Search results

1 – 10 of over 21000
Article
Publication date: 1 July 1996

Arun K. Pujari and A. Nataraj

Presents a linear time algorithm to find the maximum area triangle enclosed in a planar convex region. The algorithm is based on inspecting a selected set of chords in a…

Abstract

Presents a linear time algorithm to find the maximum area triangle enclosed in a planar convex region. The algorithm is based on inspecting a selected set of chords in a decreasing sequence of slopes and the number of chords so inspected is proportional to total number of vertices resulting in a linear time algorithm. Addresses the problem because of its importance in robotics, computational geometry and other research areas.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 25 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2021

Laura Maran and Alan Lowe

This paper reports an investigation of a hybrid ex-state-owned enterprise (ex-SOE) providing ICT (Information and Communication Technology) services in the Italian healthcare…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper reports an investigation of a hybrid ex-state-owned enterprise (ex-SOE) providing ICT (Information and Communication Technology) services in the Italian healthcare sector (in-house provision). The authors aim to offer a framing that reflects the concerns expressed in the interdisciplinary literature on hybrid SOEs from management, public administration and, more recently, accounting.

Design/methodology/approach

This study operationalizes Besharov and Smith’s (2014) theoretical model on multiple logics to analyze institutional structures and organizational outcomes at an ICT in-house provider. It builds on extensive textual analysis of regulatory, archival, survey and interview data.

Findings

The study results show that the combination of hybridity in the form of layering of multiple logics in the health care sector (Polzer et al., 2016) creates problems for the effectiveness of ICT provision. In particular, the hybrid organization the authors study remained stuck in established competing relationships despite a restructure of regional health care governance. The study findings also reflect on the design of organizational control mechanisms when balancing different logics.

Research limitations/implications

The identified case-study accountability practices and performance system add to the debate on hybrid organizations in the case of ex-SOEs and facilitate the understanding and management of hybrids in the public sector. The authors note policymaking implications.

Originality/value

The authors’ operationalization of Besharov and Smith's (2014) model adds clarity to key elements of their model, notably how to identify evidence in order to disentangle notions of centrality and compatibility. By doing this, the authors’ analysis offers potential insights into both managerial design and policy prescription. The authors provide cautionary tales around institutional reorganization regarding the layered synthesis of logics within these organizations.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 35 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 1947

F/O P.L. Bisgood

THE lift coefficient of an aerofoil fitted with a hinged control flap and a tab can be expressed in the form:

Abstract

THE lift coefficient of an aerofoil fitted with a hinged control flap and a tab can be expressed in the form:

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 19 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1976

K. AGABABYAN

A multilayer neuron structure which enables one to evaluate the size of a perceived angle is considered. The proposed neuron structure permits one to distinguish intersecting…

Abstract

A multilayer neuron structure which enables one to evaluate the size of a perceived angle is considered. The proposed neuron structure permits one to distinguish intersecting lines from non‐intersecting ones, parallel lines from non‐parallel ones, horizontal lines from vertical ones; and to determine the distance between parallel lines. The described neuron structure is non‐learning; it is invariant relative to an arbitrary location of an angle in a receptor field.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 5 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1999

H.Y. Lin and C.L. Sheng

Paradox has been an instrument to challenge the traditional expected utility theory. Paradox arises from the inconsistency between the empirical or experimental results and the…

Abstract

Paradox has been an instrument to challenge the traditional expected utility theory. Paradox arises from the inconsistency between the empirical or experimental results and the theoretical deductions. In the expected utility theory field, there are many paradoxes or effects showing behaviors that are contradictory to the “theoretical” ones. Many studies questioned the validity of the expected utility theory by means of these paradoxes; while many others disqualified the expected utility theory as a descriptive model for human decision making behaviors. Among these paradoxes or effects, the Allais Paradox raised by Allais in 1953 is the most famous one.

Details

Humanomics, vol. 15 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0828-8666

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2012

Parikshit Charan

Supply chain performance is concerned with managing dependencies between various supply chain members and the joint efforts of all supply chain members to achieve mutually defined

4031

Abstract

Purpose

Supply chain performance is concerned with managing dependencies between various supply chain members and the joint efforts of all supply chain members to achieve mutually defined goals. There are various performance initiatives reported in the literature but these are often discussed in isolation. Information sharing, information technology, collaborative partnerships, and vendor management that help in improving the supply chain performance are some of the noteworthy initiatives. But there is a need to consider the supply chain in a holistic sense. The purpose of this paper is to analyze a case study of A1, a leading original equipment manufacturer in India, to throw light on the status of supply chain performance initiatives taken in its supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

A situation‐actor‐process (SAP)‐learning‐action‐performance (LAP) model has been applied for the case study of A1. The situation represents the present scenario of the organization. Actors are the participants, influencing the situation to evolve different business processes. Based on SAP, various learning issues have been analyzed which lead to suitable action followed by impact on the performance of the supply chain of the organization. Resource‐based view (RBV) of the firm has been suggested to understand the tangible and intangibles associated with the implementation of a supply chain performance measurement system.

Findings

The case study organization has taken various initiatives for improving supply chain performance, such as vendor managed inventory and dealer management system. However, the issues that need attention include measurement of the vendor's performance on criteria which have supply chain orientation, as well as connecting dealers' point of sale information to vendors; This way connects the supply chain as a whole. Emphasis should be placed on second and third tier suppliers, as most of the quality‐related problem is due to them. In the twenty‐first century only those organizations which pay attention to agility, alignment and adaptability for responding to the challenges can gain competitive advantage. SCPMS as a resource can provide a sustained competitive advantage for a firm.

