundation is limited.

Originality/value

The value of I‐Ching was determined to lie in allowing flexibility in the decision‐making process.

Details

Chinese Management Studies, vol. 2 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-614X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2021

Hongjiang Yao, Yongqiang Chen, Yangbing Zhang and Bo Du

The purpose of this paper is to establish an integrated framework of the antecedents of enforcement after contract violations in construction projects and to examine whether…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish an integrated framework of the antecedents of enforcement after contract violations in construction projects and to examine whether contract provisions (control and coordination provisions) and trust (goodwill and competence trust) affect enforcement mechanisms (contractual enforcement and relational enforcement).

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method was employed to test the hypotheses. The authors collected data from the Chinese construction industry, and general contractor respondents were asked to answer a questionnaire about a contract violation by one of their subcontractors.

Findings

Control provisions and competence trust are positively related to contractual enforcement, but goodwill trust is negatively related to contractual enforcement. Relational enforcement is influenced by goodwill trust and competence trust.

Research limitations/implications

This study treats contract violations as a given variable, and it focuses on contract violations by subcontractors. The cross-sectional design makes it difficult to confirm the causality of the relationships.

Practical implications

Overly strict contractual enforcement can generate disputes and a vicious cycle of retaliation, and overly severe relational enforcement can damage a potentially profitable long-term relationship. In construction projects, the violating party will benefit from this study to avoid excessively contractual enforcement and relational enforcement, thus developing a more collaborative atmosphere on the current project and even establishing a solid long-term relationship.

Originality/value

This study extends the project management literature by investigating the antecedents of enforcement after contract violations, an area not yet fully researched.

Details

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. 14 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8378

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 July 2018

Zhaotian Wang, Yezhuo Li and Yan-An Yao

The purpose of this paper is to put forward a rolling assistant robot with two rolling modes, and the multi-mode rolling motion strategy with path planning algorithm, which is…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to put forward a rolling assistant robot with two rolling modes, and the multi-mode rolling motion strategy with path planning algorithm, which is suitable to this multi-mode mobile robot, is proposed based on chessboard-shaped grid division (CGD).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the kinematic analysis and motion properties of the mobile parallel robot, the motion strategy based on CGD path planning algorithm of a mobile robot with two rolling modes moving to a target position is divided into two parts, which are local self-motion planning and global path planning. In the first part, the mobile parallel robot can move by switching and combining the two rolling modes; and in the second part, the specific algorithm of the global path planning is proposed according to the CGD of the moving ground.

Findings

The assistant robot, which is a novel 4-RSR mobile parallel robot (where R denotes a revolute joint and S denotes a spherical joint) integrating operation and rolling locomotion (Watt linkage rolling mode and 6R linkage rolling mode), can work as a moving spotlight or worktable. A series of simulation and prototype experiment results are presented to verify the CGD path planning strategy of the robot, and the performance of the path planning experiments in simulations and practices shows the validation of the path planning analysis.

Originality/value

The work presented in this paper is a further exploration to apply parallel mechanisms with two rolling modes to the field of assistant rolling robots by proposing the CGD path planning strategy. It is also a new attempt to use the specific path planning algorithm in the field of mobile robots for operating tasks.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 45 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 January 2017

Yezhuo Li, Yan-An Yao, Junlin Cheng, Yaobin Tian and Ran Liu

The purpose of this paper is to propose an agile assistant robot to be used as a mobile partner with two rotational motions and one translational motion. This robot possesses the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an agile assistant robot to be used as a mobile partner with two rotational motions and one translational motion. This robot possesses the rolling function and three operating abilities to assistant human beings in the industrial environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The main body of the robot is a typical 4-RSR (where R denotes a revolute joint and S denotes a spherical joint) parallel mechanism. The mechanism can reach any position on the ground by two rolling modes (the equivalent Watt linkage rolling mode and the equivalent 6R linkage rolling mode), and the robot can work as a spotlight or a worktable in operating modes at the target location. The mobility, rolling modes, operating modes and kinematics are analyzed.

Findings

Based on the results of kinematics of this assistant robot, the upper platform of the 4-RSR rolling mechanism has two rotational motions and one translational motion which can be used in the industry. The proposed concept is verified by experiments on a physical prototype.

Practical implications

This paper also discusses the application to industrial cases where cooperation between workers and robots is required.

Originality/value

The work presented in this paper is a novel exploration to apply parallel mechanisms to the field of assistant rolling robots. It is also a new attempt to use the rolling mechanism in the field of mobile operating robots for industry tasks.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 44 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 February 2018

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Who has been the biggest sports star to emerge from China in the past century? For many countries, this would be a tough question, given the sheer variety of sports played and number of talents to grace the international stage. From Australia? Rod Laver, Don Bradman and David Campese would all be in with a shout. For France? Zinedine Zidane or Michel Platine were both huge. For the USA? Well, where do you start – Michael Jordan, Joe Montana or Babe Ruth were all massive stars for its three major sports. From China? Well that is actually a straightforward one – Yao Ming was a huge international sports star (in more ways than one). And what all these people had in common was that they were hugely marketable assets for their sponsors.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format. 10;

Details

Strategic Direction, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0258-0543

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 January 2020

Qianqian Zhang, Yezhuo Li, Yan-An Yao and Ruiming Li

The purpose of this paper is to propose a deformable two-wheel-like mobile mechanism based on overconstrained mechanism, with the abilities of fast rolling and obstacle…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a deformable two-wheel-like mobile mechanism based on overconstrained mechanism, with the abilities of fast rolling and obstacle surmounting. The drive torque of the multi-mode motions is generated by self-deformation. Moreover, the analyses of feasibility and locomotivity of two mobile modes are presented.

Design/methodology/approach

The main body of the two-wheel-like mobile mechanism is a kind of centrally driven 4 R linkages. The mobile mechanism can achieve the capabilities of fast rolling and obstacle surmounting through integrating two mobile modes (spherical-like rolling mode and polyhedral-like obstacle-surmounting mode) and can switch to the corresponding mode to move or surmount obstacles. The mobility and kinematics of the mobile modes are analyzed.

Findings

Based on the results of kinematics analysis and dynamics analysis of the wheel-like mechanism, the spherical-like rolling mode has the capability of fast rolling, and the polyhedral-like obstacle-surmounting mode has the capability of surmounting different obstacle heights by two submodes (quasi-static obstacle-surmounting submode and dynamic obstacle-surmounting submode). The proposed concept is verified by experiments on a physical prototype.

Originality/value

The work presented in this paper is a novel exploration to apply bar linkages in the field of scout. The two-wheel-like mobile mechanism improves the torque imbalance of bar linkages by centrally driven method, removes the rear support structures of the traditional two-wheeled mechanisms by self-deformation and increases the height of obstacle surmounting by mode switching angle.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 47 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 April 2022

Adnan Alghail, Liu Yao and Mohammed Abbas

The factors for higher education institutions’ (HEIs) project management failure have been studied for several years. One of the issues is a lack of tools to combine their…

Abstract

Purpose

The factors for higher education institutions’ (HEIs) project management failure have been studied for several years. One of the issues is a lack of tools to combine their knowledge infrastructure capabilities (KIC) with project management (PM) to examine these infrastructures and monitor maturity. There are several project management maturity (PMM) models available. However, there are just a few empirical studies that support the three knowledge infrastructure capabilities and PMM integrations. As a result, the current research aims to suggest a new conceptual model, KIC-knowledge management (KM), and assess a research model that includes the three knowledge infrastructure capabilities as a prerequisite to elevate the PMM.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is used to evaluate the proposed research model. The study’s hypotheses were also examined using a sample of 352 respondents from PM departments at ten Yemeni public universities.

Findings

The study found that if the three key knowledge infrastructure capabilities integrate into the PMs, then it will help HEIs to perform project tasks more effectively and efficiently. Also, it will improve the PM maturity level if all the three capabilities positively effect PMM.

Research limitations/implications

The study findings cannot be generalized to other industries because the collected date were with the Yemeni public universities’ context. Also, the new proposed model can be assessed in various sectors to increase the validity of the model. One more thing, future academics can conduct qualitative research study to validate again the proposed model.

Practical implications

Project managers can develop and improve their organization’s effectiveness and performance by focusing on these findings and using the developed model. Also, the findings of this study can be used as a benchmark for evaluating initiatives and knowledge-based governmental entities.