Research limitations/implications

The SAP‐LAP analysis is used to explain soft and hard issues of supply chain performance in a managerial context as applied to the case of A1. The value of SCPMS can be augmented only when it is embedded in an organization through resource complementarity and co‐specialization.

Practical implications

The SAP‐LAP model presents the situation of supply chain performance to participants who may initiate the processes needed to make the supply chain effective and efficient. The synthesis of SAP leads to LAP, which bridges the gap by suggesting improvement actions based on the learning from the present situation, actors and processes.

Originality/value

This is a novel approach to analyze quantitative and qualitative issues of supply chain performance initiatives in a single model and its impact on performance of the supply chain.

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1973

Sándor Polgáry

The problem The resistance to intercrystalline corrosion has been the subject of very thorough investigations. On reading through published research results it is, however…

Abstract

The problem The resistance to intercrystalline corrosion has been the subject of very thorough investigations. On reading through published research results it is, however, surprising that all the large scale investigations were done on rolled material, whilst information on weld metal is very sparse.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 20 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1981

John Diffenbach

Your company may find itself traveling down several different paths at once to reach its goals. The secret of success lies in making sure the roads are compatible. At one time…

Abstract

Your company may find itself traveling down several different paths at once to reach its goals. The secret of success lies in making sure the roads are compatible. At one time, selecting the right options was a matter of chance. Today, finding the winning combination is almost a science.

Details

Journal of Business Strategy, vol. 2 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0275-6668

Article
Publication date: 12 August 2014

Sander Merkus, Jaap De Heer and Marcel Veenswijk

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of performative struggle through the use of an interpretative case story focussed on a strategic decision-making process…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of performative struggle through the use of an interpretative case story focussed on a strategic decision-making process concerning infrastructural development. Performativity is about “world-making” (Carter et al., 2010), based on the assumption that conceptual schemes are not only prescriptions of the world, for the practices flowing from these abstract ideas bring into being the world they are describing. The focus on agency and multiplicity in the academic debate on performativity in organizational settings are combined, resulting in the conceptualization of a multitude of performative agents struggling to make the world.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach of this paper is based on an interpretative analysis of contrasting narratives that are told by political-executives in a strategic decision-making process. These narratives are based on in-depth interviews and participant observation. The interpretative case story, exhibiting the strategic decision-making practices of Aldermen, Delegates and Ministers – focusses on the moments of performative struggle based on strategic narrative practices.

Findings

The interpretative case story will exhibit the way in which a multiplicity of agents reflects on the performative dimension of the decision-making process, anticipates on its performative effects and attempts to manipulate the strategic vision that is actualized into reality. Moreover, the agents are not primarily concerned with the actualization of a specific infrastructural project; they are more concerned with the consequences of decision making for their more comprehensive strategic visions on reality.

Research limitations/implications

The notion of performative struggle has not yet been explicitly studied by scholars focussing on performativity. However, the concept can be used as an appropriate lens for studying meaning making within ethnographic studies on organizational processes such as for instance culture change intervention and strategy formation. The concept of performative struggle is especially useful for understanding the political dimension of meaning making when studying an organizational life-world through the use of ethnographic research.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in the innovative conceptualization of struggle between a multiplicity of reflexive agents in the debate on performative world-making. Moreover, the incorporation of the perspective of performative struggle within organizational ethnographic research is valuable for the development of organizational ethnographic methodology.

Details

Journal of Organizational Ethnography, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6749

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 October 2021

Meng Jia, Mark Stevenson and Linda Caroline Hendry

This study aims to study how first-tier suppliers (FTs) operate as boundary-spanners between the focal firm and second-tier suppliers (STs) in extending sustainability-oriented…

1662

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to study how first-tier suppliers (FTs) operate as boundary-spanners between the focal firm and second-tier suppliers (STs) in extending sustainability-oriented supplier development (SSD) initiatives up the supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory multi-case study approach in the apparel industry is adopted, comprised of four cases focused on occupational health and safety issues. The paper uses primary semi-structured interviews and observation data and secondary documents, and it is informed by the boundary-spanning and social capital theory.

Findings

The influence of downstream social capital on the upstream boundary-spanning actions of FTs is highlighted. More specifically, it is found that the cognitive and relational capital that exists in the downstream relationship between an FT and the focal firm affects whether the FT adopts compliance- or improvement-oriented boundary-spanning actions in their upstream relationships with STs. Particularly important aspects of cognitive and relational capital are highlighted while the phenomenon of FTs adding their own personal interpretation to sustainability requirements when fulfilling their boundary-spanning role is identified.

Research limitations/implications

A distinction is made between compliance- and improvement-oriented boundary-spanning actions. A deeper insight into the boundary-spanning role of FTs in extending SSD initiatives up the supply chain to STs is provided along with a deeper understanding of how this role is impacted by social capital.

Practical implications

Focal firms should seek to build adequate cognitive and relational capital with their FTs before deploying SSD initiatives to extend their reach further upstream in the supply chain. In doing so, it is also important to be cognisant of the social capital that exists between FTs and STs.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the SSD literature by going beyond the buyer–FT dyad to examine the FT's boundary-spanning role in the wider buyer–FT–ST chain relationship. The study theoretically and empirically draws out the importance of relation-specific assets through the social capital lens.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 41 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 21000