Social implications

It is an opportunity for knowledge-based governmental entities particularly and other organizations to elevate most of projects to achieve a supreme level of maturity. Also, this study will assist employees to understand the relationship between KICs and projects within HEIs in Yemen.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first to empirically study the impact of the three knowledge infrastructure capabilities toward PMM. It links between two important domains: KM and PM.

Details

VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, vol. 54 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5891

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 May 2021

Zhirui Wang, Yezhuo Li, Bo Su, Lei Jiang, Ziming Zhao and Yan-An Yao

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a tetrahedral mobile robot with only revolute joints (TMRR). By using rotation actuators, the mechanism of the robot gains favorable…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a tetrahedral mobile robot with only revolute joints (TMRR). By using rotation actuators, the mechanism of the robot gains favorable working space and eliminates the engineering difficulties caused by the multilevel extension compared with liner actuators. Furthermore, the rolling locomotion is improved to reduce displacement error based on dynamics analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The main body of deforming mechanism with a tetrahedral exterior shape is composed of four vertexes and six RRR chains. The mobile robot can achieve the rolling locomotion and reach any position on the ground by orderly driving the rotation actuators. The global kinematics of the mobile modes are analyzed. Dynamics analysis of the robot falling process is carried out during the rolling locomotion, and the rolling locomotion is improved by reducing the collision impulse along with the moving direction.

Findings

Based on global kinematics analysis of TMRR, the robot can realize the continuous mobility based on rolling gait planning. The main cause of robot displacement error and the corresponding improvement locomotion are gained through dynamic analysis. The results of the theoretical analysis are verified by experiments on a physical prototype.

Originality/value

The work introduced in this paper is a novel exploration of applying the mechanism with only revolute joints to the field of tetrahedral rolling robots. It is also an attempt to use the improved rolling locomotion making this kind of mobile robot more practical. Meanwhile, the reasonable engineering structure of the robot provides feasibility for load carrying.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 48 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2003

Patrick Bell, Nils Hoivik, Victor Bright and Zoya Popovic

A frequency tunable half‐wave resonator at 3 GHz is presented with a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) variable capacitor as the tuning element. The capacitor is fabricated…

Abstract

A frequency tunable half‐wave resonator at 3 GHz is presented with a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) variable capacitor as the tuning element. The capacitor is fabricated using the multi‐user MEMS process (MUMPs) technology provided by JDS/Cronos, and transferred to an alumina substrate by an in‐house developed flip‐chip process. This capacitor is electrostatically actuated. The resulting CV response is linear with a slope of 0.05 pF/V for a wide range of actuation voltages. The MEMS device has a capacitance ratio of 3:1 for 0‐70 V bias, with a Q‐factor of 140 measured at 1 GHz. A half‐wave tunable microstrip resonator with bias lines is designed to include this MEMS device, which exhibits linear tuning over 180 MHz (6 percent) centered around 3 GHz with a constant 3 dB bandwidth of 160 MHz over the entire tuning range. The power consumption of the MEMS device was measured to be negligible.

Details

Microelectronics International, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-5362

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2013

Chao Liu and Yan‐An Yao

The purpose of this paper is to propose a spatial six‐link RRCCRR (where R denotes a revolute joint, and C denotes a cylindric joint) mechanism to be used as the mechanism body of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a spatial six‐link RRCCRR (where R denotes a revolute joint, and C denotes a cylindric joint) mechanism to be used as the mechanism body of a biped robot with three translations (3T) manipulation ability.

Design/methodology/approach

This biped RRCCRR mechanism can reach any position on the ground by a crawling mode or alternatively, a somersaulting mode. After the robot reaches a designated position, it can work in manipulation mode. Mobility, walking mode, kinematic and stability analyses are performed, respectively.

Findings

Based on this biped RRCCRR mechanism, a biped 3T lifter which can be used in industry is designed and analyzed. Finally, the proposed concept is verified by experiments on a prototype.

Originality/value

The work presented in this paper is one of new explorations to apply traditional spatial linkage mechanisms to the field of biped robots, and is also a new attempt to use the biped robot, that is generally used in the field of bionic robots, as a mobile manipulator robot platform in industry.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 40 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

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